We are delighted to announce that Libraries ACT has recently become a proud member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. With almost two million visitors each year Libraries ACT provides library and information service to residents and visitors across Canberra. Throughout their physical and virtual network comprising of nine Public Library Branches, the ACT Heritage Library, the Home Library Service, and this website, Libraries ACT provide access to free lifelong learning. Dedicated library staff are now undergoing the relevant training to ensure they can provide the best support to the community across their 10 branches.
“We are excited to be joining our other ACT Government colleagues, such as Access Canberra, in becoming a member of the Sunflower program. The training has provided our staff with a better understanding of hidden disabilities, and how we can provide support, as our staff strive every day to help our customers feel seen, supported and understood” Peta Harding, Executive Branch Manager,
All Libraries ACT branches are now included on the Sunflower location map and staff will have Sunflower supporter pins to help identify to the community that they are ready and willing to support all Sunflower wearers with non-obvious disabilities.
“As the Disability Inclusion and Learning Coordinator I support members of the ACT community by putting accessibility and disability awareness at the forefront of Libraries ACT services. I assist branch staff in offering programs for people with disability, respond to accessibility needs from the community, and provide input across all our service areas to ensure that our programs, buildings, collections and services are as accessible as possible. I am proud that Libraries ACT is making a public commitment to support people with hidden disabilities by joining the sunflower program – it’s incredibly affirming to be at the forefront of reducing stigma and increasing awareness around the increased needs of tens of thousands of Canberrans like myself”. Jude, Libraries ACT Disability Inclusion and Learning Coordinator
To learn more about Libraries ACT, click here.