The City of Waterloo has joined the Sunflower, becoming the first municipality in the Waterloo Region to launch the globally recognized program that supports people with non-apparent disabilities.
The Sunflower provides a simple, voluntary way for residents and visitors to discreetly indicate that they may need additional support, understanding, or a little more time when accessing City services, facilities, programs and events.
Non-visible disabilities can include autism, ADHD, chronic pain, dementia, hearing loss, anxiety, mental health conditions, learning disabilities, sensory differences and many other conditions that may not be immediately apparent to others.
The launch forms part of the City of Waterloo’s ongoing commitment to accessibility and inclusion and coincides with National AccessAbility Week in Canada and coincides with National AccessAbility Week in Canada.
Dorothy McCabe, Mayor of Waterloo, said:
“We are proud to be the first municipality in the Waterloo Region to launch the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. This initiative is another step in our commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible community where everyone feels welcome and supported when accessing City services and facilities.”
As part of the program, City staff and volunteers have completed Sunflower training to help them better understand non-apparent disabilities and respond with empathy, patience and respect. The Sunflower is being introduced across City services, including customer service counters, recreation facilities, libraries, festivals and community events, helping to create more inclusive experiences for residents and visitors.
The City of Waterloo is among the first municipalities in Canada to embed the Sunflower across a broad range of public services, reinforcing its commitment to accessibility and inclusion.
Residents can choose to wear a Sunflower lanyard when visiting City facilities, including customer service locations, recreation centres, libraries, festivals and community events. Participation is entirely voluntary and individuals are never required to disclose or provide proof of a disability.
Clare Kumar, Regional Director – Canada, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, said:
“We are delighted to welcome the City of Waterloo to the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. By recognizing the Sunflower and equipping staff with training and resources, the City is helping to create more inclusive experiences for people with non-apparent disabilities across the community.”
The Sunflower is recognized in more than 95 countries and is used across local government, public services, transportation, healthcare, education, retail, tourism, workplaces, entertainment venues and major events.
Residents can collect Sunflower lanyards from Waterloo City Hall, the Waterloo Service Centre, Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex, RIM Park, Albert McCormick Community Centre and all Waterloo Public Library branches.
To learn more about the City of Waterloo’s accessibility initiatives, visit the City of Waterloo website.