Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is delighted to welcome the Region of Durham in Ontario, Canada, as it introduces the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower at selected Regional public-facing locations.
This Regional implementation is separate from Durham Region Transit (DRT), which officially launched the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower for its transit services on April 29, 2025. The Region of Durham program extends recognition of the Sunflower to customers accessing selected Regional services.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a globally recognized initiative that provides a simple, voluntary way for people with non-apparent disabilities, conditions or chronic illnesses to indicate that they may need additional support, understanding or more time.
Recognizing the Sunflower at Regional locations
Front-counter staff at selected Region of Durham locations have been trained to recognize and support customers who choose to wear a Sunflower pin.
The participating Regional locations currently listed by the Region are:
- 605 Rossland Road East, Whitby
- 140 Commercial Avenue, Ajax
- 200 John Street, Unit C1A, Oshawa
- 2 Campbell Drive, Unit 301/305, Uxbridge
By recognizing the Sunflower, staff understand that someone wearing it may need extra support or more time when accessing Regional services.
How to request a free Sunflower pin
The Region of Durham provides Sunflower pins free of charge to Durham Region customers.
Customers can request a pin through the Region of Durham's online Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program Service Request, by emailing 311@durham.ca, or by calling 3-1-1. Requests are limited to one per person and are available to Durham Region customers only.
Customers can also contact 311 with questions about the program.
Building on Sunflower recognition across Durham
The Region's public-facing implementation follows the separate introduction of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower by Durham Region Transit in April 2025.
While the two are distinct implementations, together they mean the Sunflower is recognized in more settings across Durham Region, including DRT services and participating Regional public-facing locations. The Region maintains separate routes for Region of Durham customers and DRT riders to obtain their Sunflower products.
Clare Kumar, Regional Director – Canada, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, shared:
“We are delighted to welcome the Region of Durham to the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. Following the separate introduction of the Sunflower by Durham Region Transit, this Regional rollout means more people can use the Sunflower when accessing participating Regional services. By training staff to recognize the Sunflower and understand what it means, the Region is helping people with non-apparent disabilities feel recognized, understood and supported.”
Creating more inclusive public services
Accessing public services can involve busy environments, conversations, forms and processes. For someone with a non-apparent disability, condition or chronic illness, a little more time, understanding or support can make an important difference.
By recognizing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower at participating Regional locations, the Region of Durham is helping to create a more welcoming and inclusive experience for customers who choose to wear it.
We look forward to working with the Region of Durham as it continues its commitment to making services more accessible and inclusive.
To find out more, including how to request a free Sunflower pin, visit the Region of Durham Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program page.