MiWay joins the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program
MiWay has become one of Canada’s first municipal transit agencies to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, signalling a significant leap forward in supporting riders with invisible disabilities.
The program, which kicks off this fall, empowers MiWay customers with invisible disabilities to wear a Sunflower lanyard, which discreetly informs transit staff that they need more support, help, patience, or time. The program aims to support and improve the travel experience of riders with hidden disabilities, making it smooth, seamless and respectful. The program encourages a compassionate and patient approach to helping everyone who needs help.
Lanyards are available at the Information Booth inside the City Centre Transit Terminal, or via Customer Service at miwayhelps@mississauga.ca.
The importance of the program
In Mississauga, more than 201,000 people live with a disability, and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program highlights that 80 per cent of these disabilities are not visible to others. The program acknowledges various hidden conditions, including asthma, ADHD, autism, dementia, hearing loss, low vision, anxiety, and epilepsy.
Training for MiWay Employees
To fully support the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, MiWay is undertaking extensive training to ensure all staff can recognize and respond to customers participating in the program.
MiWay’s commitment to reducing transit barriers speaks to its goal of enhancing the customer experience by making travel in Mississauga safer, more accessible, convenient and inclusive. MiWay employees recognize the Sunflower logo and will show support by:
- Asking if they can help
- Being kind
- Not judging
- Having patience
- Listening closely
- Offering to kneel the bus and lower the ramp
- Showing respect and sensitivity
For more information about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, please visit hdsunflower.com.