Transport for NSW’s Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program is to be extended to Gosford and Woy Woy.
The program allows commuters to access a free sunflower lanyard to wear while travelling, which discreetly indicates they have a hidden disability and may require assistance.
Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said this means that people with hidden disabilities such as autism, dementia, chronic pain or anxiety could now have more confidence navigating the rail network right across NSW.
“Making public transport services and infrastructure more accessible and inclusive is something I will continue to advocate for in my community,” Tesch said.
“I’m really pleased to see local train stations on the Coast selected as part of 20 new locations where someone with a hidden disability can request a sunflower lanyard.
“This is a great initiative that will increase awareness, educate more broadly and help make the travels of vulnerable members in our community more comfortable.”
Sunflower lanyards are now available at 20 stations on the intercity and regional train network, with Gosford and Woy Woy joining Albury, Armidale, Broadmeadow, Canberra, Casino, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Grafton, Katoomba, Kempsey, Lithgow, Moree, Newcastle Interchange, Picton, Tamworth, Taree, Wagga Wagga and Wollongong.
Transport for NSW has been working with Autism Spectrum Australia to develop training for its staff to help people with hidden disabilities use trains with greater comfort.
Around 90 per cent of Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink customer service staff have already undertaken the training.
Staff who have completed the training will be wearing a sunflower pin.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program is a global initiative across 39 countries, where staff are being trained in workplaces like airports, supermarkets and emergency services.
Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said the initiative helped make the invisible visible.
“Every weekday it is estimated 140,000 people with a hidden disability will be using the rail network, so this allows them to feel more confident about taking a train and going where they need to go,” she said.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchinson said rolling the initiative out into the regions was important for inclusion, to ensure people who were already transport disadvantaged have the extra assistance they needed to make full use of the facilities.
NSW TrainLink customer service attendant, Rory Keyes, has autism and sensory issues.
“It is awesome that through this program people like me are being heard and better understood,” Keyes said.
“I love my sunflower lanyard and wear my whistle on it.
“It is important for customers to see some staff wearing a lanyard too, as it demonstrates we are an inclusive workplace.”
If you would like a Hidden Disability Sunflower lanyard sent to you for free, you can apply online at www.transportnsw.info/news/2022/extra-support-for-hidden-disabilities.
Source:
Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch