The Town of Ajax is proud to be the first municipality in Durham Region to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program and continue to explore new ways to make the Town's customer experience more inclusive for all. Check out the Town's new video where an Ajax Accessibility Committee member and TOA staff member speak on the importance of this program.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is there to encourage inclusivity, acceptance and understanding. The Sunflower is a tool for anyone to voluntarily share that they have a disability or condition that may not be visible. It is an opportunity to mention that someone may need a helping hand, understanding or more time in public spaces.

Some disabilities, conditions or chronic illnesses are not immediately obvious to others. For some, this can make it difficult to understand and believe that someone with a "non-visible" condition needs support.

To learn more about the program and non-visible disabilities, visit hdsunflower.com/ca/.

Quotes

"I am proud to see that the Town of Ajax is the first municipality in Durham to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, as we continue to show our commitment to ensuring inclusivity for all. The program is completely voluntary but is a great opportunity to show that someone may need help or more time in our public spaces without having to disclose details of their condition. I encourage you to check out the program to learn more about non-visible disabilities, as it's so important that we continue to learn and build a better understanding for each other." - Shaun Collier, Mayor and CEO, Town of Ajax

"The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program is an amazing tool that encompasses inclusivity, acceptance and understanding. I am so pleased to help share this program with the community and remind everyone that not all disabilities are visible, and they are experienced differently by everyone. If you are an individual with a hidden disability and would like to participate in the program, you can request a complimentary Sunflower pin by completing our online request form or contacting the Town by phone." - Sarah Moore, Legislative Specialist, Corporate Services, Town of Ajax

Quick Facts

• The Town of Ajax is the first municipality in Durham Region to join the Sunflower and continue to explore new ways to make the Town's customer experience more inclusive.
• Requests for Sunflower pins can be made online or by phone (905-619-2529 ext. 3347).
• Although some disabilities are not visible, they're still there. Disabilities can be situational, temporary or permanent, and they are experienced differently by everyone.
• Some examples of invisible disabilities include ADHD, Aphasia, Celiac disease, Dyslexia and Endometriosis.
• Globally 1 in 6 of us live with a disability, which is approximately 1.3 billion people.
• Only 17% of people with a disability were born with their disabilities.
• It is estimated that there are 240 million children living with a disability globally.

Learn More

• hdsunflower.com/ca/
• ajax.ca/Sunflower
• Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program - Town of Ajax video