International Day of People with Disability

About the training

Council ran a free disability awareness training session at Torquay Community House for local community groups and volunteers facilitated by Scope.

The training supported the inclusivity of community groups and volunteer teams by looking at areas including:

• Understanding disability
• Barriers to access and inclusion
• Communication skills when engaging people with a disability
• Using inclusive language
• Creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.

During the first week of December, Council participated in a social media campaign to celebrate people with disability and promote awareness of access and inclusion initiatives across our Shire.

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Council launched the Hidden Disability Sunflower scheme at its Maternal Child and Family Health Services across the Shire.

What is a 'hidden' disability?

90% of disabilities and chronic health conditions are not clearly visible. This can include things like sensory processing, hearing, vision, chronic pain, respiratory disorders, and mental health.

What is the Hidden Disability Sunflower program?

The Hidden Disability Sunflower is a simple tool to share that someone has an invisible disability or condition. The program aims to make the invisible, visible.

How will it work at Council's Maternal Child and Family Health Services?

Sunflower lanyards will be available for families and carers to use at Council's Maternal Child and Family Health Services. 

Trained staff will then offer support such as understanding, patience, more time, or a quiet space.

The Sunflower program will be available at all Maternal Child and Family Health Services, including:

• Kurrambee Myaring Community Centre Torquay
• Torquay Children’s Hub
• Anglesea Kindergarten
• Lorne Community House
• Moriac Preschool
• Winchelsea Community House

More information

For more information about the scheme, please see the Hidden Disability Sunflower website.

If you have questions, please contact Council's Child and Family Health Team on 5261 0549 or email childandfamily@surfcoast.vic.gov.au.