Mississauga joins program to improve transit for people with hidden disabilities

It's a simple concept: transit riders in Mississauga with a hidden disability wear a sunflower lanyard — but the hope is that it makes a big difference for people living with a disability.

"You wear something that doesn't point out that you are different or that you have special needs, it isn't obvious," explains Doris Cooper, a member of Mississauga's transit advisory committee and a participant in the  Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program.

The City of Mississauga recently joined the program, making it Canada's first municipal transit provider to become a member.

The lanyard is meant to discreetly inform transit staff that the rider may need more help or time. It also aims to support and improve the travel experience of riders with hidden disabilities, making their trips smooth, seamless and respectful. 

Cooper, who's 72 years old and struggles with back pain, participated in the program at Toronto Pearson Airport and says she felt respected and seen.

"The staff just came right up to us and started chatting like we were long time friends and took us to our seat," she said.

Cooper then helped advocate to get the program into MiWay, Mississauga's transit system. More than 201,000 people in the city live with a disability, and the program highlights that 80 per cent of these disabilities are not visible to others, including autism, dementia and epilepsy.

In a release, the city says staff are undergoing training to ensure they can recognize and respond to customers participating in the program.

"We are dedicated to working alongside our allies on the Accessibility Advisory Committee to leverage their expertise in addressing the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. I extend my appreciation to everyone involved in bringing this initiative to life for our transit riders," said Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish in the release.

Suzanne Holder, manager of customer experience and innovation for MiWay, says even though the program is still in its early days it's already having a positive impact.

"We've started receiving several stories from riders and employees of how people with hidden disabilities are feeling more welcomed and invited to express the assistance they need and they're truly feeling heard," she said.

"Some fellow passengers are also noticing the Sunflower lanyard, and they're creating space in the accessible seating areas."

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program is recognized across a broad range of sectors — ranging from retail to transport, government and entertainment.

The program, which was launched back in 2016 by Gatwick Airport, has so far expanded across Canada to include Toronto Pearson Airport, Air Canada and Metrolinx.