This Monday, Saanich council considered a motion that would see the District join a worldwide campaign to provide extra care and attention to those with invisible disabilities.
The ‘Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Campaign’ began in the UK and has since spread around the globe, including to many Canadian cities.
This campaign shares free sunflower pins, lanyards and waterproof wristbands to the public which would signal to District staff that they have a non-visible disability, condition or neurodivergence and may need extra assistance, understanding, time or space.
Councillor Teale Phelps Bondaroff brought the motion to have the District join the campaign to council on Monday, December 1st, through Saanich’s Accessibility, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee (ADEI), which he chairs.
“Many people in our community live with disabilities that others cannot see, such as neurological conditions, mental health conditions, or hearing and vision challenges. The Sunflower is a cue for compassion, a quiet way for someone to say they may need additional assistance, patience, or understanding,” said Phelps Bondaroff in the council meeting.
“When someone wears the sunflower symbol, it creates a simple but powerful opportunity for understanding, patience, and support. By joining the campaign, the District can help make sure people living with hidden disabilities can navigate Saanich facilities with greater confidence, comfort, and dignity.”
However, joining the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Campaign would cost the district a membership fee of just under $3,000, the District would have to purchase the sunflower wristbands, pins and lanyards in bulk and this would require at least 80% of staff to receive additional training.
Because of these reasons, some other District councillors were hesitant to approve it, so Mayor Dean Murdock moved to refer this motion to the Strategic Plan, where it would be considered at a future date.
Phelps Bondaroff did not want to see this motion referred, as he said that referrals to the Strategic Plan is often a “graveyard” for good ideas.
Furthermore, some other councillors, specifically Councillor Karen Harper, did not believe that those with invisible disabilities needed to wear anything in order to navigate District services.
Phelps Bondaroff vehemently disagreed with this notion and stated that the proof this initiative works lies in how widespread the campaign is, and the fact that 35% of people in the UK who have a disability, choose to wear the sunflower.
Councillor Zac de Vries was advocating for the motion to be amended and to have District staff come back to council with a report for more information.
Being that wearing the sunflower is completely voluntary and does not require disclosure of what the invisible disability affecting an individual is, Phelps Bondaroff believes this is an inexpensive way to make many people’s lives easier and contribute to a more inclusive future.
“This is about making Saanich more welcoming for everyone,” said Councillor Phelps Bondaroff.
“The Sunflower helps residents communicate their needs, but it also helps staff by giving them a gentle prompt on how to engage.”
Ultimately, this motion was successfully referred to the next Strategic Plan meeting, although no date has been set for when it will be considered again.
