People with hidden disabilities will have easier time riding the buses in Mississauga: city

Tens of thousands of people with hidden disabilities who ride MiWay transit buses every year in Mississauga are expected to benefit from the city’s participation in an international program that supports those who face such challenges.

Officials at MiWay, the City of Mississauga’s public transit provider, said the transit agency has joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, which was launched in 2016 at Gatwick Airport in London and has since been adopted globally by numerous businesses, charities and other organizations in efforts to make everyday life easier for the many people facing hidden challenges.

City officials said in a news release MiWay is the first municipal transit provider in Canada to become a member of the program, “signalling a significant leap forward in supporting riders with invisible disabilities.”

Through the program, to be launched by MiWay this fall, transit riders who live with various hidden conditions including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, dementia, hearing loss, low vision, anxiety and epilepsy will be encouraged to wear a sunflower lanyard around their necks.

MiWay passengers who participate in the program are encouraged to wear these lanyards. (Photo: City of Mississauga)

The symbol “discreetly informs transit staff that they need more support, help, patience or time,” city officials said. “The program aims to support and improve the travel experience of riders with hidden disabilities, making it smooth, seamless and respectful. The program encourages a compassionate and patient approach to helping everyone who needs help.”

Mayor Carolyn Parrish applauded the program, noting more than one-quarter of Mississauga residents lives with a disability.

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“As a city, it’s our responsibility to ensure that our community is accessible and inclusive, one that provides equal access to all services, programs and facilities regardless of ability,” she said in the news release, adding the program as adopted by MiWay “truly embodies this, particularly for those with invisible disabilities.”

In Mississauga, more than 201,000 people live with a disability, city officials said, adding “80 per cent of these disabilities are not visible to others.”

MiWay officials said all staff members are being extensively trained to ensure they can recognize and respond to customers participating in the program.

“MiWay aims to make transit accessible and welcoming for everyone by breaking down barriers. As a member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, we’re ensuring that every rider can navigate our transit system and use our services safely and confidently,” said MiWay director Eve Wiggins. “Our goal is to support those riding transit who will benefit from a helping hand, more patience and understanding.”

Other Canadian organizations on board with the program include Pearson Airport in Mississauga, Air Canada and Metrolinx, the provincial agency that operates GO Transit.

Sunflower program lanyards are available at the City Centre Transit Terminal information booth or via email request at [email protected].

(Cover photo: MiWay X)