Cullinane College has become the first college in the Diocese of Palmerston North to launch the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme (HDSS), taking a practical step towards a more welcoming and inclusive school community.
SENCO Mr Simon Grant and volunteer students Caleb McCracken and Sophie Loveridge (pictured) are helping promote the scheme, with the students wearing white sunflower badges. Together, they have set up a sunflower display in the school office.
The HDSS is a global initiative that enables people with non-visible disabilities to discreetly signal that they may need extra support, understanding or assistance. For the diocese, the Sunflower is more than a symbol: it is part of a commitment to ensuring that everyone can participate and feel they belong.
Cullinane’s launch joins growing activity across diocesan parishes and schools. During May, David Loving-Molloy visited Whanganui, Napier, Hastings, Foxton, Dannevirke and New Plymouth as part of the rollout. Primary schools preparing displays and introducing white lanyards include St James, Our Lady of Lourdes and St Mary’s in Palmerston North, as well as schools in Foxton, Dannevirke, Hastings and Napier.
Parishes are also working towards establishing HDSS Parish Forum Groups to listen to people who experience disability and explore ways to make Mass and wider church life more accessible. Central to this work is the principle “Nothing about us without us”: people who experience disability are invited to help lead and advise the journey towards a Church where all belong.
Whether you experience disability yourself or want to help build a more inclusive Church, you can be part of this journey. Join a parish disability forum, undertake Sunflower training, or support the use of Sunflower symbols in your community. Above all, listen to people who experience disability and make room for their leadership.
To find out more or get involved, contact David Loving-Molloy, Leader & Advisor of Inclusion, at catholic.deaf@pndiocese.org.nz.