It may have looked like a simple market stall setup at the Whanganui River Markets on Saturday 18 April — a gazebo with two sunflower-decorated tables with information about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme — but the kaupapa was bigger: inviting conversations that help people with hidden disabilities feel understood and supported.
Spearheaded by David Loving-Molloy, Leader and Advisor of Inclusiveness for the Palmerston North Diocese, Whanganui is welcoming the scheme.
The initiative enables people with non-visible disabilities to enjoy access and inclusion in all aspects of life. The international project began in 2016, when a passenger advisory group at Gatwick International Airport recognized that some passengers required extra assistance.
One in five New Zealanders has some form of disability, ranging from chronic disease and brain injury to sensitivity to light and many others, which can make life demanding and challenging.
Wearing the globally recognisable green sunflower badge, bracelet, or lanyard indicates that the wearer may need additional support.
To qualify as a Sunflower Supporter requires a basic training workshop, and supporters wear either a white lanyard, clip, or name tag with sunflowers.
“Training workshops are usually organised through businesses such as supermarkets, museums, shopping malls, and churches, which makes these places more helpful and welcoming,” said David, who is deaf.
Many people stopped at the stall on 18 April to chat, openly sharing their disability and quickly seeing the benefits in the Sunflower Scheme. Others registered their interest in taking part in a training workshop.
David ran a successful workshop for 20 parishioners at St Mary’s Parish in Whanganui before Christmas.
Photo: Sue Seconi.
From left: Sr Lee Tan rsj, Sr Makareta Tawaroa rsj, Heather Kubiak, and David Loving-Molloy at the River Markets stall.
