Park’s ‘hidden disabilities program’ a first

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This article was published 15/12/2024 (457 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

An international program to help people who have “hidden disabilities” is beginning to bloom at Assiniboine Park.

The Assiniboine Park Zoo and the park itself have become the country’s first zoo and park to join the international Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program.

Laurel Rempel, the Assiniboine Park Conservancy’s learning and development specialist, said they want the park, the zoo, and the Leaf to be welcoming places for all members of the community, including people whose disability or medical condition can’t be readily seen.

“By partnering with the program, we are in a better position to provide support and assistance to these individuals and families if and when they need it,” she said.

“We have trained all staff and volunteers at the park, and we have had a couple of the guests already say they are really appreciative of the program.”

United Kingdom-based Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program says hidden disabilities include autism, ADHD, narcolepsy, pancreatic cancer, arthritis and Parkinson’s disease.

The program allows people to “voluntarily and discreetly” divulge they have a hidden disability by wearing a recognized Sunflower item as a lanyard or sticker. In response, staff members and volunteers at participating organizations — who wear a white Sunflower supporter item — will come forward and ask if they need assistance and, if so, what can be done to help.

The conservancy is handing out stickers for free to people who request them.

Clare Kumar, the program’s Canadian regional director, said since beginning at England’s Gatwick airport in 2016, it has gone on to be used in more than 90 countries, including more than 280 airports, 18 airlines and more than 500 health organizations, including 78 hospitals.

In Canada, there are two dozen airports as well as some regional and municipal transit organizations, Kumar said.

“We are thrilled to have events and attractions, such as Assiniboine Park, join the Sunflower program so people with non-visible conditions can more confidently enjoy these experiences,” she said.

Tyler MacAffee, vice-president, external affairs, of the Winnipeg Airports Authority, said the program has been in place since 2021.

“It’s a great program,” he said. “It’s yet another way of making the airport accessible. It was really, ‘How do we make the experience better here?’”He said the airport has given out 200 of the stickers this year.

Nicole McDonald, senior manager of the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba’s dementia-friendly communities program, said she welcomes the new program. She said the society appreciates when businesses and organizations recognize the need for dementia-friendly community spaces.

“This is a fantastic initiative for people to feel more comfortable in spaces, as well as supported and recognized in their community,” McDonald said. “We know 60 per cent of Manitobans living with dementia live in (the) community, and they frequent places like this.

“While we acknowledge not everyone will utilize this option… there is still an importance to educate yourself and staff on dementia, the signs, person-centered care and communication.”

Sara Bettess, executive director of the Epilepsy and Seizure Association of Manitoba, said she looks forward to people being helped by the program.

“If there are the services which back it up, it could be wonderful for people,” she said. “It could be transportation around the zoo or, ‘Do you need an umbrella, a free bottle of water?’”

“The idea behind the Sunflower program is encouraging because it is proactive. It is how can we help you before there is a crisis. It’s all part of helping people — and that’s all good.”

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca