Doris Cooper, a member of Mississauga's transit advisory committee, expressed that the sunflower lanyard offers a subtle way for transit riders with hidden disabilities to seek assistance without drawing attention to themselves. It promotes a respectful travel experience, ensuring that riders feel noticed and valued without being differentiated.
Cooper emphasized her positive experience at Toronto Pearson Airport, where staff engaged warmly with her, making her feel respected and cared for. This level of interaction, as well as the need for similar treatment in transit systems, led her to advocate for the sunflower program in Mississauga.
The initiative aligns with the city's larger commitment to accessibility; with over 201,000 residents living with disabilities in Mississauga, where 80 percent of these conditions are not outwardly visible, the lanyard system aims to bridge the gap in understanding and support.
In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, which strives for a fully accessible province by 2025, this program, alongside staff training, is crucial to ensuring that hidden disabilities are recognized and adequately accommodated.
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