Toy Libraries Australia joins Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program
- Zoe Houstein
- Sep 15
- 2 min read
Key information
Toy Libraries Australia has launched a pilot project with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program in toy libraries across the country
This two-year trial aims to ensure people with hidden disabilities are seen and welcome
The initiative is fully funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Social Services through the Information Linkages and Capacity Building program
How toy libraries can get involved
Is this something your local toy library would like to be part of? We have 120 free memberships to offer toy libraries across Australia. Contact Michelle (email below) to find out how to join other toy libraries in this pilot project.
Understanding hidden disabilities
In Australia, we know that 1 in 5 people have some form of disability and roughly 80-85% of these people have a disability that is non-visible. There are hundreds of hidden disabilities ranging from autism spectrum disorder, dementia, brain injuries, mental health, intellectual disabilities, vision and hearing impairment, chronic illnesses and many others.
Living with a hidden disability can make daily life more demanding for many people, but it can be difficult for others to recognise, acknowledge or understand the challenges faced.
What is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is an internationally recognised brand spreading globally across North and South America, Europe, Oceania and the Middle East, across retail outlets, councils, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, transport networks, major airports, shopping centres sporting venues, cultural institutes, hospitality and more. To date, members of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program have contributed 950 different hidden disabilities to a list on the website.
Wearing the Sunflower indicates to others that the wearer (or support person with them) has a hidden disability/ies and may need additional help or simply more time.
Benefits for toy libraries
Toy Libraries Australia has joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program as a corporate (charity) partner. While the membership is with Toy Libraries Australia, every participating toy library gets its own place on the Sunflower map, a dedicated listing with key details like location, hours of operation, accessibility information, and more. Plus, Sunflower actively promotes its members across its social channels. To give you an idea of the potential reach, their Facebook page alone has 16,000 followers!
Timeline and evaluation
We have capacity for 120 toy libraries to join us in the first year. We will have a user-friendly evaluation process in April/May 2026 and then make any changes needed before rolling out year 2 of the trial, ending in 2027. It is hoped the program will continue beyond 2027 and we have a proposed financial model that would enable participating toy libraries to continue at a minimal annual subscription after the pilot is complete.
Who to contact
Michelle Loft from the Toy Libraries Australia Disability Access, Inclusion, and Support team will be co-ordinating the pilot. If you have any questions, contact Michelle via email at daisteam@toylibraries.org.au.
To learn more about hidden disabilities and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program visit hdsunflower.com/au
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