SUPRA partners with Hidden Disabilities Australia to enhance inclusive support
The Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association (SUPRA) is proud to announce our partnership with Hidden Disabilities Australia, marking a significant step forward in our commitment to disability inclusion. This initiative, supported by the University’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP), focuses on recognising and supporting postgraduate students with hidden or non-visible disabilities.
Hidden disabilities, which include various medical conditions and chronic illnesses, may not be immediately apparent but significantly impact daily life. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative provides a voluntary, visible way for individuals to indicate they may need additional support or understanding. By wearing a sunflower lanyard, individuals can discreetly communicate their potential need for extra time, patience, or assistance.
As part of this partnership, SUPRA is implementing comprehensive training for all staff and student leaders about hidden disabilities, ensuring our team is well-equipped to provide appropriate support. Starting in 2025, SUPRA will officially launch as a sunflower-friendly organisation, with our office and designated events specifically marked as spaces where the sunflower scheme is recognised and supported.
Postgraduate students can be confident that in sunflower-friendly SUPRA spaces, they will encounter staff and student leaders who understand the significance of the sunflower lanyard and are trained to provide appropriate assistance. This support might include offering additional time, understanding, or specific accommodations based on individual needs.
For postgraduate students interested in accessing a sunflower lanyard or learning more about this initiative, SUPRA provides free lanyards through our office. We encourage our community to familiarise themselves with the initiative and join us in creating a more inclusive and understanding environment for all postgraduate students.
This partnership reflects SUPRA’s ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive postgraduate community where all students feel supported and understood, regardless of visible or invisible disabilities.
Media and resources
- ‘‘The Hidden Disability Flower and what it means’. Honi Soit (1 November 2023)
- Hidden Disabilities Australia website
- Usyd Student News article
- Usyd social media video.
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