MiWay and Durham Region Transit recognized nationally for supporting riders with non-visible disabilities

By November 10, 2025Transit

The transit agencies partnered with The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program to make travelling more accessible for individuals with non-visible disabilities and chronic illnesses.

November 10, 2025

On Wednesday, November 5, the Canadian Urban Transportation Association (CUTA) recognized MiWay and Durham Region Transit (DRT) for the successful launch of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program in their communities. Both transit agencies received a corporate award for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion during CUTA’s annual conference. The award highlights the efforts of the transit agencies to create a more equitable and enhanced customer experience for riders with non-visible disabilities to make commuting more inclusive and foster a stronger sense of belonging.

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program empowers transit riders with invisible disabilities to wear a sunflower lanyard or pin, which discreetly informs transit staff that they need more support, help, patience, or time. The lanyards and pins are provided by participating transit agencies to customers, upon request. The program aims to support and improve the travel experience of riders with non-visible disabilities, making it smooth, seamless and respectful.

By recognizing the unique challenges faced by individuals with non-visible disabilities, both MiWay and DRT are working to ensure that every rider feels seen, supported and respected.

MiWay’s program

In Mississauga, more than 201,000 people live with a disability, and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program estimates that 80 per cent of these disabilities are not visible to others. The program acknowledges various conditions that are not immediately apparent, including asthma, ADHD, autism, dementia, hearing loss, low vision, anxiety, and epilepsy. To help create a more equitable transit experience, MiWay launched its Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program in fall 2024. This included staff training, community outreach and building awareness with a robust marketing and communications plan.

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program lanyards for MiWay customers are available at the Information Booth inside the City Centre Transit Terminal, 200 Rathburn Road West or by contacting MiWay Customer Service at miwayhelps@mississauga.ca or 905-615-4636.