Kinetic gets on-board with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Network
Sunflowers are blossoming on Kinetic team members in Melbourne and Tasmania as the regions become the first across the company’s Australasian network to join the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program to better support passengers with invisible disabilities.
The term hidden disabilities refers to disabilities that may not be obvious to someone else. Examples include autism, hearing loss, chronic pain conditions, epilepsy and acquired brain injuries.
Customer experience teams from Kinetic’s iconic airport express business SkyBus and broader bus network in Tasmania and Melbourne have undergone the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower training and now proudly wear a Sunflower supporter badge to signal they are familiar with the program.
Passengers can also wear a Sunflower product such as a lanyard, wrist band or badge to signal to transport workers and other customers they may need assistance when travelling.
Kinetic’s Executive General Manager for TAS/VIC, Graham Smith said the Sunflower program is a simple way to make an invisible disability visible.
“Just because you can’t see a disability doesn’t mean it isn’t there. People rely on our bus services for their jobs, education and to connect with family and friends, and we’re committed to identifying and removing any barriers for them when choosing to travel with us,” said Mr Smith.
“This is about making sure our teams have the knowledge and skills to give people more confidence travelling with us, whether you’re touching down at Tullamarine (Melbourne) Airport or travelling through Tasmania.”
“Importantly, over the next 12 months this program will be introduced and embedded across our broader training program so that every new starter and existing team member alike is educated and constantly reminded of how to give people a brilliant experience travelling with us.”
About 18% of the population in Australia live with a disability and, of those, it is estimated that up to 80% are living with a non-visible disability. For people living with hidden disability, using public transport and navigating public transport networks can be challenging and may find it difficult to share that they need extra support.
The Sunflower is designed for anybody with invisible disability who would like to wear it. Free Sunflower lanyards, wristbands, and badges are available through Kinetic or to purchase online via the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower website.
The Hidden Disability network launched in 2016 at London Gatwick Airport. Since then, it has expanded internationally with the aim of improving journeys for people with hidden disabilities.
As part of Kinetic’s commitment to delivering accessible bus services, the company has established an Accessibility Reference Group (ARG) made up of people who have a lived experience of disability to help identify opportunities to improve services.
Further enquiries
Justin Rogers
Manager Communication, Stakeholder and Customer – NSW/VIC/TAS
0419 230 242
justin.rogers@wearekinetic.com.au