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

A DRT bus wrapped with a light green and dark green colours, and yellow sunflowers on it. Parked at a DRT depot.

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

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.

A person with a green sunflower lanyard

DRT’s program

DRT launched their program in April 2025 to help make public transit more accessible and inclusive, ensuring that individuals with non-visible disabilities can travel with confidence. The launch included comprehensive staff training to build empathy and awareness, collaboration with local organizations and a communications strategy to educate and engage both riders and employees.

DRT customers can order their Sunflower product online, or by calling DRT Customer Service at 1-(866)-247-0055.

A hand holding a sunflower lanyard

Quotes

“Mississauga is a leader in supporting diverse communities and is actively working to advance equity, diversity and inclusion in our programs and services. This award underscores our commitment to providing a transit service where riders feel safe, welcome and understood. By implementing this globally recognized program, we are creating an equitable and stigma-free transit service for all.” – Mayor Carolyn Parrish, City of Mississauga

“Congratulations to DRT and MiWay on this impactful achievement! Your commitment to promoting the Sunflower program is helping raise essential awareness and making public transit a safer, more inclusive travel option for individuals with hidden disabilities. Your dedication is fostering a more compassionate and accessible community for all.” – Marilyn Crawford, Regional Councillor, Town of Ajax and Chair of the Transit Executive Committee, Region of Durham

“Congratulations to MiWay and Durham Region Transit on this meaningful recognition. Your leadership, reflected in the bold steps you are taking to advance awareness of the Sunflower program, is helping make transit across Mississauga and Durham more compassionate and inclusive for people with non-visible disabilities.” – Clare Kumar, Regional Director, Canada, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program

Background

CUTA supports public transit as the core of integrated mobility across Canada. They do this by providing members with the resources, networking, training, events, data, research and advocacy needed to support their success in the industry. Learn more: cutaactu.ca.

MiWay is Ontario’s third largest municipal transit service provider and serves a growing population of approximately 766,000 across 179 square kilometres in Mississauga. MiWay delivers express, local and school route services. There are about 500 buses in the fleet servicing 74 transit routes. Learn more: mississauga.ca/miway-transit/.

Durham Region Transit (DRT) is one of Ontario’s largest regional transit systems, serving eight unique area municipalities; offering seamless connections to destinations across the Region and the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. DRT operates an innovative suite of services, including scheduled, On Demand and Specialized. Learn more: DurhamRegionTransit.com/.

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a global program supporting individuals with non-visible disabilities, conditions, and chronic illnesses. Launched in the UK in 2016 and now recognized in over 90 countries, it helps thousands of organisations, including 330+ airports and 23 airlines, advance disability inclusion. The subtle, voluntary Sunflower symbol signals a need for support. Learn more: hdsunflower.com/.