CUTA recognizes DRT and MiWay for Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program

The Canadian Urban Transportation Association recognized Durham Region Transit and Mississauga’s MiWay on Nov. 5 with a corporate Equity, Diversity and Inclusion award for launching the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program during CUTA’s annual conference.

The program allows riders with non-visible disabilities to signal they may need extra time, patience or assistance from transit staff by wearing a sunflower lanyard or pin. Lanyards and pins are available on request from participating agencies.

DRT launched its program in April 2025. The rollout included staff training, collaboration with community organizations and a communications strategy.

MiWay launched its program in fall 2024 with staff training, community outreach and a marketing and communications plan. More than 201,000 Mississauga residents live with a disability, and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program estimates that about 80 percent of disabilities are not visible.

DRT customers can order Sunflower items online. MiWay customers can obtain lanyards at the information booth inside the City Centre Transit Terminal or by contacting customer service.

CUTA describes itself as an association that supports public transit across Canada through resources, networking, training, events, data, research and advocacy.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program began in the United Kingdom in 2016 and is recognized in more than 90 countries, including by over 330 airports and 23 airlines, according to the program.