Have you guys heard about this? I came across an article for a municipality in my region, who announced that they will be participating in the "Hidden Disabilities Sunflower" program. As it turns out, our regional transit authority is also part of the program, and as I explored deeper, the United Ostomy Association of America is, too. So, I had a look ( https://hdsunflower.com ) and ostomy was being featured in their index of non-visible disabilities. What I understand from the program is that participating businesses, airports, transit authorities, etc., train their staff to recognize patrons who are showing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower (lanyard, pin, wristband, etc.), and they'll discreetly know that this person may need extra assistance. It's an interesting program, that I'll be looking out for now. It's apparently in countries all over the world. My only real hesitation is that the program is being run by a private company (based out of the UK), not a charity or non-profit. Their business model suggests that revenue is generated through the sale of their Sunflower products (pins, lanyards, etc.), as well as memberships for organizations. They've been around for nearly 10 years. Anyway, have any of you come across this program? Just your friendly neighborhood ostomate. Have never came across this yet but will do a search and have a look at it. Sounds interesting. So I came back to say that i found thier website and did a search for hidden disabilities friendly places with this sunflower and there are none in the USA. Bummer! and did a search for hidden disabilities friendly places with this sunflower and there are none in the USA Did you use the map feature or something else? The map does give me partners in the US, but they seem to be airports. They also have a list of people specifically in the US on their site, so maybe there's another place to get a list? https://hdsunflower.com/us/insights/post/meet-the-team Just your friendly neighborhood ostomate. I used the search form. You put in the city, state and zip code. I was on the same page.that had a map though. @veganostomy oh it's not a problem. I was just curious to see if we had any ostomy friendly places here and if the sunflower was active here. One thing I wish is that places and especially hospitals and doctors offices would make ostomy friendly restrooms. It's a really a struggle. I find myself struggling to reach down for toilet paper with one hand and my bag in the other. Best thing I ever saw was this toilet paper that pulled out like a kleenex. I think Georgia pacific makes the paper and the dispenser. Called center pull toilet paper. A car lot that i visited had this and it really made things so easy. One thing I wish is that places and especially hospitals and doctors offices would make ostomy friendly restrooms. Yes! I think the only place in the world that actually has them is Japan. Even the height of some public toilets can be a challenge if you "bend, kneel, or squat" to empty your bag. If it's a municipal washroom, you could certainly ask the municipality or get in touch with their accessibility council to let them know that it's needed. I always try to ask for public washrooms when new municipal projects come up, and bring up the accessibility point quite often so they know it's not just for convenience but to be accommodated like everyone else. Just your friendly neighborhood ostomate.
~ Crohn's Disease ¦ Ileostomy ~
~ Crohn's Disease ¦ Ileostomy ~
~ Crohn's Disease ¦ Ileostomy ~
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