Shining a light on Hidden Disabilities

CommBank has officially joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, as part of the Bank’s ongoing commitment to deliver more inclusive products and experiences for all customers.

In September 2024, customer-facing and support teams began training to better recognise the Sunflower motif and offer appropriate levels of support if a customer needs extra time or understanding to complete their banking. The Program formally launched on 3 December 2024 on International Day of People with Disability.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a discreet symbol often worn as a pin, lanyard or wristband that allows people to voluntarily share with others that they have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent, and that they may need extra support.

More than one in five (21.4 per cent) Australians live with a disability.¹ It is estimated over 80 per cent of people with a disability have a non-visible disability.²

CommBank staff member Fiona Herron, who has low vision, said shining a light on her hidden disability at work helped her build confidence and break a cycle of holding herself back.

“I’ve been lucky to be supported by awesome leaders and my colleagues in Enable (CommBank’s employee network advocating for people with a disability, people who are neurodivergent and carers of people with a disability).

“Through this network I was introduced to the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, and I really thank Enable for raising this awareness and bringing it to CommBank.

“I wear my Sunflower proudly every day and hope to keep raising awareness, to show our customers and colleagues that we understand and are here to support them in the way they need.”

Justin Bruce, Director of HD Sunflower AUS/NZ said: “Over 12,866 CommBank employees have completed the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower training, which is one of the highest uptakes we’ve seen in Australia.

“Our purpose is to transform everyday interactions, such as banking, for people with non-visible disabilities. We are pleased Australia’s largest bank has joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program and are committed to creating a more accessible and inclusive environment in their branches and support offices.”

Mark Jones, Executive General Manager Customer Service Network, said: “One of our goals at CommBank is to deliver Dignity by Design, enabling our customers to access our products and services with ease, regardless of their circumstances.

“As Australia’s largest bank, we’re committed to designing for inclusion. We’re proud to have joined the Sunflower program and we continue to work on improving accessibility and inclusion for our customers, people and the wider community.

“Our people have shared positive feedback about the use of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower in branches, which act as a simple but discreet visible cue. We know our role is not to make assumptions, but to be guided by how our customers want to be supported.”

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program complements CommBank’s Equal Access Toolkit, used in all CommBank branches, to help make banking easier for people who may need an adjusted experience while banking.

The Toolkit includes a range of practical tools including signature guides, magnifying glasses, communication boards, high-contrast and jumbo pens, clipboards, keyboards and earphones.

To find out more about how CommBank is supporting customers with accessibility needs, visit: commbank.com.au/accessibility

About Hidden Disabilities Sunflower

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower’s vision is a world where no one is left out or overlooked. Where people with non-visible disabilities are recognised, respected, and fully included in all areas of life. Where environments are supportive, accessible, and inclusive. 

The company creates positive change by enabling individuals with non-visible disabilities, conditions, and chronic illnesses to use the Sunflower symbol to indicate they may need additional support, understanding, or time. 

¹ Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2022

² Australian Human Rights Commission, 2022

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