Accessibility
Not every disability is visible.
Many disabilities are non-visible — you can’t tell just by looking. ARK lets riders share what they need, privately, so every trip is calmer, clearer, and more patient.
What are non-visible disabilities?
Non-visible (also called hidden or non-apparent) disabilities include autism and neurodivergence, mental-health conditions and anxiety, chronic pain and fatigue, sensory sensitivity, epilepsy, respiratory conditions, dementia and memory needs, and communication needs. They’re real, common, and often invisible to others.
~1 in 6
people live with a disability — around 1.3 billion globally — and many of those disabilities are non-visible.
Needs you can share with ARK
- Autism / neurodivergent
- Mental health / anxiety
- Chronic pain / fatigue
- Sensory sensitivity
- Epilepsy / seizure
- Respiratory
- Dementia / memory
- Communication support
- Extra time
- Low / partial vision
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a globally recognized way for people to signal that they may need a little more time, patience, or clearer communication — without having to explain why. ARK supports the Sunflower: riders can privately indicate they carry it, and we share that discreetly with the driver so they arrive prepared.
Learn about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower →How you indicate your needs
In the ARK app, your accessibility profile is private and set once. You choose any non-visible needs, optionally indicate you carry the Sunflower, and set ride preferences — and we pass them to your driver for that trip. No diagnosis is ever shared; only what you choose.
- Quiet ride
- No scents
- Extra time to board
- Simple, clear instructions
- Minimal conversation
- Patience requested
Recognized across Canadian transport
The Sunflower is recognized by transport providers across Canada, including:
- Hamilton Street Railway
- Durham Region Transit
- City of Waterloo
- Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
- Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport
ARK supports the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower and intends to become an official Sunflower Business Member in the transport sector. We are not yet an official member; we reference the scheme to show our alignment and support, not an existing partnership.
Your needs, respected.
Set your accessibility profile once — every ride is matched and handled accordingly, with zero accessibility surcharge.
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