Sesame Place Philadelphia continues to lead in the accessibility
realm as the first theme park in North America to offer the Hidden
Disabilities Sunflower program.
The park announced its participation in the program in
October 2024 during Invisible Disabilities Week and has reported that the
Sunflower will officially launch on March 29, 2025, just ahead of April’s Autism
Acceptance Month.
Hidden
Disabilities Sunflower, also known as the Sunflower, is a global initiative
designed to support those with non-visible disabilities and conditions. The
program consists of a wearable Sunflower-branded tool that discreetly signals
to Sesame Place Ambassadors that a guest may need extra help, understanding or
time due to a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent.
The Sunflower program is completely voluntary, and guests
who choose to participate are not required to disclose any personal information
or a diagnosis. Complementary Sunflower-branded wristbands are available at the
Family Care Center and Mr. Hooper's Gift Shop.
"At Sesame Place Philadelphia, we are dedicated to
creating an inclusive environment where all guests feel welcomed and
supported," said Cathy Valeriano, President of Sesame Place Philadelphia.
"Joining Hidden Disabilities Sunflower allows us to further enhance the
accessibility experience at our park."
According to Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, approximately 1
in 6 people live with a disability – approximately 1.3 billion people globally.
While some experience a visible disability, many have a non-visible condition
or have a combination of both visible and non-visible conditions. Invisible
disabilities can be neurological, cognitive and neurodevelopmental as well as
physical, visual, auditory and include sensory and processing difficulties.
Lynn Smith, Regional Sunflower Direct, USA, said in a
statement, "We are thrilled to welcome Sesame Place Philadelphia as the
first theme park in North America to join and launch the Hidden Disabilities
Sunflower program. Sesame Place Philadelphia has committed time and passion to
implement the training to ensure that Sunflower wearers are recognized by their
staff to receive the additional support, understanding and kindness they may
need.”
Sesame Place Philadelphia will provide Ambassadors with
additional accessibility training resources to increase disability awareness at
the park. The introduction of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower compliments the
park's existing accessibility programs, including its Ride Access Program and
Special Access Pass, which guests can enroll in at the park's Welcome Center.
The program, however, does not offer additional special advantages or services.
Sesame Place Philadelphia has long been a leader in
inclusivity, earning recognition as the world's first Certified Autism Center
(CAC) theme park in 2018. As a CAC, the park provides comprehensive staff
training, a branded IBCCES Sensory Guide and on-site accommodations for
autistic individuals and those with sensory sensitivities. In 2024, Sesame
Place renewed and expanded its certification, with Ambassadors completing
additional training in neurodiversity.
In honor of Autism Acceptance Month this April, Julia, a
four-year-old autistic Muppet from Sesame Street and the face of Sesame
Workshop's Sesame Street and Autism: Seeing Amazing in All Children initiative
will be available for meet and greets in the park.
Additionally, the Sunflower program complements
Sesame Place's current accessibility initiatives and CAC designation while
fostering an environment in which all guests, regardless of their abilities,
can participate in and fully and enjoy the park's offerings.
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