Sesame Place, the Sesame Street-themed amusement park just outside of Philadelphia, recently received recognition as Certified Autism Center by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. It is the first theme park to receive certification in the world.
With this certification, families can rest assured that 80 percent or more of the park staff have been trained in dealing with special needs children, including sensory awareness, autism, social skills, motor skills, emotional awareness, program development and emotional awareness. Parents will find sensory guides to help plan activities specifically for their children, as well as quiet rooms with adjustable lighting within the park for sensory breaks. Noise-canceling headphones are also available at the Family Care Center on a first-come, first-serve basis. Low sensory areas, less populated than other areas of the park, and low sensory parade viewing areas are also highlights.
Another unique feature of the park is its Ride Accessibility Program, which evaluates all rides for physical and mental attributes so parents know exactly which rides are best-suited for their child’s needs. Complete a questionnaire and staff will review it and provide a personalized list of rides and attractions for your family.
While visiting Sesame Place, children can meet Julia, Sesame Street’s 4-year-old with autism. The park reopens for the 2018 season Apr. 28.