November Edition

Theme Park Adding New ‘Hidden Disability’ Accommodations

by Shaun Heasley | November 1, 2024

In a first-of-its-kind move, a popular theme park will offer a discrete way for visitors to alert staff throughout the park that they may need extra help even if their disability isn’t apparent. Sesame Place Philadelphia said it will be the first theme park to participate in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. Starting in early 2025, visitors to the park inspired by “Sesame Street” will be able to pick up a Sunflower wristband to indicate that they may need additional help, understanding or extra time because of a disability. The offering, which is already in place at many airports and other businesses around the world, is voluntary and intended for people with invisible disabilities, which park officials said can include neurological, cognitive and neurodevelopmental issues as well as physical, visual, auditory, sensory and processing difficulties, among others.

As part of the Sunflower program, Sesame Place staff, known as “ambassadors,” will receive accessibility training resources. “We are thrilled to welcome Sesame Place as the first theme park in the United States to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. Sesame Place has committed time and passion to implement the training to ensure that Sunflower wearers are recognized by their ambassadors to receive the additional support, understanding and kindness they may need,” said Lynn Smith, regional director for the Sunflower program in the United States.

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