Sesame Place becomes world’s first theme park to be designated as a Certified Autism Center
By Samantha Bambino
The Times
In 2015, Elmo and friends welcomed a new member to their Sesame Street gang. The smiling, orange-haired arrival was Julia, the first Muppet with autism to be introduced on the hit children’s show. The character was part of Sesame Workshop’s “Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children” initiative, which works to teach young viewers about the acceptance of others and their unique qualities.
Naturally, Sesame Place followed suit, debuting Julia at the Langhorne-based theme park in 2017 for guest meet and greets. But it didn’t stop there. Recently, a staff-wide autism sensitivity and awareness training was completed, designating Sesame Place as a Certified Autism Center — the first theme park in the world to receive such a distinction by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. The certification aligns with National Autism Awareness Month and comes as the park prepares for its 38th season, which kicks off April 28.
For almost 20 years, IBCCES has been the industry leader in autism training for licensed health-care professionals and educators around the globe. However, it recognized that many families with children who have special needs have limited travel options. In response, it created training and certification programs specifically for the hospitality and travel industry.
“IBCCES works with leading travel destinations to create safe, sensory-compatible travel options for parents and individuals on the spectrum. Our Certified Autism Center designation is awarded to premier organizations around the globe that have completed rigorous training and meet the highest industry standards,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman. “The CAC certification helps give parents and other guests on the spectrum peace of mind when visiting a new destination or attraction.”
According to Pincomb, Sesame Place is an ideal CAC because of its accessibility to families and convenient location, as well as the work it has already done to be inclusive for all. To receive the certification, staff received training in the areas of sensory awareness, environment, communication, motor and social skills, program development and emotional awareness, as well as a comprehensive competency exam. To maintain the certification, autism training must be taken every two years, with Sesame Place providing ongoing training to ensure team members have the knowledge, skills, temperament and expertise to interact with all families and children with special needs, specifically on the autism spectrum.
“As the first theme park in the world to complete the training and become a CAC, Sesame Place is better equipped to offer families inclusive activities for children with autism and other special needs,” said Sesame Place park president Cathy Valeriano.
Extensive pre-visit planning resources will be added to the park’s website, including a sensory guide developed by IBCCES. The guide will make it easier for parents to plan activities that satisfy their child’s specific needs and accommodations by providing insight on how a child with sensory processing issues may be affected by each sense for each attraction.
Once they’re at the park, families can take advantage of a number of opportunities that allow their children with special needs to get the full Sesame Place experience. Guests who wish to enjoy the parade without direct character interaction such as hugs or high fives can sit in the “low sensory parade viewing” area, which is usually closest to the starting point. Sometimes music and cheers from the crowd can become overwhelming, so those with hearing sensitivity can pick up the noise-cancelling headphones WhispEars, provided by KidCo. Headphones are available on a first-come, first-served basis at The Family Care Center or The Welcome Center, and must be returned by the end of the day.
Those in need of a more quiet location can visit “low sensory areas,” which are behind the Sesame Street Neighborhood or the Twiddle Bug Tracks next to Ernie’s Teeny Tiny Tidal Wave. While these aren’t designated quiet areas, they are less populated than the rest of the park. Sesame Place also offers two “quiet rooms” near Big Bird’s Rambling River, where guests can seek relief from sensory stimulation. Both rooms include adjustable lighting and a comfortable seating area.
This season, the park is also working to develop more programs that would give guests additional opportunities to interact with Julia.
“Since her debut, Sesame Street’s Julia has touched the lives of millions of children and families around the world and we’re proud that partners like Sesame Place are committed to providing autism-friendly experiences,” said Scott Chambers, senior vice president and general manager, North American Media and Licensing, Sesame Workshop. “We applaud them for earning this distinction.”
For Valeriano, this certification is just the beginning of the theme park’s mission to provide an unforgettable experience for its young visitors with special needs.
“Sesame Place is honored to be leading the theme park industry through our commitment to making our facility friendly for families with children on the spectrum,” she said. “We look forward to applying this training and expanding our commitment to help spread awareness about autism.” ••
Visit sesameplace.com/philadelphia for information.
Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@newspapermediagroup.com
