When Sesame Place reopens at the end of April 2018 the Pennsylvanian theme park will be the first of its kind to have a “Certified Autism Center,” distinction.
What exactly does that mean? For starters, at least 80 percent of the park staff will receive specialized training (in areas such as communication, motor skills and sensory and emotional awareness) in order to meet the needs of all children, especially those with special needs. Sensory guides will be available to help parents plan activities based on their child’s specific needs, and the park will have quiet rooms and low-sensory areas for times when kids may need to take a break.
There are many important aspects of creating a theme park friendly to those on the autism spectrum, as CBS News explains, there is real training to be done.
The park has also unveiled a number of new features for guests who may be suffering from sensory overstimulation throughout the day. There are two newly-renovated quiet rooms with adjustable lighting, where autistic children can take a break from all the sensory stimulation of the park. There are also two areas of the park now designated as "low sensory areas" for guests in need of some quiet time, who want to remain within the park while migrating to areas that may be a bit less populated. Noise-canceling headphones are also now available on a first come, first served basis for guests with auditory sensitivity.
Guests who want to take in one of the park's signature parades, but wish to do so without direct character interaction such as "hugs" or "high fives," are encouraged to sit close to where the parade begins or several rows back from the parade viewing line. There are also now special instructions on the park's website for guests who would prefer to dine in quieter environments or who would like to book special "character dines" with limited character interaction or seating furthest away from the performances.
The need to open up our hearts and lives to every child is essential to becoming a better society. The benefits of even the smallest of gestures toward a child brings returns beyond your wildest imagination.