Sesame Place® has partnered with The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), a global leader in online training and certification programs, to become the first theme park in the world to be designated as a Certified Autism Center (CAC). It is our goal to provide every family with an enjoyable and memorable visit to Sesame Place, and we are proud to offer specialized services to guests with autism and other special needs.
Certified StaffSesame
Place Team Members receive specialized training to ensure they have the requisite knowledge, skills, temperament, and expertise to cater to all children, including those with special needs.
Training focuses include: sensory awareness, motor skills, autism overview, program development, social skills, communication, environment, and emotional
IBCCES Sensory Guide™
The IBCCES Sensory Guide provides insight on how a child with sensory processing issues may be affected by each sense for rides and attractions at Sesame Place.
Ride Accessibility Program
Our Ride Accessibility Program matches the individual abilities of our guests to the requirements of each ride. The Ride Accessibility Program is designed to allow guests to fully participate in the enjoyment of our park while keeping in mind the safety requirements of our rides and attractions. The program was developed based on the requirements of the ride manufacturer and by evaluating the physical and mental attributes required to safely ride each ride. It is our policy to allow anyone to ride our rides and enjoy our attractions as long as they meet all these requirements and such that it does not present a potential hazard to the guest or to others.
NEW IN 2021 A valid IBCCES Accessibility Card is required.
Guests with physical disabilities, mobility impairments and/or cognitive disorders who would like to participate in the Ride Accessibility Program must present a valid IBCCES Accessibility Card at the Welcome Center inside the park. Guests can register for an IBCCES Accessibility card at www.accessibilitycard.org.
Accessibility Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities
Our Ride Accessibility Guide provides an overview of services and facilities available for guests with cognitive disabilities and other special needs that are visiting Sesame Place theme park. We are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable environment to all guests.
Quiet Rooms
Guests in need of some quiet time and relief from sensory stimulation can utilize one of our two quiet rooms near Big Bird's Rambling River. These rooms have adjustable lighting and a comfortable seating area for guests to take a break. Quiet Rooms are locked to ensure privacy for our guests. Guests who would like to use the Quiet Rooms can visit the Welcome Center to receive the code needed to enter.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Sesame Place is proud to offer noise-cancelling headphones, WhispEars™, provided by KidCo. Guests with hearing sensitivity may pick up WhispEars™ at The Family Care Center or The Welcome Center. WhispEars™ are available on a first come, first served basis.
Low Sensory Areas
Guests in need of a more quiet location in the park are encouraged to visit the area behind the Sesame Street® Neighborhood as well as the area by the Twiddle Bug Tracks next to Ernie's Teeny Tiny Tidal Wave. While these locations are not designated quiet areas, they are often less populated areas of the park.
Low Sensory Parade Viewing
Guests who want to enjoy the parade without direct character interaction such as "hugs" or "high fives" are encouraged to sit closest to where our parade begins and/or several rows back from the parade viewing line.
The Neighborhood Street Party Parade is temporarily unavailable.
Dining Options
Guests looking for a quieter dining environment are encouraged to visit meal facilities during non-peak hours or ahead of meal time. For additional assistance or questions about visiting a restaurant during your visit, please contact AccessibleDiningSPL@sesameplace.com.
For guests who want to book a character dine but would prefer to have limited character interaction or seating furthest away from character performances, please contact AccessibleDiningSPL@sesameplace.com.
Food Policy
No outside food, beverages, or coolers are allowed to be brought into Sesame Place, except you may bring a bottle of water or a refillable water bottle. Exceptions may be made for Guests with special dietary needs, including food allergies and baby food/formula. Guest should contact AllergenfriendlySPL@sesameplace.com 3 days prior to their visit to make accommodations.
Meet Julia
Julia is a sweet and curious 4-year-old with autism. Say "hello" to Julia and take photos in the Sesame Place Neighborhood Theater (times and location subject to change).
Source: https://sesameplace.com/philadelphia/help/autism-resources/