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Sesame Place Philadelphia continues to lead in accessibility as the first theme park in North America to launch the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. The park first announced its participation in the program during Invisible Disabilities Week in October 2024 Sesame Place is now thrilled to announce that the Sunflower will officially launch on March 29, 2025, just ahead of Autism Acceptance Month in April.
Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 13 Mar 2025
Sesame Place Philadelphia continues to lead in accessibility as the first theme park in North America to launch the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. The park first announced its participation in the program during Invisible Disabilities Week in October 2024 Sesame Place is now thrilled to announce that the Sunflower will officially launch on March 29, 2025, just ahead of Autism Acceptance Month in April.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, also known as the Sunflower, is a global initiative designed to support people with non-visible disabilities and conditions. The program consists of a wearable Sunflower-branded tool that discreetly signals to Sesame Place Ambassadors that a guest may need extra help, understanding, or time due to a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent.
The park will provide complimentary Sunflower-branded wristbands at the Family Care Center and Mr. Hooper's Gift Shop. The Sunflower program is completely voluntary, and guests who choose to participate are not required to disclose any personal information or a diagnosis.
"At Sesame Place Philadelphia, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where all guests feel welcomed and supported," said Cathy Valeriano, President of Sesame Place Philadelphia. "Joining Hidden Disabilities Sunflower allows us to further enhance the accessibility experience at our park."
According to Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, approximately 1 in 6 people live with a disability – approximately 1.3 billion people globally. While some people experience a disability that may be visible, many have a non-visible condition or experience a combination of both visible and non-visible conditions. These invisible disabilities can be neurological, cognitive and neurodevelopmental as well as physical, visual, auditory and include sensory and processing difficulties.
"We are thrilled to welcome Sesame Place Philadelphia as the first theme park in North America to join and launch the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. Sesame Place Philadelphia has committed time and passion to implement the training to ensure that Sunflower wearers are recognized by their staff to receive the additional support, understanding and kindness they may need," said Lynn Smith, Regional Sunflower Director, USA.
As a Sunflower member, Sesame Place Philadelphia will provide Ambassadors with additional accessibility training resources to increase disability awareness at the park. The introduction of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower will complement the park's existing accessibility programs, including its Ride Access Program and Special Access Pass, which guests can enroll in at the park's Welcome Center. The Sunflower program does not offer additional special advantages or services.
Accessibility at Sesame Place Philadelphia
Sesame Place Philadelphia has long been a leader in inclusivity, earning recognition as the world's first Certified Autism Center (CAC) theme park in 2018. As a CAC, Sesame Place provides comprehensive training to staff, a branded IBCCES Sensory Guide, and on-site accommodations for autistic individuals and those with sensory sensitivities. In 2024, Sesame Place renewed and expanded its certification, with Ambassadors completing additional training in neurodiversity.
In honor of Autism Acceptance Month this April, Julia will be available for Meet & Greets. Julia is a four-year-old autistic Muppet from Sesame Street and the face of Sesame Workshop's Sesame Street and Autism: Seeing Amazing in All Children initiative.
The addition of the Sunflower program complements Sesame Place's current accessibility initiatives and CAC designation while fostering an environment in which all guests, regardless of their abilities, can participate in and fully enjoy the park's offerings.
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