Written by Noreen Kompanik for TravelPulse, March 12, 2025
Sesame Place Philadelphia continues to lead in the accessibility realm as the first theme park in North America to offer the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program.
The park announced its participation in the program in October 2024 during Invisible Disabilities Week and has reported that the Sunflower will officially launch on March 29, 2025, just ahead of April’s Autism Acceptance Month.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, also known as the Sunflower, is a global initiative designed to support those 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 Sunflower program is completely voluntary, and guests who choose to participate are not required to disclose any personal information or a diagnosis. Complementary Sunflower-branded wristbands are available at the Family Care Center and Mr. Hooper’s Gift Shop.
“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 experience a visible disability, many have a non-visible condition or have a combination of both visible and non-visible conditions. Invisible disabilities can be neurological, cognitive and neurodevelopmental as well as physical, visual, auditory and include sensory and processing difficulties.
Lynn Smith, Regional Sunflower Direct, USA, said in a statement, “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.”
Sesame Place Philadelphia will provide Ambassadors with additional accessibility training resources to increase disability awareness at the park. The introduction of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower compliments 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 program, however, does not offer additional special advantages or services.
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, the park provides comprehensive staff training, 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, 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 will be available for meet and greets in the park.
Additionally, 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 and enjoy the park’s offerings.