Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program Launches at Sesame Place Philadelphia

Sesame Place Philadelphia is the first theme park in North America to launch the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, launching in time for Autism Acceptance Month in April.

Also known as the Sunflower, it is a global initiative designed to support children and adults with non-visible disabilities and conditions, including children with autism and military veterans with PTSD.

Two hands wearing Hidden Disabilities Program wristband_evelynkanter.com — Photo: Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program

Participants wear a complimentary Sunflower-branded wristband 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.

There also are logo lanyards, which are used at airports and other locations participating in the program.

The Sunflower program is completely voluntary, and guests who choose to participate are not required to disclose any personal information or a diagnosis.

Sesame Place Philadelphia will provide the wristbands at the Family Care Center and Mr. Hooper’s Gift Shop.

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 is in addition to 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.

Tips for Traveling With a Special Needs Child

Muppet characters at Sesame Place theme park_evelynkanter.com — Photo: Sesame Place

Appearances by Julia, the Autistic Muppet

Also in honor of Autism Acceptance Month in 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.

Hidden Disabilities Affect 1.6 Billion Globally

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.

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.

Sesame Place Philadelphia is 30 minutes from Philadelphia and 90 minutes from New York City.

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program logo_evelynkanter.com — Courtesy Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program

About the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower enables individuals to discreetly indicate that they have a non-visible disability and may need additional assistance, understanding, or more time.
Since Hidden Disabilities Sunflower was established in the UK in 2016, it has been adopted globally by businesses and charities to support their colleagues and customers.
The Sunflower is recognized across a broad range of sectors – ranging from retail, financial services, transport including over 220 airports, travel and tourism, education, government, as well as healthcare, emergency service and entertainment.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is available globally and has been launched locally in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Latin America, Mauritius, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the UAE, the UK and USA.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is part of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme Limited, a private company based in the UK.
For further information please visit: https://hdsunflower.com

ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter is a journalist with 25+ years of experience as a newspaper and magazine writer, radio & TV news producer & reporter, and author of guidebooks and smartphone apps – all focusing on travel, automotive, the environment and your rights as a consumer.