What is the 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.
How do I participate in the Ride Accessibility Program?
To enroll in the Ride Accessibility Program, all guests must present a valid IBCCES Accessibility Card at the Welcome Center inside the park.
Guests who do not present a valid IBCCES Accessibility Card will not be eligible to participate in the Ride Accessibility Program.
What is the IBCCES Accessibility Card?
The IBCCES Accessibility Card is designed to help individuals with cognitive disorders or physical impairments identify and receive helpful accommodations at certified attractions worldwide. The IBCCES created the digital Accessibility Card as a free resource for individuals with cognitive disorders or physical impairments who need special accommodations or services at certified attractions. The IBCCES Accessibility Card helps you identify the accommodations needed and communicate those needs to destinations you would like to visit. PLEASE NOTE: Only IBCCES can issue the IBCCES Accessibility Card, not Sesame Place. The IBCCES Accessibility Card does NOT guarantee entry to Sesame Place and any special accommodations or benefits provided are at the sole discretion of Sesame Place.
What is the IBCCES?
The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) provides a series of certifications that empower professionals to be leaders in their field and improve the outcomes for the individuals they serve. These programs are the only training and certification programs endorsed by the largest grassroots autism organization in the world, The Autism Society of America, and recognized around the world as the leading benchmark for training and certification in the areas of autism and other cognitive disorders.
How do I register for an IBCCES Accessibility Card?
To register for the IBCCES Accessibility Card, guests must visit www.accessibilitycard.org and upload the required information into a secure, online portal. Once a guest has filled out the online application and uploaded necessary documentation, they will be able to access their digital IBCCES Accessibility Card. Guests must show their valid IBCCES Accessibility Card at the Welcome Center inside the park to participate in the Ride Accessibility Program.
What information is required to register for an IBCCES Accessibility Card?
The following information will be required to register for an IBCCES Accessibility Card at www.accessibilitycard.org
Individuals requesting the IBCCES Accessibility Card for themselves or others must be 18 years or older.
Contact Information: Name, email, address and phone/cell number
Cardholder Information:
- Recent photo of the cardholder for identification purposes
- Birth date*
- Name of the disability/disorder (optional)
- Helpful accommodations needed
- Name of the attraction you are visiting
Healthcare Information: Statement from a healthcare provider or Individualized Education Plan (IEP or equivalent) including the following:
- Full name of the healthcare professional or education professional
- NPI number (Provider ID) **
- Their title
- Their phone number
- Their email address
- Statement indicating the guest has a disability or other qualifying impairment under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and/or applicable state law that prevents the guest from waiting in a standard queue. Please note that the nature of the disability does not have to be provided in the statement. If the disability is of a temporary nature, the doctor’s note should state the time period of the temporary disability.
* Individuals requesting the IAC must be 18 years or older
** Not required if uploading an Individualized Education Plan
During the application process for my IBCCES Accessibility Card, I selected certain disabilities/disorders as well as certain helpful accommodations. Does that mean Sesame Place Philadelphia will be aware of my disabilities/disorders and provide the helpful accommodations I selected?
Due to privacy concerns the nature of your disability/disorder is not shared with Sesame place. All requests for special accommodations must be made at the park when enrolling in the Ride Accessibility Program and our team will be able to make recommendations based on what's available. Accommodations are not guaranteed and there may be an addition charge for services such as a wheelchair rental.
During the application process for my IBCCES Accessibility Card, I indicated that I have special dietary needs and/or allergies. Does that mean Sesame Place Philadelphia will be aware of my special dietary needs and/or allergies?
If you or any members for your party have a food allergy, please contact [email protected] at least three to five business days before your visit. A culinary ambassador will work with you to provide meal options consistent with your diet, ingredient labels, information on cross contamination management at our facilities, and answer any additional allergen related questions you may have.
What if I don’t have a doctor’s note required to register for the IBCCES Accessibility Card?
We sincerely apologize for this inconvenience, however an increasing number of guests are misusing the Special Access Pass and we want to ensure that we meet the needs of guests with disabilities and special needs who cannot wait in lines. A valid IBCCES Accessibility Card is required for participation in the Ride Accessibility Program.
Why is the IBCCES Accessibility Card required now? Why were the programs changed?
The updated enrollment requirement of the IBCCES Accessibility Card is part of our continuing effort to ensure that guests with special needs have the best possible experience while visiting our park.
If I enrolled in the Ride Accessibility Program in the past, do I still need to register for the IBCCES Accessibility Card?
Yes, everyone who wishes to utilize the Ride Accessibility Program must register for and present a valid IBCCES Accessibility Card at the Welcome Center in the park.
If I have a visible, physical disability or impairment such as a cast, a brace or a wheelchair, do I need to present a valid IBCCES Accessibility Card to enroll in the Rides Accessibility Program?
Yes. To ensure fairness, the new policy applies equally to all guests who wish to enroll in the Ride Accessibility Program. The intent is to reduce the misuse of either program and is necessary because our ambassadors do not have the expertise to evaluate whether a disability, impairment or special need of any nature causes functional limitations.
Is your new policy HIPAA and ADA compliant?
Our new policy requiring a valid IBCCES Accessibility Card to participate in the Ride Accessibility Program is in full compliance with both HIPPA and the ADA. We will not require you to share the nature of your disability or special needs.
Do I need to bring any documentation such as a doctor’s note to the Welcome Center?
No. You should not bring any type of medical information or doctor’s notes to the park. You must bring your valid IBCCES Accessibility card but no other documentation should be brought to the park.
If I have a valid IBCCES Accessibility Card, do I still need to visit the Welcome Center at the park?
Yes, to participate in the Ride Accessibility Program, you must visit the Welcome Center at the park on each visit. You will be required to present your IBCCES Accessibility Card on each visit.
How long is the IBCCES Accessibility Card Valid?
The card lasts for one year and can be used worldwide at any attraction or property that partners with the IBCCES. You must apply on an annual basis for a new card.
What is required to be able to ride the attractions at Sesame Place Philadelphia?
In order to ride the attractions, guests must be able to:
- • Maintain the proper riding position throughout the ride (e.g. brace themselves upright in their seat, keeping their head upright and their back against the seatback, maintain postural control while seated in a tube or raft)
- • Use the restraint device properly
- • Be able to hold on tight
- • Keep their hands, arms, legs, and feet down and inside the attraction at all times
- • Demonstrate a willingness and ability to comply with verbal and written rider requirements
The rider requirements and health restrictions are listed at the entrance of each ride as well as in our Accessibility Guide.
Accessibility Guide (PDF)
Are oxygen tanks permitted on rides?
Due to the dynamics and certain characteristics of the rides, oxygen tanks are only permitted on the bench seats of the Sunny Day Carousel and no other rides or attractions. Oxygen tanks are permitted in theaters, restaurants, gift shops, and other enclosed facilities.
Are guests with casts, braces, and walking boots eligible to ride?
Guests with a full arm cast, certain types of forearm casts, full leg cast, braced arm cast, or braces between the legs may be restricted from riding certain rides.
Guests with walking boots and knee braces will be able to ride as long as the boot or brace fits comfortably into the ride unit.
Guests should refer to the Ride Information section of the Ride Accessibility Guide or The Welcome Center to determine their specific ability to ride any ride.
Are guests with prosthetic devices and amputations eligible to ride?
Guests with any type of prosthesis should ensure it is properly secured before riding any ride. Guests should refer to the Ride Information section of the Ride Accessibility Guide or The Welcome Center to determine their specific ability to ride any ride.
Are expectant mothers eligible to ride?