LEGOLAND New York is getting Autism Certified
More theme parks across the country are training their staff and taking other steps to make it easier for people with autism and other disabilities to visit.
This week, LEGOLAND New York said that by the end of March, all its locations in North America will be certified as autism centers.
With this certification from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, Model Citizens at LEGLAND parks in California, Florida, and New York will be better able to help people with autism and other sensory issues.
The CAC certification is awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to organizations that complete guest-facing staff training and certification, as well as other requirements such as providing accommodations for visitors with cognitive differences.
Also, ratings will be posted at each ride to let people know if there are bright lights, loud noises, or other things that might be distracting. People who need a break will be able to find low-traffic areas on park maps, ear plugs will be available on request, and sensory guides will be posted on the parks’ websites to help families plan their trips.
For kids with sensory needs, LEGOLAND in Florida and New York will have quiet rooms with weighted blankets, dim lighting, and tactile toys. And from 1 to 2 p.m. every day, LEGOLAND California will turn off all sound effects at its newest attraction, Lego Ferrari Build & Race, to help people who want a quieter time.
Scott O’Neil, CEO of Merlin Entertainments, which runs LEGOLAND, said, “LEGOLAND Resorts are made to inspire creativity in children of all abilities. Our rides, experiences, and entertainment all help a child’s imagination through a sense of belonging.” “In the U.S., 1 in 44 children are diagnosed with autism, so we want to build understanding and empathy while also making sure our teams have the tools and support strategies they need to work with neurodiverse people. With this certification, we’re giving our guests more chances to create and play their own way and helping parents at every step of planning a vacation.
The three hotels at LEGOLAND Florida and the Peppa Pig Theme Park next door have already been certified as autism centers. All Six Flags parks in North America, both Sesame Place parks, and some SeaWorld parks also have this status.
What families may anticipate from the new LEGOLAND Resorts experience is listed below:
- Staff members at LEGOLAND will receive training to help guests with autism and other sensory sensitivities more effectively.
- Visitors will have access to planning tools on the resorts’ websites.
- Each ride at each of the three LEGOLAND Resorts will have a sensory advisory posted that details any loud noises, bright lights, or other elements that visitors may need to be aware of. Families will find it simpler to organize activities that fit their requirements and accommodations as a result.
- There will be low-sensory zones available so that visitors with sensitivities can take a breather and unwind in a setting that is less stimulating.
- For kids with different sensory needs, LEGOLAND Florida, and LEGOLAND New York both have quiet areas with tactile toys, weighted blankets, and low lighting where visitors may unwind.
- First Aid provides earplugs upon request to help with noise and overstimulation.
- At Guest Services, “Assisted Access Passes” can be ordered. Families won’t have to wait in line when using this pass to access the first ride. They then decide when to visit their second ride, pick that time, and go there at the appointed time without having to wait in line. This is available throughout the entire day.
- A unique tag that grants entrance to all venues can be obtained by visitors who use strollers as wheelchairs.
