Traveling with a disability– whether visible or invisible– can require extra effort. Not to mention time, expenditure, and hassle when spaces are not properly accessible to everyone. Six Flags, the world’s largest regional theme park company in North America, is looking to change that. Last week, Six Flags became the world’s first theme park company to introduce a specialized restraint harness that allows guests with physical disabilities. “Six Flags is synonymous with thrills, but safety and inclusivity are the cornerstones of everything we do,” said Jason Freeman, Vice President, Public Safety and Risk Management. “We are proud to implement these key, new safety programs that bring thrills within reach for all guests,” regardless of disability or limitations he added.
Six Flags Earns Accreditation as Certified Autism Center
In addition to the new harness, the company said all of its properties are now accredited Certified Autism Centers. This accreditation is in partnership with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). Under new certification, park leaders are trained and additional support elements for park goers are identified. Six Flags will now offer specialty guides that have been designed to highlight the various sensory impacts of each ride or attraction to help with planning a day at a Six Flags park. Each park will also offer low sensory areas to allow guests to “relax in a less stimulating environment,” trained front-line team members and more.
As Certified Autism Centers™, US-based Six Flags Parks will provide:
Businesswire outlines the new features Six Flag’s will be providing As Certified Autism Centers™.
- Trained, helpful, front-line team members equipped to better assist autistic guests and those with other sensory sensitivities
- A sensory guide for every attraction that provides insight into how the attraction or ride may be affected by each of the five senses
- Low sensory areas to allow guests with sensory sensitivities to take a break and relax in a less stimulating environment
- An updated Accessibility Guide that will be available online on each park accessibility page and Guest Services area
- Park-wide implementation of the IBCCES Accessibility Card program– a free online program with mobile app option for guest to use when requesting assistance or accommodations at any of the Six Flags parks
To learn more about Six Flags Entertainment Corporation’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, visit sixflags.com/diversity.