Sesame Place is hosting its annual Variety Club event on Friday, May 13, following Autism Acceptance Month in April. As a Certified Autism Center, Sesame Place has partnered with Variety since 1987 to provide children with disabilities and their families the opportunity to experience an exclusive day at the park.
“Sesame Place has been a valuable partner to Variety, helping us enrich the lives of children with disabilities and their families through a number of initiatives, including character appearances, ticket giveaways and exclusive park outings,” said Dominique Bernardo, CEO of Variety. “So many of our families look forward to this exclusive event each year as a way to spend quality time together and just let kids be kids.”
For the event, Sesame Place officials will make special accommodations for autistic children, including designated quiet areas, low sensory shows and volume adjustments throughout the park to ensure every child has a memorable and enjoyable experience. For admission, guests must register with Variety Club at rsvp@varietyphila.org.
In 2015, Sesame Workshop introduced Julia, a Muppet with autism, as part of its Sesame Street and Autism: Seeing Amazing in All Children initiative. The initiative’s goal is to provide resources and increase acceptance of autism, which, according to the CDC, affects 1 in 44 American children today. In 2017, Julia made her first appearance at Sesame Place as a walkaround character and will be available for meet and greets at Variety Club’s event.
“Sesame Place is proud to be an industry leader in providing a memorable, positive experience for all guests,” said Cathy Valeriano, park president. “We remain dedicated to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for children with disabilities and their families.”
Visit sesameplace.com/philadelphia and varietyphila.org for more information.
