Six Flags has become the first theme park company in the world to design a specialised restraint harness that will enable guests with physical disabilities to access more of the company’s thrill rides and roller coasters in North America.
The organisation’s venues have also been accredited as Certified Autism Centers, enabling autistic guests with their families to enjoy more inclusive options while visiting theme and water parks.
The accreditation was obtained with the assistance of the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), the only organisation currently providing this type of credential.
A commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
The ICBCCES program incorporates many improvements for those with special needs, with park leadership receiving specialist training alongside the implementation of supplementary support elements for guests. Specialist guides have also been developed to highlight the sensory impacts of each attraction, helping parents and carers to plan ahead for a trip to Six Flags.
“Six Flags is proud to be the industry leader on these innovative programs that allows our guests to enjoy the more thrilling rides that our parks have to offer,” says Six Flags president and CEO Selim Bassoul.
“This offering, coupled with the IBCCES certification at our parks, shows our unwavering commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Our company is truly dedicated to this initiative and making sure that encompasses our guests with abilities and disabilities. We all benefit from a more diverse, inclusive society, that is understanding, accommodating and honours one another’s differences while pulling together for the common good.”
Accommodating diverse experiences
Six Flags will soon fabricate and provide custom restraint harnesses in various sizes, designed to facilitate riders with physical disabilities. The company says that approximately 98% of its theme park rides will be enjoyed by those with missing limbs or appendages, starting at 54” tall. For safety reasons, certain rider restrictions will still apply.
Vice president for public safety and risk management, Jason Freeman says: “Six Flags is synonymous with thrills, but safety and inclusivity is the cornerstone of everything we do. We are proud to implement these key, new safety programs that bring thrills within reach for all guests.”
IBCCES undertook detailed reviews of Six Flags parks across the US and Mexico, providing expert recommendations to inform management’s understanding of autism, strategies for communication, and industry best practices.
Key measures and changes include:
- A trained front-of-house team prepared to better assist autistic visitors and those with sensory sensitivities.
- A sensory guide for each attraction, providing insight into how it may affect the five senses
- Low sensory areas provide the opportunity to relax in a low-stimulation environment;
- An updated Accessibility Guide available online and at Guest Services for each park site
- Implementation of the IBCCES Accessibility Card program, a free online program which guests can use to request assistance or accommodations at any Six Flags park.
Myron Pincomb, board chairman of IBCCES adds: “Completing the certification process across all of the US parks is a momentous accomplishment for the Six Flags team. We know they are committed to continuous improvement and being a leader in this industry, and we look forward to supporting their teams in the future as they continue improving accessibility for all visitors at their parks.”
Six Flags will launch the world’s steepest dive coaster, Dr. Diabolical’s Cliffhanger, later this month at Six Flags Fiesta Texas.
