Legoland Florida announces plans to make resort autism friendly
by Alice Davis | 01 Apr 2016
Children play at Legoland Florida Resort / © 2014 Chip Litherland Photography Inc.
Legoland Florida has teamed up with Autism Speaks to cater the resort to the needs of its autistic visitors.
Ahead of World Autism Day tomorrow (2 April), the child-focused attraction announced it will work with the organisation to ensure the park is “autism friendly”. Measures taken will include a number of design changes, the creation of quiet areas for children and special training for Legoland staff.
“We’re proud to say that we’re built for kids,” said Rex Jackson, director of marketing and sales at Legoland Florida Resort. “By partnering with Autism Speaks and making these smart changes that will benefit so many families, we’re helping to ensure that our resort is truly built for all kids.”
The attraction is currently working on its first quiet area, where children with special needs will find a calm sanctuary within the theme park. The area is being fitted with brightly coloured panels of hands-on, sensory-stimulating activities.
Autism Speaks is also helping the resort create online “social stories” – illustrated walkthroughs of its attractions, shows and amenities – and a park map designed for guests with special needs.
“Autism Speaks applauds the efforts of Legoland Florida Resort to provide special accommodations so that guests on the autism spectrum can maximise their park experience,” said Karen Bacharach of Autism Speaks in Florida. “When asked, our Central Florida volunteers were eager to offer some design considerations to help the resort be autism friendly.”
Resort employees are to receive twice-yearly training from Autism Speaks staff members and volunteers on how to meet the needs of autistic guests.
To celebrate World Autism Awareness Day’s campaign, Light It Up Blue, Legoland Florida is shining blue lights at its entrance.
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Legoland Florida has teamed up with Autism Speaks to cater the resort to the needs of its autistic visitors. Ahead of World Autism Day tomorrow (2 April), the child-focused attraction announced it will work with the organisation to ensure the park is “autism friendly”. Measures taken will include a number of design changes, the creation of quiet areas for children and special training for Legoland staff. “We’re proud to say
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