Kennywood has partnered with The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), a global leader in online training and certification standards, to become a Certified Autism Center (CAC). The Mission of Kennywood Park is to provide the finest in family fun and entertainment to all our Guests. Becoming a Certified Autism Center allows us to better serve our guests on the autism spectrum, and their families.
Certified Staff
Kennywood Team Members receive specialized training to ensure they have the required knowledge, skills, temperament and expertise to cater to all children, including those with special needs. Training focuses include: Sensory Awareness, Motor Skills, Autism Overview, Program Development, Social Skills, Communication, Environment, and Emotional Awareness.
IBCCES Sensory GuideTM
The IBCCES Sensory Guide provides insight on how a child with sensory processing issues may be affected by each sense for rides and attractions at Kennywood. The guide will be available for download by the start of the 2020 Summer Season, and for reference at the park.
Quiet Rooms
New for the 2020 Season, a Quiet Room will be available for guests under the Lost Kennywood entrance sign (near Noah's Ark, the Turtle, and Potato Patch). Guests in need of a quiet space are encouraged to visit the Safety Center or Service Center behind Noah's Ark to get the access code to the room. Please note, the room can only accommodate 1-2 families at a time.
In other areas of Kennywood, Guests in need of a quiet place are encouraged to visit Dancing Waters, the shaded fountain located across from the Gran Prix. The fountain area and nearby Gazebo are much calmer than most other parts of Kennywood, with fewer attractions and less foot traffic. Our picnic pavilions can also be quieter locations on certain dates (primarily weekdays). There are two picnic pavilion groves, one located near Kiddieland, the other behind the Sky Rocket, Old Mill and Jack Rabbit rides. Please check with any Guest Services staff to inquire on open pavilions on the day of your visit.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Kennywood is happy to offer noise-cancelling headphones to our guests with autism. A limited number of noise-cancelling headphones are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and can be picked up at the Rider Safety Center, Guest Relations, First Aid or the Service Center located behind Noah's Ark. Noise-cancelling headphones must be returned at the end of your visit.
Changing Tables
An ADA-approved adult-sized changing table for older children or adults can be found in the family restroom near the Star Refreshment Stand, just outside of Steelers Country. A second family restroom is located in Kiddieland, though this location only has changing stations for small children.
Resources for Guests with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Travel is a resource provided by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to help parents understand their options for travel. Autism Travel provides parents with a community to share ideas, plan trips with other families, and explore travel options at some of the most beautiful places in the world.
