Hershey’s® Chocolate World and Vista Autism Services Partner for World Autism Awareness Day

April 17, 2019

On World Autism Awareness Day, Hershey’s® Chocolate World teamed up with Vista Autism Services to host a sensory-friendly event designed to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for individuals with autism and their families. The event underscored Hershey’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion, ensuring that all families could enjoy the magic of Chocolate World in a supportive and understanding atmosphere.

Creating a Sensory-Friendly Experience

The sensory-friendly event featured carefully tailored accommodations to meet the needs of individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities:

Reduced Noise Levels: Music and sound effects throughout the attraction were lowered to create a calmer auditory environment.
Dimmed Lighting: Bright lights in public areas were softened to reduce sensory overstimulation.
Controlled Crowd Sizes: Attendance was managed to ensure smaller crowds, providing families with more space and comfort during their visit.
Quiet Zones: Designated quiet spaces offered guests a place to step away and decompress if needed, ensuring they could re-engage at their own pace.

Hershey’s Chocolate World worked closely with Vista Autism Services to design these modifications, drawing on Vista’s expertise in supporting individuals with autism to deliver an experience that was both fun and accessible.

Thoughtful Planning for Families

Families attending the event were also encouraged to take advantage of additional resources to make their visit even more enjoyable:

Social Stories: Hershey’s Chocolate World provided visual and written guides to help guests prepare for what to expect during their visit, reducing anxiety and uncertainty.
Support Staff Training: Employees received specialized training to understand the needs of guests with autism and create a welcoming environment.
Flexible Scheduling: Guests were encouraged to visit during less crowded times and could enjoy adjusted ticketing and entry processes to streamline their experience.

These efforts reflect Hershey’s Chocolate World’s dedication to ensuring all visitors can participate in the fun while feeling safe and supported.

A Partnership Rooted in Inclusion

This event is part of Hershey’s ongoing collaboration with Vista Autism Services, reflecting their shared commitment to inclusion and community engagement. Beyond World Autism Awareness Day, Hershey’s Chocolate World continues to explore ways to create accessible experiences for individuals with autism, making their attractions more welcoming year-round.

At Vista Autism Services, the mission to empower individuals with autism extends into partnerships like this one, working with businesses to build understanding and offer meaningful accommodations that make a difference.

Looking Ahead

As Hershey’s Chocolate World continues its efforts to expand accessibility, Vista Autism Services remains a proud partner in helping to develop inclusive experiences. Together, these organizations are fostering a community where individuals with autism can fully participate and thrive.

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Hershey’s® Chocolate World and Vista Autism Services Partner for World Autism Awareness Day

Creating a Sensory-Friendly Experience

Thoughtful Planning for Families

A Partnership Rooted in Inclusion

Looking Ahead