PortAventura World, Europe’s first theme park to introduce Julia, a Sesame Street character with autism, enhances accessibility with pictograms. Developed with Todos en Azul and ARASAAC, these initiatives promote cognitive accessibility and neurodiversity in the family-friendly SésamoAventura area.
Julia Shines in SésamoAventura
In SésamoAventura, Julia, a creative girl with autism, captivates audiences in a special performance. Her passion for drawing takes center stage alongside other Sesame Street characters, showcasing her talent. The show celebrates diverse ways of communicating and interacting. Created in 2015 through Sesame Workshop’s “See Amazing in All Children” initiative, Julia emerged after two years of collaboration with over 250 organizations and autism experts. As the first character with autism, her television debut in the episode “Meet Julia” marked a milestone. Sesame Workshop provides free educational resources featuring Julia to foster inclusion and understanding of neurodiversity.
Accessible Pictograms Enhance Navigation
PortAventura World introduces pictograms, developed in partnership with Todos en Azul and ARASAAC, to aid visitors with autism in navigating the park. These visual aids align with the resort’s social sustainability strategy, creating an inclusive leisure experience. Choni Fernández, Director of Sustainability, states: “With Julia and the pictograms, we celebrate diversity and ensure all visitors feel welcome.”
Comprehensive Commitment to Accessibility
PortAventura World bolsters accessibility through various measures. Hearing loops assist deaf visitors, adapted virtual reality experiences enhance the Uncharted: The Enigma of Penitence attraction, and PortAventura Dreams Village offers free stays for families with seriously ill children. The PortAventura Foundation supports projects for people with special needs. Additional offerings include visual technologies developed with Visualfy, free admission, adapted access, personal assistance, and mobility services for visitors with disabilities.
Partnership with Sesame Workshop
Bernhard Gloeggler, Managing Director of Sesame Workshop Europe, emphasizes: “Julia helps children with autism feel recognized and fosters empathy in others. Her presence in PortAventura World brings our message of inclusion to families across Europe.” This collaboration highlights the shared values of Sesame Workshop and PortAventura World, centered on inclusion and understanding.
PortAventura World: A Premier Leisure Destination
PortAventura World Parks & Resort ranks among Europe’s top leisure destinations. Over 30 years, it has welcomed more than 100 million visitors. Located near Barcelona, the resort features five 4-star hotels, one 5-star hotel with nearly 3,000 rooms, a convention center accommodating up to 6,000 people, a theme park, the unique Ferrari Land, and a water park. Since November 2022, its B Corp certification underscores its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
