Thanksgiving and the Holiday Season are Here!

Thanksgiving brings family and friends together each year. We rejoice in taking a break from the day-to-day rigors and embrace our loved ones as we float seamlessly into the holiday season. All of us from the Hartwood Foundation, wish everyone a safe, fun Thanksgiving. During this time of year, we will share pictures from our homes and showcase how important this season is to our residents.



Happy Thanksgiving!

We Promised You Halloween Pictures - Enjoy!

Giving Tuesday is December 3rd!

Each year, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving is recognized as Giving Tuesday. A great way to show your appreciation for a non-profit that is doing amazing work in your immediate community or across the country. We believe firmly that Hartwood Foundation fits this bill for giving. So, if you have the capacity to give on this date, we would greatly appreciate your support. Your donation goes a long way in providing for our residents in so many ways and, as always, WE THANK YOU!

Mark your calendars as we are excited for our 22nd Annual Hartwood Open Golf Tournament slated for

Thursday, June 26th, 2025.

We are grateful for your continued support!

Sesame Place Philadelphia will join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program early next year. (Sesame Place Philadelphia)

Theme Park Adding New ‘Hidden Disability’ Accommodations

In a first-of-its-kind move, a popular theme park will offer a discrete way for visitors to alert staff throughout the park that they may need extra help even if their disability isn’t apparent.

Sesame Place Philadelphia said it will be the first theme park to participate in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program.

Starting in early 2025, visitors to the park inspired by “Sesame Street” will be able to pick up a Sunflower wristband to indicate that they may need additional help, understanding or extra time because of a disability.

The offering, which is already in place at many airports and other businesses around the world, is voluntary and intended for people with invisible disabilities, which park officials said can include neurological, cognitive and neurodevelopmental issues as well as physical, visual, auditory, sensory and processing difficulties, among others.

As part of the Sunflower program, Sesame Place staff, known as “ambassadors,” will receive accessibility training resources.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sesame Place as the first theme park in the United States to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. Sesame Place has committed time and passion to implement the training to ensure that Sunflower wearers are recognized by their ambassadors to receive the additional support, understanding and kindness they may need,” said Lynn Smith, regional director for the Sunflower program in the United States.

The new offering will augment existing disability accommodations at Sesame Place Philadelphia, officials said.

Sesame Place Philadelphia was also the first destination of its kind to be designated as a Certified Autism Center meaning that there are sensory guides, quiet rooms as well as other resources and staff are trained to assist those with autism.

“Sesame Place Philadelphia is proud to be an industry leader in accessibility,” said Cathy Valeriano, president of Sesame Place Philadelphia. “Our new program furthers the park’s commitment to providing an inclusive environment and helps create memorable, meaningful experiences for our guests.”

This article was published in Disability Scoop November 1, 2024 by Shaun Heasley

As always, we greatly appreciate any support that our subscribers can provide as these donations directly impact our residents every day!

Thank you for being a part of the Hartwood Family!