Aug 13, 2020, Sunbury, PA, The Daily Item: Knoebels adds sensory room for guests with special needs https://www.dailyitem.com/news/knoebels-adds-sensory-room-for-guests-with-special-needs/article_c3e259a2-ddac-11ea-b2bc-0799dce2c42e.html ELYSBURG — Knoebels Amusement Resort introduced for the first time a place for guests with sensory processing needs, using space in the park that has been shut down due to restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The staging area of the closed Lazer Command, near the Haunted Mansion, has been converted to a calming, sensory-friendly place for guests with unique needs, including children, teens and adults with autism. For fourth-generation owner Rick Knoebel, who spearheaded the project, the decision to do so is a personal one: his 12-year-old daughter Ashley Knoebel has autism. …
Knoebel said he took a tour of a sensory room at Sea World Orlando in Florida and wanted to introduce it to the park. Knoebels already observes Autism Awareness Day each year in June, but was unable to do so this year since it was closed until July….
The room includes three bean bag chairs, crayons and paper to color, Legos, fidget spinners and stress balls. More than 1,000 employees are certified through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards in assisting guests with special needs. It was part of hiring and rehiring process this year, said Stacy Ososkie, the public relations manager of Knoebels…
