Let’s find your next opportunity​

{{ job.job_posting_title }}
{{item.trim() }} {{item.trim() }} {{item.trim() }}
{{ job.job_posting_title }}

{{ job.is_cms_job ? (job.cities.split(';').length > 1 ? 'Various locations' : job.location_mappings[0]) : (job.location_mappings.length > 1 ? 'Various locations' : job.location_mappings[0]) }}

saved
viewed

Building theme parks for everyone: Bahar’s vision for accessibility

Theme parks should spark joy for everyone who enters their gates. Yet for millions of visitors with disabilities, accessing attractions and navigating spaces can present significant barriers. At AtkinsRéalis, we believe accessibility isn't just good practice - it's fundamental to creating exceptional experiences.

Meet Bahar Jaferzadeh, our Regional Creative Design Lead, who has championed accessible design throughout her career. Her work on Six Flags Qiddiya demonstrates how thoughtful design can create spaces where everyone belongs.

Picture of Bahar posing for a picture

Meet Bahar Jaferzadeh: Designing with purpose

Bahar joined AtkinsRéalis in February 2015 as an architect, beginning her journey in rail design before transitioning to airports and eventually finding her passion in theme parks. For over five years, she has contributed to Six Flags Qiddiya, one of the region's most ambitious entertainment developments.

"My career progression across different sectors has given me a holistic understanding of how accessibility can transform spaces," Bahar reflects. Today, she leads multidisciplinary teams that balance technical excellence, creativity, and inclusivity across world-class entertainment destinations.

Understanding true accessibility

For Bahar, accessibility extends far beyond compliance checklists. "Accessibility means empowerment through design - removing physical, sensory and digital barriers so everyone can participate fully," she explains.

This philosophy challenges a common misconception that accessible features only benefit a small group. Studies consistently show accessible theme parks see a 15-20% increase in attendance from families with members who have disabilities. More importantly, accessible design improvements boost overall customer satisfaction scores by up to 25%.

Bahar emphasises that accessibility should be "embedded at the earliest stages of design so it becomes a natural part of the project's DNA rather than an afterthought." This approach creates environments that enhance usability and comfort for everyone.

Six Flags Qiddiya: Accessibility in action

The Six Flags Qiddiya project showcases how accessible theme parks can set new standards for today’s entertainment industry. Bahar and her team implemented comprehensive accessibility features from the ground up.

Key accessible attractions and design elements include:

  • Step-free routes throughout the park ensuring wheelchair accessibility
  • Inclusive rides designed for visitors with varying mobility needs
  • Sensory-friendly zones providing respite from overwhelming stimuli
  • Clear wayfinding systems supporting navigation for all visitors
  • Digital accessibility ensuring online platforms serve diverse user needs

This dual focus on physical and digital accessibility creates seamless experiences at every touchpoint. Parks with such features report a 30% higher rate of repeat visits among diverse visitor groups, proving that accessibility drives both social impact and business success.

Innovation shaping the future

Theme park accessibility continues evolving through smart technologies and adaptive design. "Innovation is reshaping accessibility through smart technologies, adaptive design, and inclusive policies," Bahar notes.

At Six Flags Qiddiya, accessibility wasn't retrofitted, it drove the overall guest experience design. This forward-thinking approach demonstrates how accessible features can improve safety and ease of navigation for all visitors.

Building inclusion from the ground up

Bahar's vision extends beyond individual projects to workplace culture. She advocates for employee resource groups and listening without assumptions, recognising that "invisible disabilities and unique needs are just as important to address as visible ones."

Her message to those hesitant to share their accessibility needs is clear: "Your voice matters, and it helps us create better spaces for everyone."

The future of theme park design lies in recognising accessibility not as an obligation, but as an opportunity to create extraordinary experiences for all. Through projects like Six Flags Qiddiya, AtkinsRéalis continues demonstrating how technical excellence combined with human-centred design shapes a more embracing entertainment landscape.

Ready to be part of this transformative work? Learn more about joining our team and help us build accessible experiences that empower everyone. 

Related blogs

Finding my place in the environment: a journey through people, places, and purpose

From anthropology to infrastructure, my journey hasn’t been traditional — but it’s been meaningful. Here’s how I found a role where people come first.

Card link for Finding my place in the environment: a journey through people, places, and purpose

Building Tomorrow's Roads: A Journey Through Civil Engineering Excellence

See how purpose-driven engineering transforms travel and strengthens the fabric of our communities.

Card link for Building Tomorrow's Roads: A Journey Through Civil Engineering Excellence

Why project managers are essential to Canada’s growing transportation and energy sectors

Today, demand for project management jobs in Canada is rising rapidly, driven by the scale and complexity of infrastructure and energy projects nationwide.

Card link for Why project managers are essential to Canada’s growing transportation and energy sectors
Engineering work office

Engineering jobs in Ontario that let you innovate, create, and impact

Ontario is one of Canada’s most exciting places to build a career in engineering, a province where bold infrastructure, clean energy transformation, and groundbreaking transit development are reshaping the way communities live, move, and thrive.

Card link for Engineering jobs in Ontario that let you innovate, create, and impact
Image of Ati looking at the camera

Building Tomorrow's Infrastructure: A Journey of Innovation and Impact in Transportation

Learn how Ati builds meaningful impact at AtkinsRéalis by shaping smarter, more connected transportation infrastructure.

Card link for Building Tomorrow's Infrastructure: A Journey of Innovation and Impact in Transportation
Headshot of Mary

Coming home: Why I returned to AtkinsRéalis - a story of culture, values, and growth

Discover how a strong culture and shared purpose make AtkinsRéalis a workplace where careers flourish.

Card link for Coming home: Why I returned to AtkinsRéalis - a story of culture, values, and growth

Building connections beyond roads and bridges

Explore how transportation connects communities and transforms everyday life—beyond roads and bridges.

Card link for Building connections beyond roads and bridges
a smiling winner from the 2025 HackaFuture event

Pushing boundaries: How our Hackathon champions innovation and equity

Discover how AtkinsRéalis HackaFuture set a new standard for innovation and candidate experience

Card link for Pushing boundaries: How our Hackathon champions innovation and equity
three AtkinsRéalis colleagues around a table, smiling and discussing

Civil engineering careers: 5 UK cities to watch in 2026 and beyond

Card link for Civil engineering careers: 5 UK cities to watch in 2026 and beyond
Man in a navy blazer and white shirt posing for a professional portrait.

Shaping the future of mobility: My career as a project manager

From aeronautics to a leading role on Québec’s REM project: How Réjean Perreault found purpose as a civil engineer and project manager at AtkinsRéalis.

Card link for Shaping the future of mobility: My career as a project manager
Headshot image of Josée

Behind the scenes at the symphony: My career as a director of operations at Montréal’s leading concert hall

Discover Josée’s career journey from Scenic services manager to Director of Operations at the Maison symphonique de Montréal, where she ensures everything runs in perfect harmony.

Card link for Behind the scenes at the symphony: My career as a director of operations at Montréal’s leading concert hall
Accessibility that empowers: Giridhar’s story at AtkinsRéalis

Greatly and Brightly: Thriving as a woman in engineering

Irene Seo, P.Eng shares her woman in engineering career journey from an early role in civil engineering to a director role with global influence.

Card link for Greatly and Brightly: Thriving as a woman in engineering

Related jobs

We are sorry there are no jobs that match your exact criteria. Try a new search term, or use the filters to continue browsing for available opportunities.

group of people talking to each other

Everyone belongs

We empower each individual to shine and contribute to our collective impact. We believe in the power of unique perspectives. It’s how we’re engineering a better future every single day.