Al Madinah Al Munawwarah is proud to be the pioneer in Saudi Arabia, offering an environment tailored for autistic and neurodivergent individuals. Join us in creating a welcoming community for all.
المدينة المنورة – معًا نبني مجتمعًا يحتضن الجميع
Discover a city where inclusivity meets innovation
What is an Autism Certified City™️ (ACC)?
The Autism Certified City™ ️designation, awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), signifies a community’s commitment to inclusivity.
This certification ensures that key stakeholders, from healthcare and education to hospitality and local government, are trained and certified to support autistic and neurodivergent individuals.
Al Madinah Al Munawwarah is set to become a beacon of accessibility, offering enhanced services and experiences for both residents and visitors.
Explore Al Madinah Al Munawwarah’s Certified Sites
استكشف المواقع المعتمدة في المدينة المنورة
Discover the key areas in Medina that are part of the Autism Certified City™️ initiative.
From hospitals to tourist attractions, learn how Al Madinah Al Munawwarah is reshaping its landscape to be more inclusive and welcoming.
Browse our detailed map to find certified locations and see how each sector contributes to making Al Madinah Al Munawwarah a more accessible city for everyone.
Al-Madinah’s Efforts Across Key Sectors
Al-Madinah’s transformation into the world’s first Autism Certified City™ showcases its efforts across key sectors such as education, healthcare, government services, hospitality, transportation, and security to enhance accessibility and inclusion for autistic individuals.
- Education
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Education
Educators and school personnel, such as bus drivers and paraprofessionals, are trained to identify and support autistic students and those with other cognitive differences, fostering an inclusive learning environment.
- Healthcare
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Healthcare
Medical professionals, including physicians and therapists, receive specialized training to improve patient experiences and outcomes for autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals. Hospitals and clinics are better equipped to serve and connect with the community, ensuring accurate diagnoses and effective care.
- Public Safety
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Public Safety
Law enforcement officers, first responders, and public transportation drivers receive training to interact positively and effectively with autistic individuals and other sensory disorders, ensuring safety and understanding.
- Workplace Inclusivity
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Workplace Inclusivity
Employers learn strategies to manage, attract, and retain a neurodiverse workforce, including autistic individuals, ADHD, dyslexia, and anxiety. Support and inclusion in hiring and management are critical to ensure individuals of all abilities can be successful, helping organizations be competitive, effective, and profitable by tapping into an underutilized talent pool.
- Tourism
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Tourism
Hotels, restaurants, theaters, family entertainment centers, museums, zoos, aquariums, theme parks, and other venues undergo training to better serve autistic guests, enhancing customer service and guest experiences. This training allows these organizations to attract and serve more families, increasing staff empowerment and morale.
Local Partners
الشركاء المحليين
المدينة المنورة – Al Madinah Al Munawwarah: A City of Heritage, Faith, and Progress
Al Madinah Al Munawwarah المدينة المنورة, holds a central place in Islamic history as the city that welcomed the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and became the foundation for the spread of Islam. Known for its sacred mosques, historical sites, and a strong sense of community, Medina is a beacon of spiritual and cultural significance.
Throughout its rich history, Al Madinah Al Munawwarah has been a symbol of unity, compassion, and progress. As one of the holiest cities in Islam, it draws millions of visitors annually, all seeking a connection to its heritage. This deep-rooted tradition of welcoming people from all walks of life makes Al Madinah Al Munawwarah an ideal leader in inclusivity and accessibility.
By pursuing the Autism Certified City designation, Al Madinah Al Munawwarah is expanding its legacy of hospitality and care to a new dimension. This initiative reflects Al Madinah Al Munawwarah’s commitment to ensuring that every resident and visitor, including those with autism and other cognitive differences, can fully experience and engage with the city’s offerings.
Voices of the Community
أصوات المجتمع
The Accessibility App
Every person of determination may have different needs, and they know best what works for them – the IBCCES Accessibility App is a location-based platform that makes finding accessible businesses and public locations easy for people of all abilities, making it easier for you to empower visitors before they enter your location.
- IAC – Streamline accommodation requests at amusement parks and attractions.
- Travel – Sunflower and IBCCES have partnered to offer travelers a variety of methods to identify their accessibility needs at major airports and travel caters.
- Vision – Direct access to live human visual assistant for navigation.
- Healthcare – Access to certified healthcare facilities and certified therapist in the region.
- Employment – Access to local jobs targeted for people of all abilities.