The premier tool for individuals and families needing accommodations, the IBCCES Accessibility App puts every certified organization and location within the Cognitive Care Zone in your pocket. Free, easy to use, and built with community cognitive care at its center. FREE to download on the App Store and Google Play.
Welcome to Cognitive Care Zone™ Arizona
Making life more accessible for everyone living with cognitive differences or conditions through community-wide accreditation, training and certified business partners.
1 in 5
Adults have a diagnosed mental health condition
1 in 31
Children in the US has autism
1 in 9
Adults aged 65+ has Alzheimer’s
20+ Years
of global expertise held by IBCCES
Become a Leader in Your Community
As an Organization Dedicated to Making Life More Accessible
What Is a Cognitive Care Zone™?
The Arizona Cognitive Care Zone™ initiative brings together residents, organizations, and industry leaders to remove barriers for people with cognitive differences and conditions.
Built on the global standards of IBCCES, the Cognitive Care Zone pairs community-wide engagement with rigorous business accreditation, ensuring every interaction across our city becomes a moment of dignity, understanding, and care.
Who we serve:
From early childhood diagnoses to age-related conditions, we help build inclusive environments and trained workforces ready to welcome every neighbor.
Cognitive Conditions Addressed in the Cognitive Care Zone™:
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Neurological conditions – Including Alzheimer’s and Dementia
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Autism & Sensory Sensitivities
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Down Syndrome
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Neurodiversity – Including ADHD and Dyslexia
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Mental Health – Including Anxiety, Depression & Suicide
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TBI & Stroke
Requirements to Be a Cognitive Care Zone
- Buy-in from citizens by signing the Cognitive Care Zone™ Personal Pledge and completing one action.
- A significant number of employers in the community must complete one of the qualified certification programs.
- A large number of educational facilities complete one of the qualified certification programs.
Program Accreditations
Five Paths. One Inclusive Arizona.
Cognitive Care Zone creates change at both the community and business level — so accessibility shows up everywhere people live, learn, work and play.
Healthcare | Travel & Hospitality | Transportation | Public Safety
Cognitive Care Accreditation™
Organizations that hold Cognitive Care Accreditation have been trained and certified to provide support to individuals living with a wide range of cognitive conditions, such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, ADHD, and autism, while they visit the organization. These organizations are committed to providing conscientious service and accommodations so these individuals and their families are included and can thrive in their community.
Healthcare | Tourism | Transportation | Public Safety | Education
Certified Autism Center™
Organizations that achieve the Certified Autism Center™ designation have completed specialized training and certification focused on supporting autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals and their families. These organizations are committed to creating inclusive environments through staff education, sensory awareness, and accommodations that help every guest, patient, student, or visitor feel understood, welcomed, and supported throughout their experience.
Healthcare | Education
Down Syndrome Center of Excellence™
Organizations that earn the Down Syndrome Center of Excellence™ designation have completed specialized training focused on supporting individuals with Down syndrome and their families through inclusive practices, communication strategies, and individualized accommodations. These organizations are dedicated to creating welcoming environments where individuals with Down syndrome feel respected, supported, and empowered to fully participate in their community experiences.
Education
Accreditation for Comprehensive Student Wellbeing™
Organizations that achieve Accreditation for Comprehensive Student Wellbeing™ demonstrate a commitment to supporting the academic, emotional, behavioral, and social wellbeing of all students. Through specialized training, resources, and best practices, these institutions equip staff to better recognize and address diverse student needs while fostering inclusive, supportive learning environments where every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Corporate
Certified Neurodiverse Workplace™
Becoming a Certified Neurodiverse Workplace™ helps organizations build a more inclusive, productive, and innovative workforce by equipping leaders and employees with the knowledge and tools to support neurodivergent talent. Through specialized training and best-practice guidance, businesses can improve employee engagement, strengthen retention, expand their talent pool, and create a workplace culture where all team members can thrive. Certification also demonstrates a commitment to accessibility and inclusion, helping organizations enhance their employer brand and meet the evolving expectations of employees, customers, and stakeholders.
The IBCCES Accessibility App™
Navigate Arizona with Confidence
Community Impact
Measurable Change Across Certified Communities & Organizations
Certified Autism Destination™ – Dubai, UAE
International Overnight Visitors in Dubai
5% Year Over Year Increase in Overnight Visitors with 2-3% Spending Increase in Dubai*
As reported by the Government of Dubai, 2025 Tourism Performance Report.
Certified Autism Center™ – The Santa Barbara Zoo
70%
70% Increase in Donations
The Santa Barbara Zoo received a 70% increase in donations to its inclusion fund after receiving certification. Read more in our Impact Study.
Certified Autism Center™ – Rixos Premium Dubai JBR
95%
95% Guest Satisfaction Achieved
Rixos Premium Dubai JBR achieved a 5% increase to a total of 95% guest satisfaction after becoming a Certified Autism Center™. Read more in our Impact Study.
Certified Autism Destination™ – Greater Palm Springs, CA, USA
Visitor Spending by Year in Greater Palm Springs
Year-Over-Year Increase in Visitor Spending on Greater Palm Springs
32% increase in spending from 2021 to 2024. *Source Visit Greater Palm Springs. Greater Palm Springs Tourism Impact 2024
18% of the US population is 65 and older, 61.2 million people, and the number is steadily increasing.
In 11 states the number of older adults outnumbers children and this is expected to increase.
*Source: US Census Bureau. Older Adults Outnumber Children in 11 States and Nearly Half of U.S. Counties
Certified Autism Center™ – Sesame Place Philadelphia
267%
267% Increase in Social Media Engagement + 160% Increase in Website Traffic
Sesame Place Philadelphia saw an extraordinary increase in interest and engagement when they announced their achievement as a Certified Autism Center™, and additionally saw a triple-digit increase in out-of-market guests and group bookings. Read more in our Impact Study.
Certified Autism Center™ – Turning Pointe Autism Foundation
25%
25% Growth in Company Size Since Certification
Turning Pointe Autism Foundation experienced a 25% growth in company size with an expansion in enrollment since becoming a Certified Autism Center™. Read more in our Impact Study.
The Business & Social Case is Undeniable
Community Growth
Communities with inclusive reputations attract higher-quality economic development and talent retention
Systemic Advantage
Healthcare systems, schools, hospitality, and employers in all sectors benefit from trained staff and broader talent pipelines
54%
54% of Community Members Have a Cognitive Condition
This represents a massive, underserved consumer and workforce segment.
Business Benefits
Certified businesses attract loyal customers, reduce staff turnover, and mitigate legal risk
Current Certified Cities, Organizations and Businesses in Arizona
Mesa, Arizona – The World’s First Autism Certified City™
Mesa, AZ, is the first-ever Autism Certified City™ in the world and is dedicated to accessibility and inclusivity for all residents and visitors, with over 60 certified locations throughout the city. Mesa is a destination where adventure, culture, and culinary experiences are limitless.
1 N. MacDonald, Suite 209, Mesa, Arizona 85201
Arizona Office of Tourism
Find your fun in Arizona! The Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT) is a state government executive agency dedicated to developing, implementing, and maintaining research-based marketing programs that promote Arizona’s tourism assets to a global audience, all intending to expand travel activity in the state and strengthening Arizona’s economy.
1110 W Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Boeing Defense Systems (BDS) Fabrication – Mesa
The Boeing Mesa Fabrication Centers are building an inclusive team that plays a key role in helping refine and sharpen the way BDS Fabrication builds products. The centers work alongside a specialized fulfillment center onsite, in which neurodivergent members perform a number of duties in order to enhance point-of-use supplies for Fabrication technicians.
5000 E McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Benedictine University
Benedictine University is the only four-year private Catholic university in the state of Arizona. Benedictine is an inclusive academic community dedicated to teaching and learning, scholarship and service, truth and justice, as inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, social teachings of the church, and the wisdom of St. Benedict.
225 E. Main St., Mesa, Arizona 85201
City of Surprise Fire-Medical Department
The Surprise Fire-Medical Department is “Always There, Always Ready” to protect and preserve life and property within the city of Surprise, Arizona. Surprise Fire-Medical is committed to providing the highest quality care and fastest response times possible to ensure the safety of the community.
14250 W. Statler Plaza, #101, Surprise, AZ 85374
Polaris Academy, LC
Polaris Academy is a Private K-12 school for autistic and neurodivergent children. Our mission is to empower parents and students by creating academic and social resources to help children navigate towards a more purposeful, independent, and fulfilling future.
2913 N Power Rd., Suite 108, Mesa, AZ 85215
City of Sedona – Parks and Recreation
The City of Sedona Parks and Recreation is your community connection for outdoor recreation, swimming lessons, youth and adult sports, programs, concerts, special events, city parks, dog park, and much more. Spend your free time with us at one of our many amenities!
102 Roadrunner Drive, Sedona, Arizona, United States 86326
City of Tempe
Tempe is home to Arizona State University, Tempe Town Lake, and the famous Mill Avenue. Customer-facing departments that completed the Certified Autism Center training include the Tempe Police Department, Tempe Fire Medical Rescue, Employee Development, Kid Zone Enrichment Center, and Community Services.
Tempe, AZ, United States
Heavens Urgent Care
Heavens Urgent Care is proud to serve Pinal County, Maricopa County, and the surrounding areas. We care for people of all ages, with expertise in caring for older patients with complex medical conditions. We believe in caring for patients and families with the highest quality of care and compassion.
95 S Idaho Rd., Apache Junction, Arizona, 85119
View All IBCCES Certified Organizations
Learn How Your Organization Can Become a Part of the Arizona Cognitive Care Zone™ Through Certification
Fill out the form below to connect with a Certification Advisor for more information. An advisor will be in contact with you via phone as soon as possible.
