The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) renews the Mettu Children’s Hospital at Pikeville Medical Center’s (PMC) Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation. To renew the credential, at least 80% of the children’s hospital’s patient-facing staff completed up-to-date training to help them best support, assist, and care for every child, especially autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals and their families.
The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) awards the Certified Autism Center™ credential to Jimmy John’s® Palm Desert, owned and operated by B.R. Murphy Enterprises, Inc., recognizing their efforts to create a welcome and inclusive environment for every customer, especially individuals with autism and sensory-sensitivities.
The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) proudly renews the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation for Best Western Plus Clocktower Inn and Stella’s Kitchen and Bakery. To renew the credential, staff at Best Western Plus Clocktower Inn and Stella’s Kitchen and Bakery completed updated autism and sensory training, providing them with knowledge and understanding of best practices and skills to welcome every guest, especially autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors and their families.
The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) proudly announces The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage has achieved designation as a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC). Guest-facing staff at the resort completed autism-specific training to enhance their understanding of best practices and skills to welcome, include and assist autistic and sensory-sensitive guests. IBCCES also conducted an on-site review to provide additional recommendations and create sensory guides for the resort.
The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) renews the Fort Ben Branch of the Indianapolis Public Library’s designation as a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC). To maintain this certification, guest-facing staff at the library completed updated training to enhance their knowledge and learn best practices to support autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals. The Fort Ben Branch became the first public library in Indiana to become a Certified Autism Center™ when it opened in 2023.
The Autism Parents Platform (APP) has been officially designated as a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This achievement highlights the platform’s ongoing commitment to providing inclusive, compassionate, and knowledgeable support for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.
The Certified Autism Center™ designation is awarded to organizations that have trained at least 80% of their staff in autism-specific training through IBCCES. This specialized training focuses on best practices, communication strategies, and understanding sensory sensitivities—empowering professionals to create more accessible and supportive environments.
The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) renews Courtyard by Marriott High Point’s designation as a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC). Staff completed autism-specific training to equip them with an understanding of up-to-date best practices and skills to best welcome and accommodate every guest that visits the hotel, especially autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals and their families.
In an inspiring conversation with Alanood Alhashemi, Chief Human Capital Officer at Dubai Holding Entertainment, we gain insight into how a personal story, visionary leadership, and a commitment to inclusivity have led the organization to play a key role in Dubai’s transformation into a Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD). The journey, supported by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), is more than a certification; it’s a cultural movement.
For Alhashemi, the decision to pursue the Certified Autism Center (CAC) designation began with a phone call from her CEO. Her boss had met Myron Pincomb, CEO and Chairman of the Board at IBCCES, and it had inspired him to introduce the vision of training and certification to the company and its affiliates. Alhashemi was immediately on board, as she related the autism diagnosis of one of her family members, which brought this need close to home. This initial spark quickly aligned with a broader vision and Dubai’s ambition, led by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision, to become the most accessible city in the world.
For Dubai Holding Entertainment, the certification was more than a badge, it was a pledge of inclusion. “The certification is not only a paper,” Alhashemi emphasizes, “it is a commitment, it is proof that we are including those people in our society. We want them to feel that they belong… so we are proud to say that we are certified with IBCCES in most of our assets.”
Internally, the initiative was met with enthusiasm. Alhashemi notes that Dubai Holding prioritizes the hiring of staff who are driven to acquire and utilize knowledge, and although this training was new to them, they were enthusiastic about it. Most of the organization’s staff underwent the training and certification provided by IBCCES. The training, she says, wasn’t dry or overly technical; it was engaging, practical, and most importantly, human. The training helped the team see beyond the technicalities and focus on empathy and respect. After attending the training, they are more confident in assisting all guests.
The commitment goes beyond training. Dubai Holding Entertainment hosted its own Inclusion Week at the Dubai Design District, creating what Alhashemi calls a “shelter of inclusion.” With the support of IBCCES, the team distributed sensory bags to guests, a gesture that created meaningful engagement with families and individuals who often face sensory challenges. The highlight of the week was when Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum visited their booth, accentuating the growing attention and validation the initiative is receiving. “We were the only ones there talking about people of determination,” Alhashemi notes proudly, “all the others there were talking about innovation, or creativity, but we tackled this segment from the society.”
Alhashemi describes the certification as having a ripple effect across company culture. “It has brought our employees closer to our vision and mission,” she says. “This is always there, and they not only understand what we have done but they also believe in what we are doing”. Alhashemi speaks eloquently about the company’s overall strategy to increase awareness of the issues faced by people of determination and how the training they received through IBCCES raised awareness for employees who are now actively advocating for inclusion. In many ways, the training and certification have caused a shift that has made inclusion part of the company’s core.
When asked about any experiences that autism certification has had for guests, Alhashemi related a deeply personal one. She spoke about how she use to ask if her brother had taken his child to visit one of Dubai Holding’s properties, The Green Planet, a unique indoor rainforest and wildlife encounter exhibit, and her brother would often state that he would like to take his son, but was worried because his son has autism. Now, she says with the training and certification, they are certain that the Green Planet and others are well equipped and well trained to meet the needs of his son, and he looks forward to many upcoming visits. This personal transformation reflects a wider truth: inclusivity changes lives.
Since beginning this journey, Dubai Holding Entertainment has seen a domino effect. At the beginning of the journey, Alhashemi believed that they would certify one or two destinations, but as she took the training and became aware of autism and the growing rate of diagnosis it made her realize how much of a priority accessibility and inclusion needed to be and now they have made a real commitment to move forward and continue to grow with this initiative. She is quick to credit leadership for this edge as well, with a top-down approach coming directly from the CEO. She remarks that now organizations want to make certification a priority, even recalling how Global Village’s leader had stated that they did not want to wait another season for certification. Over five of Dubai Holding’s properties are now certified, and they look forward to more in the coming years.
Dubai’s Certified Autism Destination™ initiative is setting a new global benchmark for accessibility, and Dubai Holding Entertainment is proud to be at its forefront. The number of people and families that this initiative has touched is incredible, and it is only going to continue. The numbers are only one part of the story, however, as Alhashemi reflects on the value of feedback from those guests and their families as the real success story, which should be shared far and wide.
To further support inclusivity efforts, Dubai’s CACs are featured on the IBCCES Accessibility App, which is free to download. This app provides individuals with a variety of disabilities with real-time guidance on certified locations, sensory-friendly spaces, and tailored recommendations. By connecting users to locations worldwide, employment opportunities, and access to several other accessibility resources, the Accessibility App helps individuals with disabilities better navigate life and get the most out of daily activities.
Delivering the global standard for training and certification in the fields of autism, neurodiversity, and accessibility, IBCCES provides a series of certification programs that empower professionals to be leaders in their field and improve the outcomes for the individuals they serve. For over two decades, IBCCES has been a global leader, setting the industry standard in autism and cognitive differences training.
About Dubai Holding
Dubai Holding is a diversified global investment company with operations in 13 countries and employing over 20,000 people. Established in 2004, Dubai Holding touches the lives of millions of Dubai residents and visitors through its extensive portfolio of over AED 130 billion worth of assets that support the diversification and sustainable growth of Dubai’s economy across 10 key sectors: Real Estate, Hospitality, Leisure & Entertainment, Media, ICT, Design, Education, Retail, Manufacturing & Logistics and Science.
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IBCCES is proud to announce the achievement of a major milestone: the designation of Dubai as a Certified Autism Destination™️ (CAD)—a globally recognized benchmark for accessibility. Many organizations across a variety of industries have earned the designation has a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) which ensures that individuals with autism and their families have inclusive and supportive options when visiting. This citywide designation affirms Dubai’s leadership in building inclusive experiences across hospitality, recreation, and public spaces; however, this is only the beginning.
Following this historic achievement, IBCCES is expanding its footprint in the UAE to support a comprehensive vision of inclusion. Our next phase of work will bring the same rigorous standards and impact-driven programs into healthcare, education, the workplace, and technology—furthering our commitment to improving quality of life for People of Determination (POD) throughout the region.
Through strategic collaborations with government authorities and leading private sector partners, IBCCES is driving change across sectors by delivering certification programs rooted not only in awareness—but in depth and clarity. Our approach fosters long-term cultural transformation and measurable outcomes that create lasting value for our partners and the communities they serve.
“Accessibility is not a feature—it’s a foundation,” says Myron Pincomb, board chairman of IBCCES. “Our expansion in the UAE is built on results, not rhetoric. Together with our partners, we’re creating environments that empower People of Determination and redefine what true inclusion means.”
The value of IBCCES programs is already being realized. Partners across industries have reported a tangible return on investment (ROI) post-certification, including enhanced guest experiences, increased visitation, staff retention, and alignment with ESG goals. Our holistic model provides the tools organizations need to lead with purpose and strengthen community trust.
• Inclusive Healthcare: Equipping clinics and hospitals to provide compassionate care through tailored training for medical professionals and caregivers.
• Workplace Accessibility: Supporting employers in hiring, retaining, and promoting POD through structured guidance and certification programs.
• Inclusive Education: Aligning with the UAE Inclusive Education Policy to train educators and promote wellbeing and mental health in schools.
• Tech-Enabled Access: Expanding the IBCCES Accessibility App to connect families with certified services, resources, and inclusive experiences across the UAE.
• Introducing new programs for vision and hearing accessibility, expanding IBCCES’ certification and training beyond cognitive differences to support individuals with a broader range of sensory needs.
IBCCES has already partnered with leading organizations across Dubai and the globe to advance accessibility and inclusive service. Certified and collaborating partners include Dubai Airports, Emirates, Hilton Hotels, Rixos Hotels, Dubai Holding Entertainment, Atlantis Dubai, Emaar Entertainment, Emaar Hospitality, and Dubai Municipality, among others. These partnerships reflect a growing commitment from top brands to create a more inclusive guest and patient experience across travel, hospitality, and healthcare.
As we grow, the demand for our programs continues to surge. Recent POD-focused events have been met with overwhelming enthusiasm, with over 300 families currently on a waiting list to participate. These experiences underscore the community’s need for inclusive opportunities—and our responsibility to scale these efforts with care and commitment.
Reaffirming our shared vision to transform Dubai into the global standard for accessibility. These community events reflect the collective commitment to a future where POD are empowered not just as guests or patients, but as innovators, leaders, and valued members of every community.
IBCCES remains steadfast in its mission to create impact through expert-led training, data-driven certification, and continuous improvement. As our network of certified partners grows, so does the reach and depth of our influence—bridging policy with practice and vision with meaningful action.
Together, we’re not just removing barriers. We’re building a blueprint for inclusive excellence—one that inspires global transformation and ensures People of Determination are at the heart of every innovation.
About IBCCES
Delivering the global standard for training and certification in the fields of autism, neurodiversity, and accessibility – IBCCES provides a series of certification programs that empower professionals to be leaders in their field and improve the outcomes for the individuals they serve. For over two decades, IBCCES has been a global leader, setting the industry standard in autism and cognitive differences training. IBCCES works in over 111 countries and provides training in 8 languages, and its programs have been recognized around the world as the leading benchmark in training and certification.
In addition to individual certification programs, IBCCES partners with cities, destinations, and organizations on initiatives like the Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) and Autism Certified City™ (ACC), ensuring autistic and sensory-sensitive residents and visitors feel welcomed and safe. Destinations that achieve the CAD designation have completed a specialized program that ensures a multitude of recreation, hospitality and entertainment organizations have completed an autism and sensory-sensitivity training, certification and IBCCES facilities review process. The ACC designation expands on that program and includes IBCCES training and certification for the public safety, education, healthcare and workplace sectors.
IBCCES also created the Accessibility App, AutismTravel.com, and CertifiedAutismCenter.com – free resources for individuals with a variety of neurodiversities and disabilities, listing certified locations and connecting individuals to other resources and each other.
Fill out the form below to connect with an advisor to discuss how your organization can become a CAC.
The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) is proud to announce Embassy Suites by Hilton Dubai & Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Business Bay designation as a Certified Autism Center™️ (CAC). This achievement signals the hotel’s commitment to delivering inclusive hospitality for autistic and sensory-sensitive guests, marking a significant step toward broader neurodiversity inclusion in the UAE’s hospitality sector.
