Jennifer F.
CATP, Parent of an autistic child, Travel Advisor
MAY
The National Museum of the Great Lakes proudly announces the recent completion of autism training and certification through IBCCES designating them as a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC). The museum joins a growing movement initiated by Destination Toledo to attract more travelers to the destination. To meet CAC requirements, staff completed training and certification to better assist and welcome autistic or sensory-sensitive visitors and their families.
Hartley Drive Family YMCA’s aquatics department in High Point, North Carolina, is now a Certified Autism Center™, giving it the tools necessary to better assist autistic individuals and their families. Their staff has undergone an in-depth position-specific training program that has provided them with the information they need to make the YMCA pool experience more accessible for those who are sensory-sensitive or autistic.
The Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory is now a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC), a designation granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). It is awarded to organizations that complete training and certification to better understand and welcome autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors and their families. As part of the certification process, IBCCES also conducted an onsite review to provide additional ways the Library and Observatory can accommodate visitors and create sensory guides for each area.
Since being awarded the Certified Autism Center™ accolade in 2020, Hyland Hills Water World has expanded its accessibility efforts to ensure all guests can enjoy the water park. Recently the team completed International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) Certified Autism Center™ recertification process which requires 80% or more of all public-facing staff complete a training and certification program to better understand and welcome autistic or sensory-sensitive guests and their families. With 1 in 6 people having a sensory need or sensitivity and 1 in 36 children diagnosed with autism in the United States, the demand for more trained and certified options like Water World is at an all-time high.
Adlera Lab earns the Certified Autism Center™ certification, which marks the first medical laboratory to become autism certified. This accolade means that staff have undergone specialized training to better understand and accommodate autistic or sensory-sensitive individuals during their visit to their laboratory facility. This certification is awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), and it ensures that autistic individuals and their families can receive high-quality care and support. The Lab joins other autism-certified Alluvion Health locations to enhance services and options for the Great Falls community.
High Point has become the first Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) on the east coast and the second CAD in the United States. This distinction is awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) and recognizes High Point’s commitment to making its attractions, hotels, restaurants, and public spaces accessible and welcoming to autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals and their families.