Alligator Attraction recently completed training and certification in autism to become a Certified Autism Center™ through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education (IBCCES).
“Our mission is education and conservation; to become a Certified Autism Center™ allows us to reach all audiences large and small,” said Sonny Flynn, managing partner. “We strongly believe in giving back to the community and in the words of Mahatma Gandhi, ‘The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the services of others.’”
Alligator Attraction is in Madeira Beach, Florida, and is home to over 200 unique and interesting animal species. Visitors have the opportunity to feed and hold live gators as well as learn about many kinds of native Florida species.
The Certified Autism Center™ designation is awarded to organizations that have shown a commitment to ongoing training and certification in autism. The certification requires staff to complete research-based autism and sensory awareness training to ensure they can better accommodate guests with autism or other sensory needs. Alligator Attraction joins a growing list of Certified Autism Centers in the US and overseas.
“To see more organizations and attractions going above and beyond to make sure they are providing a welcoming environment for all guests is inspiring. We look forward to what this certification will mean to Alligator Attraction’s visitors and how it will influence their future programs and initiatives,” said Myron Pincomb, Board Chairman at IBCCES.
For almost 20 years, IBCCES has been the industry leader in autism and cognitive disorder training and certification for healthcare professionals and educators around the globe. IBCCES recognized that many families and individuals who have special needs have limited travel options. In response to this need, IBCCES created training and certification programs specifically for the hospitality and travel industry. The term “autism friendly” means different things to different people, and there are still relatively few trained and certified recreation options for parents and individuals looking for destinations able to accommodate their needs. Increasingly, parents are seeking out organizations that have completed certification and professional review as they search for options.
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About Alligator Attraction
Florida is home to some of the most unique and interesting animal species, and Alligator Attraction is the ultimate destination to meet these species up close and personal. Our Hands-On Adventures create memories and photo opportunities that will last a lifetime. We work hard to create an inviting atmosphere for children (and adults!) to learn about and interact with amazing reptiles and amphibians. We love these creatures and hope you will too!
About IBCCES:
Delivering the Global Standard For Training and Certification in The Field of Cognitive Disorders –IBCCES provides a series of certifications that empower professionals to be leaders in their field and improve the outcomes for the individuals they serve. These programs are recognized around the world as the leading benchmark for training and certification in the areas of autism and other cognitive disorders. As the only training and certification program endorsed by The Autism Society of America, one of the largest grassroots autism organizations in the world, IBCCES is committed to increasing the quality of life and services provided to individuals on the spectrum.
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