International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) worked with Vans to review its planned autism awareness shoe collection. Vans introduced the new sensory inclusive footwear as part of the Autism Awareness Collection, for which IBCCES reviewed the design, palette, and messaging as part of its certification process.

With this project, Vans wanted  to celebrate the unique aspects of all people. Designed specifically with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in mind, the ultra-comfortable footwear collection is offered with sensory-inclusive elements including a calming color palette and design features that focus on the senses of touch, sign and sound. The collection is now available online.

A portion of the proceeds (minimum of $100,000) from sales of the collection will benefit the A.skate Foundation, which introduces skateboarding to kids with Autism through acceptance, therapy and education. A.skate holds clinics for children on the spectrum at no cost to the families, provides grants to children with autism for skateboarding gear, as well as promote awareness and educates families about the therapeutic benefits of skateboarding. The proceeds from this collection will enable A.skate to teach 4,000 children with autism how to skateboard and further builds on the inclusive and creative culture of skateboarding.