Hidden Disabilities Sunflower and The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) join forces in a strategic partnership in the US to increase accessibility options for the invisible disability community. This collaboration seeks to expand offerings and reach for individuals with hidden disabilities, enhancing their access to resources and support when looking for travel and entertainment options. Both organizations offer services globally that promote increased awareness, inclusivity, and accessibility for invisible disabilities. This partnership will enhance the reach of IBCCES and Hidden Disabilities Sunflower’s networks to increase acceptance and broaden access to such services and resources.

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower (HDS) was established with the purpose of supporting individuals with non-visible disabilities or conditions that might not be immediately apparent. To accomplish this goal, the organization created a green lanyard with sunflowers for individuals to discreetly inform others that they have a non-visible condition and that they might require additional support, understanding or time. Globally, businesses across a variety of sectors have joined the effort to increase accessibility and support those with non-visible disabilities. 

IBCCES has been the leader in cognitive disorder training and certification for healthcare, education, and corporate professionals around the globe for more than 20 years. More families and individuals are seeking out travel, entertainment and recreational options that have completed a certification program through an accredited source. IBCCES is the only global credentialing board providing travel and entertainment organizations with training and certification from subject-matter experts and autistic self-advocates, and other resources, as well as long-term support that helps them understand how to better accommodate and assist autistic or sensory-sensitive visitors and their families.

IBCCES also created AutismTravel.com, a free online resource for families that lists certified destinations and connects families to other resources and each other. Each destination listed on the site has met the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) requirements.

About Hidden Disabilities Sunflower: 

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a simple tool for you to voluntarily share that you have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent – and that you may need a helping hand, understanding, or more time in shops, at work, on transport, or in public spaces. Since its launch in 2016, businesses from every sector have been joining the global Sunflower network – ranging from retail, travel and tourism, transport including over 200 airports – as well as railway networks, coach and bus services and ferries, education (universities, schools and colleges), healthcare, central and local government agencies to football teams, theme parks, theatres and financial institutions.  

About IBCCES: 

Committed to providing 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.