As Dubai steps confidently into its role as a Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) with IBCCES, the voices of families impacted by autism are vital in painting the full picture of progress. One of those voices belongs to Shelove Zaongo Simeon, a Dubai-based mother of two children, one of whom is autistic, whose story is both a reflection of how far the city has come and a reminder of how far awareness and inclusion can take us.

A City on the Right Path

When Shelove first heard that Dubai was becoming a Certified Autism Destination™, she was surprised, not because it was unexpected, but because it felt like it should have happened already. She notes that the city has already laid significant groundwork with legislation and community support aimed at people of determination (POD). By working with IBCCES to certify key attractions, public spaces, and hospitality services, Dubai is making an intentional, system-wide shift toward inclusivity and, with autism diagnosis rates rising globally, Shelove sees this step as both smart and necessary. It’s not just about raising awareness anymore. It’s about real, actionable inclusion.

Shifting Perspectives and Opening Doors

Shelove has seen firsthand how mindsets in Dubai are shifting. Where once there was hesitation or even exclusion, there is now understanding, compassion, and practical support. In earlier years, Shelove faced challenges when trying to include her daughter in everyday activities. Some organizations were unsure how to interact with or accommodate autistic individuals, leading to missed opportunities for engagement. Today, however, she sees an encouraging shift. Thanks to government-led awareness campaigns and the CAD initiative, there is a broader understanding among both the public and businesses that inclusion isn’t just possible, it’s necessary. And these shifts aren’t limited to specialized programs. Even at everyday places like restaurants, she’s noticed a growing empathy where staff are more open and even offer help and assistance before she asks.

The Power of Certification: Legoland and Beyond

One standout example for Shelove has been her family’s visits to Certified Autism Centers™ (CACs) such as LEGOLAND Dubai. The experience offered more than sensory accommodations, it provided a sense of dignity and understanding. The thoughtful design of spaces, the training of staff, and the attention to families’ needs created an environment where her children felt included and supported, without having to explain or apologize for behaviors linked to their autism.

For families like Shelove’s, these experiences go far beyond entertainment; they offer rare moments of ease and connection in public spaces. The human element, combined with logistical accessibility (like sensory rooms and quiet zones), allows families to fully participate in community life. IBCCES creates sensory guides during each CAC’s audit process; these guides allow autistic or sensory-sensitive individuals and their families to be aware of expected sensory outputs held within each exhibit, location, or attraction area. This allows autistic individuals to make informed choices about their entertainment options.

Inclusion Without Isolation

Before initiatives like CAD, daily outings were often stressful or avoided altogether. Parents of autistic children can face judgment or misunderstanding in public, which can lead to feelings of isolation. But now, with more awareness and certified venues, there’s a growing sense of freedom. Families can venture out more confidently, knowing that their children are welcome, understood, and accommodated.

This shift also eases the emotional load on parents, who often carry the responsibility of managing both their children’s needs and the reactions of others. In a place like Dubai, where many families may not have extended support systems due to being expatriates, community inclusion plays a critical role.

Building a More Inclusive Community

The core of Dubai’s success lies in its ability to combine high standards of accessibility with a genuine cultural embrace of inclusion. Certification through IBCCES ensures that businesses are not only meeting basic criteria but are also engaging in ongoing training and evaluations. These efforts equip staff to interact meaningfully with autistic individuals, ensuring consistent and compassionate service.

Still, there’s room to grow. One of Shelove’s hopes is for better access to information about what places are autism-certified and what accommodations are available. Shelove believes that accessibility should always be paired with visibility. While Dubai’s infrastructure and policies are improving, access to clear, centralized information about certified locations and available accommodations remains an area for growth. IBCCES is helping to support this need for information with a free accessibility app to help families find Certified Autism Centers and other supportive services and locations across the globe.

A Destination Worth Visiting

Dubai’s dedication to becoming a CAD isn’t just improving the lives of its residents, it’s also catching the attention of international travelers. For families navigating autism, the promise of accessible attractions, trained staff, and sensory-friendly spaces can be a deciding factor when planning vacations.

Many families who have grown comfortable with Dubai’s inclusive atmosphere feel apprehensive about traveling elsewhere, knowing that similar accommodations might not exist. This underscores how critical it is for more cities and countries to follow Dubai’s lead, and why global adoption of programs like CAD can be so impactful.

Looking Ahead

Dubai’s journey as a CAD is still evolving, and there is great potential for growth. With more businesses becoming certified, improved access to information, and continued community education, the foundation for an inclusive society is becoming stronger by the day.

As more voices like Shelove’s are heard, the path forward becomes clearer: one where families feel safe, supported, and valued—where public spaces are designed not just to include, but to celebrate every kind of mind.

Conclusion

Dubai’s path to becoming a CAD isn’t just about designations or checklists; it’s about the people and families who feel seen, understood, and welcomed because of it. For Shelove and many others, this initiative is more than a milestone; it’s a lifeline.

And as Dubai continues to grow in inclusivity, it sets an inspiring example for cities worldwide: true accessibility begins with awareness, but thrives on empathy.

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.