Mercy E.
CAS, Behavioral/Communication Therapist
AUG
The St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce and its Ponte Vedra Visitors Information Center, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors & Convention Bureau (VCB), in collaboration with Old Town Trolley Tours® & Attractions of St. Augustine, proudly announce their achievement as Certified Autism Centers™ (CAC). These certifications, granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), reflect the commitment of these organizations to welcome and support autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors. The certification program is funded with a matching grant from the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council. The St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce is proud to be working with the County on reviewing grant applications from tourism and hospitality businesses who apply. Members of the Grant Review Committee are Stephen Hudson, Committee Chair from Digital Mark; Todd Hickey, Committee Member from Marriott Sawgrass, and Erin Wallner, Committee member from Flagler Health+.
The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), proudly announces that Upper Allen Township – Parks has achieved the Certified Autism Centerâ„¢ (CAC) designation. This designation makes Upper Allen Township the first parks department in Pennsylvania to receive this accreditation, solidifying their commitment to inclusivity and providing more accessible recreational spaces for all.
The Fort Ben Branch of The Indianapolis Public Library is the first library branch in the state of Indiana to become a Certified Autism Centerâ„¢ by receiving an international autism accreditation through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). Library staff at the Fort Ben branch have completed training to better understand the educational, behavioral, social, and emotional needs of autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals necessary to attain this certification. The branch also underwent an on-site review by IBCCES to provide additional insights and recommendations to enhance accessibility, including creating sensory guides in Library areas. Â
By Alex Stratikis, Autistic Traveler & Founder of Autism Adventures Aboard
Instagram: @autismadventuresabroad
Palm Desert’s largest resort hotel, JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, is proud to become an autism accessible hotel, ensuring inclusive options are now available for its global visitors. This important designation marks the iconic property’s place as the first CAC-certified hotel in Greater Palm Springs as well as the first JW Marriott to gain certification.
Delta Hotels by Marriott Phoenix Mesa proudly announces its successful recertification as a Certified Autism Centerâ„¢ (CAC) through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This achievement reaffirms the hotel’s dedication to serving the autism and sensory-sensitive community, furthering the inclusive initiatives pioneered by Visit Mesa, which designated Mesa as the first-ever Autism Certified City.
Best Western Plus ClockTower Inn and Stella’s Kitchen & Bakery of Billings, Montana earns the Certified Autism Centerâ„¢ certification through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). By earning this designation, both establishments have demonstrated their commitment to providing more inclusive and accommodating experiences for autistic and sensory sensitive individuals and their families.
Boeing Mesa’s BDS Fabrication Unit Earns Certified Neurodiverse Workplace (CNW) Designation
Another Boeing department has joined the growing neurodiverse workplace community with the company’s BDS Fabrication Unit’s earning a Certified Neurodiverse Workplace™ (CNW) designation. Following in the footsteps of Boeing’s Mesa-based electrical department, the company’s fabrication unit has become more welcoming to professionals with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other differences.