The Town of Florence is now a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC), a designation granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). The CAC designation is awarded to organizations or municipalities that have completed autism training and certification to better understand and welcome autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors.
The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) recognizes the Goodyear Police Department as a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) after completing an autism-specific training and certification process. IBCCES awards this designation to organizations that prove their ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all, including autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals, and making safety accessible for everyone.
The Payson Police Department becomes a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) after receiving a specialized training program from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This training and certification process will enhance officer and staff knowledge and understanding of best practices to assist autistic and sensory-sensitive members of the community.
FatCats Mesa, a family entertainment center, proudly announces its distinction as a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC), granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). Through specialized training and certification provided by IBCCES, the team at FatCats Mesa has gained an in-depth understanding of autism and acquired effective communication techniques to better serve their autistic and sensory sensitive customers. IBCCES also conducted an onsite review to provide additional ways the entertainment center can accommodate visitors and create detailed sensory guides for each area as part of the certification process.
Since becoming Certified Autism Centers™ (CAC) in 2019, Arizona Museum of Natural History, i.d.e.a. Museum, Mesa Arts Center, Mesa Public Library’s Dobson Ranch branch and Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities are important partners in maintaining Mesa’s designation as an Autism Certified City. Recently, these art and cultural centers renewed their commitment to meeting the CAC standards, designated by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), which require staff to complete a training and certification program to better understand and welcome guests and their families that are autistic or sensory-sensitive. As part of the certification, IBCCES conducted an onsite review of each center to provide additional recommendations on how they can accommodate visitors.
Queen Creek Parks and Recreation, in an effort to be more accommodating to visitors and residents with autism, has completed a training and certification program through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). Earning the designation of Certified Autism Center (CAC) ensures that the staff of Queen Creek are better equipped to help create an inclusive environment in community spaces. As part of the certification process, IBCCES also reviewed key parks and community resources and will be providing additional information and guides for visitors and residents to the area.
“Queen Creek strives to be an inclusive community for people of all abilities,” shared Queen Creek Mayor Gail Barney. “This certification is an important milestone towards that goal. It better prepares our staff to interact with individuals with autism, enhancing their experience at our parks and in our programs. We are committed to providing quality programs and services for the entire community and are excited to achieve this designation to better serve Queen Creek.”
House of Refuge is joining the Mesa Autism Initiative, connecting to an expanding network of organizations that have earned the Certified Autism Center (CAC) designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). A faith-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, House of Refuge has been helping families experiencing homelessness in the East Valley for over 20 years by providing transitional housing and wrap-around support services. These services, coupled with the stability provided by housing, provide families with the foundation and resources needed to achieve self-sufficiency and obtain permanent housing.
