Never Quit Dreaming (NQD), an organization dedicated to providing enriching experiences for individuals of all abilities, has renewed its Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation. This certification, awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to offering a welcoming and inclusive environment for autistic individuals and those with sensory sensitivities.
In this episode of the Accessibility Champions Podcast, we sit down with Melissa Chung, Director of Spa Leisure and Aquatics at Studio City, Macau. Melissa shares their inspiring journey in transforming Studio City as Macau’s first Certified Autism Center™, she also shares how training and awareness have impacted her colleagues to become advocates of accessibility.
In this episode, we sit down with Sophie Blondel, General Manager at The H Dubai, to discuss her valuable insights and advice on making significant changes in hospitality organizations to promote accessibility and inclusivity. Sophie shares how The H Dubai is working with the community on various initiatives to support people of determination and promote accessibility, and how they became the first Certified Autism Center™ hotel in Dubai.
In this episode of the Accessibility Champions Podcast, Dr. Geraldine Naidoo sits down with Gisele Clark, a distinguished hotel manager with over 25 years of international experience in the hospitality industry. Currently serving as the hotel manager at Hilton Dubai The Walk, Gisele shares her journey and insights into promoting diversity and inclusion within the hospitality sector. From pioneering initiatives that celebrate diverse talents to spearheading inclusive recruitment and training programs, Gisele’s commitment to creating welcoming environments for all is truly inspiring.
This week on the Accessibility Champions podcast, we’ll sit down with Andy Cuthbert, General Manager of Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, as he shares the remarkable journey of Jumeirah Creekside Hotel becoming the first Jumeirah property to receive the Certified Autism Center™ designation.
On this week’s episode of Accessibility Champions podcast, join us as we touch down at Dubai Airports, a global leader in accessible travel. Fatma Taher, Government Agenda Manager, will share with us their innovative services for all abilities, including the travel planner, sunflower lanyards, and autism-friendly routes. We’ll also explore how Dubai International Airport became the first international airport to achieve Certified Autism Center™ status.
Sesame Place Philadelphia and Sesame Place San Diego proudly announce their renewed commitment to the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation, as well as continuing to enhance the onsite experience for guests. The CAC is a certification awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to organizations who complete training requirements and offer accommodations for autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors.
In this episode, we delve into the world of adventure tourism with Frank Raubenheimer, Director of Operations at Aventura Parks. Frank shares his insights into how Aventura has become a certified Autism Center™ making it the first attraction in the Middle East to achieve this status. He discusses the development of in-depth programs for guests with sensory needs and emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in adventure tourism, highlighting the impact of accessible adventure parks on transforming experiences for people of determination.
In this episode, we sit down with Sascha Triemer, Vice President of Marine & Water Parks at Atlantis Dubai, as he shares his journey from executive chef to overseeing Atlantis’ waterpark operations. Sascha discusses Aquaventure’s achievement as the first waterpark in the Middle East to attain Certified Autism Center™ status and highlights the importance of providing a great guest experience for all. He emphasizes the need for continuous education and cultural competence in the hospitality and entertainment industry, reflecting his passion for accessibility.
In this episode of the Accessibility Champions Podcast, we interview Jeff Strachan of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism regarding the initiative to position Dubai as the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere. We discuss the importance of accessibility in tourism, focusing on hidden disabilities like autism. Jeff shares the DET’s efforts to train tourism staff, provide transparent information for families affected by autism, and create employment opportunities for people of determination. He emphasizes the significance of listening to customer feedback and the power of empathy in driving accessibility progress globally.
