IBCCES is proud to announce the achievement of a major milestone: the designation of Dubai as a Certified Autism Destination™️ (CAD)—a globally recognized benchmark for accessibility. Many organizations across a variety of industries have earned the designation has a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) which ensures that individuals with autism and their families have inclusive and supportive options when visiting. This citywide designation affirms Dubai’s leadership in building inclusive experiences across hospitality, recreation, and public spaces; however, this is only the beginning.

Following this historic achievement, IBCCES is expanding its footprint in the UAE to support a comprehensive vision of inclusion. Our next phase of work will bring the same rigorous standards and impact-driven programs into healthcare, education, the workplace, and technology—furthering our commitment to improving quality of life for People of Determination (POD) throughout the region.

Through strategic collaborations with government authorities and leading private sector partners, IBCCES is driving change across sectors by delivering certification programs rooted not only in awareness—but in depth and clarity. Our approach fosters long-term cultural transformation and measurable outcomes that create lasting value for our partners and the communities they serve.

“Accessibility is not a feature—it’s a foundation,” says Myron Pincomb, board chairman of IBCCES. “Our expansion in the UAE is built on results, not rhetoric. Together with our partners, we’re creating environments that empower People of Determination and redefine what true inclusion means.”

The value of IBCCES programs is already being realized. Partners across industries have reported a tangible return on investment (ROI) post-certification, including enhanced guest experiences, increased visitation, staff retention, and alignment with ESG goals. Our holistic model provides the tools organizations need to lead with purpose and strengthen community trust.

This new chapter includes initiatives such as:

• Inclusive Healthcare: Equipping clinics and hospitals to provide compassionate care through tailored training for medical professionals and caregivers.

• Workplace Accessibility: Supporting employers in hiring, retaining, and promoting POD through structured guidance and certification programs.

• Inclusive Education: Aligning with the UAE Inclusive Education Policy to train educators and promote wellbeing and mental health in schools.

• Tech-Enabled Access: Expanding the IBCCES Accessibility App to connect families with certified services, resources, and inclusive experiences across the UAE.

•⁠ Introducing new programs for vision and hearing accessibility, expanding IBCCES’ certification and training beyond cognitive differences to support individuals with a broader range of sensory needs.

IBCCES has already partnered with leading organizations across Dubai and the globe to advance accessibility and inclusive service. Certified and collaborating partners include Dubai Airports, Emirates, Hilton Hotels, Rixos Hotels, Dubai Holding Entertainment, Atlantis Dubai, Emaar Entertainment, Emaar Hospitality, and Dubai Municipality, among others. These partnerships reflect a growing commitment from top brands to create a more inclusive guest and patient experience across travel, hospitality, and healthcare.

As we grow, the demand for our programs continues to surge. Recent POD-focused events have been met with overwhelming enthusiasm, with over 300 families currently on a waiting list to participate. These experiences underscore the community’s need for inclusive opportunities—and our responsibility to scale these efforts with care and commitment.

Reaffirming our shared vision to transform Dubai into the global standard for accessibility. These community events reflect the collective commitment to a future where POD are empowered not just as guests or patients, but as innovators, leaders, and valued members of every community.

IBCCES remains steadfast in its mission to create impact through expert-led training, data-driven certification, and continuous improvement. As our network of certified partners grows, so does the reach and depth of our influence—bridging policy with practice and vision with meaningful action.

Together, we’re not just removing barriers. We’re building a blueprint for inclusive excellence—one that inspires global transformation and ensures People of Determination are at the heart of every innovation.

About IBCCES

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. IBCCES works in over 111 countries and provides training in 8 languages, and its programs have been recognized around the world as the leading benchmark in training and certification.

In addition to individual certification programs, IBCCES partners with cities, destinations, and organizations on initiatives like the Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) and Autism Certified City™ (ACC), ensuring autistic and sensory-sensitive residents and visitors feel welcomed and safe. Destinations that achieve the CAD designation have completed a specialized program that ensures a multitude of recreation, hospitality and entertainment organizations have completed an autism and sensory-sensitivity training, certification and IBCCES facilities review process. The ACC designation expands on that program and includes IBCCES training and certification for the public safety, education, healthcare and workplace sectors.

IBCCES also created the Accessibility App, AutismTravel.com, and CertifiedAutismCenter.com – free resources for individuals with a variety of neurodiversities and disabilities, listing certified locations and connecting individuals to other resources and each other.