Florida’s Sports Coast Tourism is Now Autism Certified, Taking the First Step Towards Making the Sports Coast More Accessible

Experience Florida’s Sports Coast (EFSC) destination marketing organization has earned the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC), a designation granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to organizations that have completed autism-specific training and certification to better understand and welcome autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors and their families. EFSC’s CAC certification is the first step in the organization’s initiative to help the Sports Coast area, which includes New Port Richey, Dade City, Wesley Chapel, and Zephyrhills communities, achieve the designation of Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) to attract new visitors to the area and expand accessibility offerings.

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Island H2O Live! ACHIEVES CERTIFIED AUTISM CENTER™ DESIGNATION

Island H2O Live! has earned the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation, granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). The certification demonstrates the park’s commitment to providing a supportive environment for guests with autism and other sensory disorders.

To receive the CAC designation, Island H2O Live! staff completed autism sensitivity and awareness training to learn how to better communicate and engage with guests with sensory needs and their family members, as well as safety concerns and protocols. The park also completed an onsite review from IBCCES to further enhance the guest experience, including sensory guides which will be provided for visitors to better understand sensory impacts of all rides. Continue Reading →

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NPR Highlights First Certified Autism Center

September 18, 2015, JACKSONVILLE – Jacksonville NPR affiliate WJCT announced the designation of the Jacksonville Speech and Hearing Center as the first IBCCES Certified Autism Center yesterday on their morning show, First Coast Connect. Executive Director of the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) Michelle Killian and President of Jacksonville Speech and Hearing Center Mike Howland appeared on the program to make the announcement. This designation means that at least 80% of the JSHC staff has undergone a rigorous training process that will assist in providing speech pathology and audiology services for those who have autism.The nonprofit is the first healthcare provider in North Florida to undergo this training for its staff. 

To listen to the NPR segment, please click here. 

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