Since announcing their Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation in 2020, the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) has been working extensively to broaden its accessibility options to better serve autistic individuals and other sensory-sensitive visitors. This now includes completing the Certified Autism Center designation at two additional locations: the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land and the George Observatory.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science was recently designated a Certified Autism Center™, which is awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to organizations committed to serving individuals with autism and other sensory needs through a formal certification process. The certification requires at least 80% of guest-facing staff complete evidence-based training, including more in-depth training and certification for managers and education staff, as well as an onsite review which will allow the Museum to provide sensory guides for all exhibits as well as enhance other aspects of the museum experience for guests with sensory sensitivities.
