IBCCES’s mission is to make as extensive a network as possible of trained and trusted travel destinations that families with individuals with autism and other sensory disorders can trust with their vacation plans.
We also have a program that trains and certifies travel agents so that they know how to properly assist these families in the planning process for a vacation that includes an individual with autism or another sensory disorder.
Families unsatisfied with autism travel options
Families with Individuals with Autism are Often Reluctant to Travel to Non Certified Locations
$262 billion is spent on autism related services in the US each year.
1 in 59 children has been identified with autism.
ASD has had a 600% increase in diagnoses in the last 20 years
Families with individuals on the autism spectrum want to travel, but are often very hesitant to do so due to concerns about people not understanding the needs of autism or out of fear of not having the proper resources available.
IBCCES works with both travel agents and travel destinations to promote understanding of the concerns that individuals with autism have so that families can travel with confidence that their needs will be understood and not overlooked.
IBCCES is partnering with the oldest and largest autism association in the world to help ensure that all of our CACs provide the best service possible for the autism community. The Autism Society will also be promoting organizations that become a CAC to their unparalleled network of millions of families with an individual on the autism spectrum.Families with autism are the fastest growing portion of the travel market today, meaning that autism certification can both help open doors to individuals with autism and also open up travel agents and tourist locations to a whole new market.
Travel Certifications for Travel Destinations and Travel Professionals
For Travel Destinations and Attractions | For Travel Professionals | |
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Travel Certifications for Travel Destinations and Travel Professionals
For Travel Destinations and Attractions
(Organizations)
For Travel Professionals
(Individuals)
Endorsed by:
Certified Autism Center
“Autism Friendly” Just Isn’t Good Enough
SeaWorld: A Certified Autism Center
Research has shown that engaging in stimulating activities such as travel, animals and water interaction, and outdoor play are therapeutic for children and individuals on the autism spectrum.
All Certified Autism Centers meet the following requirements:
- Dedicated to serving individuals with autism
- At least 80% of staff trained and certified in the field ofautism
- Is committed to ongoing training in autism
An onsite review by IBCCES experts includes a comprehensive report with suggested changes or modifications to better serve individuals on the spectrum, as well as sensory guides for activities.
As covered on:
Advanced Certified Autism Center
Taking the Certified Autism Center TM Program to the Next Level
Beaches Resorts: Advanced Certified Autism Centers
Over the last three years many of our travel partners such as Beaches Resorts, Marriott, Sea World and more have implemented the Certified Autism Center TM (CAC) program within their organization. This training goes the extra mile to make your destination a premiere trusted attraction for faimilies with individuals on the autism spectrum.
- 40 hours of position specific, customized training for staff
- Annual onsite review of facilities by an expert that includes a comprehensive report with suggested changes or modifications to better serve individuals on the spectrum and other challenges and sensory guides for activities
- Access to industry experts to help your team make modifications to current activities and practices
The positive response from the community and the ROI for each organization has been so great that many of our partners are asking to go to the next level to help them better prepared to serve guest with autism and other cognitive disorders.
As covered on:
Certified Autism Travel Professional
<h5>Core Competencies</h5>
A Certified Autism Travel Professional™ (CATP) is defined as a professional who has demonstrated that they are both knowledgeable and capable of providing support and travel related services to an individual on the autism spectrum as well as their family.
Each CATP is listed on the AutismTravel.com directory upon completion of the training and receive access to a member portal with access to additional training and tools.