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 autistic individuals or those with other sensory disorders.
Families unsatisfied with autism travel options
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.
$262 billion is spent on autism related services in the US each year.
1 in 44 children has been identified with autism.
ASD has had a 600% increase in diagnoses in the last 20 years
“Autism Friendly” isn’t enough
Theme parks and attractions are exciting places that can provide a great way for families and individuals to have fun and create memories – research has shown that engaging in stimulating activities such as travel, animals, water interaction, and outdoor play can even be therapeutic for autistic children and individuals. However, there are things your staff needs to do in order to be able to welcome ALL guests and ensure you have accessible options and the training to improve guest experience at your park.
Organizations across the globe claim to be “Autism friendly” but are not equipped to truly accommodate these guests. This has left families disappointed due to a lack of trained and aware staff. The IBCCES Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) certification recognizes organizations that have trained staff and are fully equipped to serve the fastest-growing population of developmental disorders and are designated as CACs by a professional credentialing organization with ongoing support for the lifetime of the certification.
Over the last six years many of our travel partners such as Beaches Resorts, Marriott, Sea World and more have implemented the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) program within their organization. This training goes the extra mile to make your destination a premiere trusted attraction for families with individuals on the autism spectrum.
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.
The ACC designation is awarded by IBCCES to communities where key stakeholders, including healthcare, education, local government, hospitality, leisure, and corporate members, are trained and certified to better serve individuals with autism and other cognitive disorders. IBCCES is the only credentialing board working with communities to bring 20 years of industry knowledge and leadership so they become truly inclusive and accessible for all. This designation provides benefits to residents and visitors as the community comes together to ensure there are options for everyone.
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.
