What is an Autism Certified City (ACC)?

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.

RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA: Becoming an Autism Certified City

The need and impact is undeniable: 1 in 6 people have sensory needs or sensitivities. 1 in 22 children in California are diagnosed with autism. Co-occurrence of ADHD is common in children with ASD, and children with both ASD and ADHD have an increased likelihood of anxiety and mood disorders.

What is needed to achieve the ACC? A cohort of organizations in the following industries need to complete a training and certification process through IBCCES in order for Riverside, CA, to reach its goal of becoming an Autism Certified City. Your organization can help the community reach this goal by becoming certified:

  • HOSPITALITY

    Hotels, restaurants and other venues will be more aware of how to better serve individuals and families with children on the autism spectrum, resulting in better customer service and improved guest experience.

  • WORKPLACE NEURODIVERSITY

    Large and small employers can benefit by learning how to better manage, attract, and retain a neurodivergent workforce - which includes those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety, and other neurotypes. Support and inclusion in hiring and management is critical to ensure individuals of all abilities can be successful, and also helps organizations be competitive, effective, and profitable by tapping an under-utliized talent pool.

  • EDUCATION

    Educators and other personnel such as bus drivers and paraprofessionals will be able to better identify and work with autistic students or those with other cognitive differences. Tutoring organizations, learning centers and others up to date, multidisciplinary information to help them improve outcomes and connect with the community.

  • PUBLIC SAFETY

    Law enforcement and first responders will be better equipped to interact with individuals with autism and other sensory disorders in a positive way.

  • HEALTHCARE

    Hospitals, Emergency Departments, and clinics can better serve and connect with the community and ensure accurate diagnosis, effective and efficient visits, and better care and experiences for all patients.

  • RECREATION + ENTERTAINMENT

    Parks and recreation venues, theaters, family entertainment centers, and attractions will be able to better serve guests and help them customize their experience, allowing these organizations to attract and serve more families, as well as increase staff empowerment and morale.
Learn More About The Program

Benefits of Becoming an ACC

  • Improve quality of life for residents

  • Increase tourism and visitors from an underserved market

  • Increase community engagement

  • Enhanced workforce opportunities

Active people in park in a Autism Certified City
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ROI: What’s the Impact of Becoming a Certified Organization?

Group of diverse people in a Autism Certified City
  • 50% INCREASE in employee morale score
  • $200K GRANT for accessibility improvements
  • GUEST SATISFACTION scores up 45%
  • BUSIEST media event of year
  • DOUBLED out-of-region guests

Join the Initiative – Learn More About Becoming Certified

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