The premier tool for individuals and families needing accommodations, the IBCCES Accessibility App puts every certified organization and location within the Cognitive Care Zone in your pocket. Free, easy to use, and built with community cognitive care at its center. FREE to download on the App Store and Google Play.
Welcome to the South Florida Cognitive Care Zone™
Making life more accessible for everyone living with cognitive differences or challenges through community-wide accreditation, training and certified business partners.
1 in 5
Adults have a diagnosed mental health condition
1 in 31
Children in the US has autism
1 in 9
Adults aged 65+ has Alzheimer’s
20+ Years
of global expertise held by IBCCES
Become a Leader in Your Community
As an Organization Dedicated to Making Life More Accessible
What Is a Cognitive Care Zone™?
The South Florida Cognitive Care Zone™ initiative brings together residents, organizations, and industry leaders to remove barriers for people with cognitive differences and conditions in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties.
Built on the global standards of IBCCES, the Cognitive Care Zone pairs community-wide engagement with rigorous business accreditation, ensuring every interaction across our city becomes a moment of dignity, understanding, and care.
Who we serve:
From early childhood diagnoses to age-related conditions, we help build inclusive environments and trained workforces ready to welcome every neighbor.
Cognitive Conditions Addressed in the Cognitive Care Zone™:
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Neurological conditions – Including Alzheimer’s and Dementia
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Autism & Sensory Sensitivities
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Down Syndrome
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Neurodiversity – Including ADHD and Dyslexia
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Mental Health – Including Anxiety, Depression & Suicide
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TBI & Stroke
Requirements to Be a Cognitive Care Zone
- Buy-in from citizens by signing the Cognitive Care Zone™ Personal Pledge and completing one action.
- A significant number of employers in the community must complete one of the qualified certification programs.
- A large number of educational facilities complete one of the qualified certification programs.
Program Accreditations
Five Paths. One Inclusive South Florida.
Cognitive Care Zone creates change at both the community and business level — so accessibility shows up everywhere people live, learn, work and play.
Healthcare | Travel & Hospitality | Transportation | Public Safety
Cognitive Care Accreditation™
Organizations that hold Cognitive Care Accreditation have been trained and certified to provide support to individuals living with a wide range of cognitive conditions, such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, ADHD, and autism, while they visit the organization. These organizations are committed to providing conscientious service and accommodations so these individuals and their families are included and can thrive in their community.
Healthcare | Tourism | Transportation | Public Safety | Education
Certified Autism Center™
Organizations that achieve the Certified Autism Center™ designation have completed specialized training and certification focused on supporting autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals and their families. These organizations are committed to creating inclusive environments through staff education, sensory awareness, and accommodations that help every guest, patient, student, or visitor feel understood, welcomed, and supported throughout their experience.
Healthcare | Education
Down Syndrome Center of Excellence™
Organizations that earn the Down Syndrome Center of Excellence™ designation have completed specialized training focused on supporting individuals with Down syndrome and their families through inclusive practices, communication strategies, and individualized accommodations. These organizations are dedicated to creating welcoming environments where individuals with Down syndrome feel respected, supported, and empowered to fully participate in their community experiences.
Education
Accreditation for Comprehensive Student Wellbeing™
Organizations that achieve Accreditation for Comprehensive Student Wellbeing™ demonstrate a commitment to supporting the academic, emotional, behavioral, and social wellbeing of all students. Through specialized training, resources, and best practices, these institutions equip staff to better recognize and address diverse student needs while fostering inclusive, supportive learning environments where every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Corporate
Certified Neurodiverse Workplace™
Becoming a Certified Neurodiverse Workplace™ helps organizations build a more inclusive, productive, and innovative workforce by equipping leaders and employees with the knowledge and tools to support neurodivergent talent. Through specialized training and best-practice guidance, businesses can improve employee engagement, strengthen retention, expand their talent pool, and create a workplace culture where all team members can thrive. Certification also demonstrates a commitment to accessibility and inclusion, helping organizations enhance their employer brand and meet the evolving expectations of employees, customers, and stakeholders.
The IBCCES Accessibility App™
Navigate South Florida with Confidence
Community Impact
Measurable Change Across Certified Communities & Organizations
Certified Autism Destination™ – Dubai, UAE
International Overnight Visitors in Dubai
5% Year Over Year Increase in Overnight Visitors with 2-3% Spending Increase in Dubai*
As reported by the Government of Dubai, 2025 Tourism Performance Report.
Certified Autism Center™ – The Santa Barbara Zoo
70%
70% Increase in Donations
The Santa Barbara Zoo received a 70% increase in donations to its inclusion fund after receiving certification. Read more in our Impact Study.
Certified Autism Center™ – Rixos Premium Dubai JBR
95%
95% Guest Satisfaction Achieved
Rixos Premium Dubai JBR achieved a 5% increase to a total of 95% guest satisfaction after becoming a Certified Autism Center™. Read more in our Impact Study.
Certified Autism Destination™ – Greater Palm Springs, CA, USA
Visitor Spending by Year in Greater Palm Springs
Year-Over-Year Increase in Visitor Spending on Greater Palm Springs
32% increase in spending from 2021 to 2024. *Source Visit Greater Palm Springs. Greater Palm Springs Tourism Impact 2024
18% of the US population is 65 and older, 61.2 million people, and the number is steadily increasing.
In 11 states the number of older adults outnumbers children and this is expected to increase.
*Source: US Census Bureau. Older Adults Outnumber Children in 11 States and Nearly Half of U.S. Counties
Certified Autism Center™ – Sesame Place Philadelphia
267%
267% Increase in Social Media Engagement + 160% Increase in Website Traffic
Sesame Place Philadelphia saw an extraordinary increase in interest and engagement when they announced their achievement as a Certified Autism Center™, and additionally saw a triple-digit increase in out-of-market guests and group bookings. Read more in our Impact Study.
Certified Autism Center™ – Turning Pointe Autism Foundation
25%
25% Growth in Company Size Since Certification
Turning Pointe Autism Foundation experienced a 25% growth in company size with an expansion in enrollment since becoming a Certified Autism Center™. Read more in our Impact Study.
The Business & Social Case is Undeniable
Community Growth
Communities with inclusive reputations attract higher-quality economic development and talent retention
Systemic Advantage
Healthcare systems, schools, hospitality, and employers in all sectors benefit from trained staff and broader talent pipelines
54%
54% of Community Members Have a Cognitive Condition
This represents a massive, underserved consumer and workforce segment.
Business Benefits
Certified businesses attract loyal customers, reduce staff turnover, and mitigate legal risk
Current Certified Locations in South Florida Area
Encompassing Palm Beach, Broward & Miami-Dade
Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official, accredited destination sales and marketing organization for Greater Miami and Miami Beach, delivering experiences inspiring boundless passion in visitors and residents alike.
201 S. Biscayne Blvd., Suite 2200, Miami, FL 33131
Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department
Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces builds memorable experiences and communities through well-designed parks and open spaces that are accessible, engaging, and aesthetically pleasing. They also operate Zoo Miami, the only zoo in the continental US located in a subtropical climate.
275 NW 2nd Street, Miami, FL 33128
Carnival Cruise Line’s Kids Camp
If you’re thinking of cruising, there’s a very good chance you’re considering a Carnival cruise. Growing since our founding in 1972, Carnival Cruise Line is “The World’s Most Popular Cruise Line®,” and now, kids camp staff receive IBCCES training in autism and general disability awareness.
Sailing out of Miami Port.
Miami Children’s Museum
Miami Children’s Museum has been creating experiences to meet the needs of all children in our community for 32 years. Miami Children’s Museum encourages visitors of all ages to play, learn, imagine, and create together with interactive exhibits, programs, and learning materials related to arts, culture, and the community.
980 MacArthur Causeway, Miami, FL 33132
Miami Beach Convention Center
The Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) welcomes meeting and event planners, exhibitors, and attendees to Miami Beach and Miami. Following a $640-million-dollar renovation, the MBCC provides a state-of-the-art event venue.
1901 Convention Ctr Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Wynwood Walls
Miami’s original street art museum, Wynwood Walls, was established in 2009 by the legendary Tony Goldman as an outdoor museum of international Street Art. Since its first year, the Wynwood Walls Museum has become a phenomenon, helping to elevate the genre of street art globally.
2516 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127
Loews Miami Beach Hotel
Experience an iconic oceanfront sanctuary at Loews Miami Beach Hotel, freshly transformed following a $55 million guestroom redesign. The beloved South Beach resort blends coastal luxury, elevated design, and unmatched hospitality with beachfront style.
1601 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Emergency Department
The Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Emergency Department at Memorial Hospital Miramar offers a low-sensory room and private exam rooms for autistic or sensory-sensitive patients, along with trained and certified ER staff, so patients and their families can feel confident they will receive supportive care.
1901 SW 172nd Ave, Miramar, FL 33029
Village of Wellington
The Village of Wellington is a premier South Florida community known for its award-winning parks, excellent schools, and inclusive atmosphere. Frequently ranked among the nation’s “Best Places to Live,” Wellington offers a life in a safe, family-friendly environment.
12300 Forest Hill Blvd. Wellington, Florida 33414
View All IBCCES Certified Organizations
Learn How Your Organization Can Become a Part of the South Florida Cognitive Care Zone™ Through Certification
Fill out the form below to connect with a Certification Advisor for more information. An advisor will be in contact with you via phone as soon as possible.
