Ramon’s Village Resort in Belize is now designated a Certified Autism Center™

Ramon’s Village Resort located in San Pedro Town, Belize is now a Certified Autism Center^™ (CAC), designated by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). Completion of the certification means that guests with autism and other sensory needs can have the best possible stay or scuba diving experience. To achieve the CAC accreditation, Ramon’s Village Resort staff completed evidence-based staff training and certification required by IBCCES to recognize the needs of guests on the spectrum and provide options for visitors with sensory needs.

“For years, Ramon’s Village Resort has had guests both new and returning who travel to the resort with children of special needs. When we learned many children with autism are calmed by water and that IBCCES and PADI had developed a program to help dive instructors work with these individuals, we felt compelled to be a part of such an inspiring program,” said Steve Sherwin, Vice President of Operations at Ramon’s Village.

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Ramon’s Village’s main focus is on scuba diving and other water-related activities. The resort also now offers free scuba instruction for any child on the spectrum or other special need wishing to learn to how to scuba dive.

“We’re excited to work with a great destination that is truly committed to serving those on the spectrum. We want to create safe, certified travel options for families and individuals so they can visit destinations across the globe and have peace of mind,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman.

For more than 20 years, IBCCES has been the leader in cognitive disorder training and certification for healthcare, education and corporate professionals around the globe. IBCCES recognized that many families with children who have special needs have limited travel and recreation options. In response to this need, IBCCES created training and certification programs specifically for the hospitality and travel industry. More families and individuals are seeking out destinations and organizations that have completed a certification program through an accredited source. IBCCES is the only credentialing organization providing this type of certification, which includes evidence-based information as well as the perspectives of individuals with autism, alongside other tools and resources such as onsite reviews and customized recommendations, as well as renewal requirements to ensure the program is a long-term commitment and has a lasting impact.

IBCCES also created AutismTravel.com, a free online resource for parents that lists certified destinations and connects families to other resources and each other. Each destination listed on the site has met Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) requirements.