Kings Island becomes the latest member of the Cedar Fair Parks family to earn the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation, which is granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). The CAC designation demonstrates Kings Island’s dedication to providing a welcoming environment for all guests, including those with autism and other sensory disorders. The staff completed autism-specific training and certification to learn how to better communicate and assist guests with sensory needs and their family members, as well as safety concerns and protocols.
“It’s always been Kings Island’s goal to provide lasting memories for every guest who comes through the turnstiles,” said Mike Koontz, Kings Island General Manager. “Now our associates have the knowledge, skills and understanding to best interact with families and children with special needs, specifically on the autism spectrum.”
“We’re excited to work with Kings Island and provide support to them as they enhance the guest experience at their park. By completing the CAC program and committing to ongoing training and accessibility, the team at Kings Island has elevated their commitment to providing the best possible experience for all guests,” 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 attractions, hotels, zoos, aquariums, and other recreational locations. 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 training as well as the perspectives of individuals with autism, alongside other tools and resources such as onsite reviews and customized recommendations, and renewal requirements to ensure the program is a long-term commitment that 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 the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) requirements.
IBCCES Accessibility Card Now Available as a Mobile App