ZooMontana is now a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC), a designation awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to organizations that complete training and certification to better understand and welcome autistic or sensory-sensitive visitors and their families. IBCCES will also conduct an onsite review to provide additional ways the Zoo can accommodate visitors and create detailed sensory guides for each exhibit as part of the certification process.
“ZooMontana is for everyone. We want to ensure all guests that visit have a safe and enjoyable time, no matter their background. Becoming a Certified Autism Center™ allows us to show the proof in the pudding,” shared Jeff Ewelt, Executive Director of ZooMontana. “We see you, and we include you. We are dedicated to creating a space all will remember, learn and enjoy their family time.”
By completing the CAC program, ZooMontana takes a step forward to be part of a larger Billings initiative to achieve the Certified Autism Destination (CAD) designation. Visit Billings is spearheading the CAD initiative to attract new visitors to Billings and ensure there are a variety of autism certified options in the areas of lodging, recreation, and entertainment. Visit Billings is supporting partners to become certified locations including Boothill Inn & Suites, Billings Depot and ZooMontana
“IBCCES is thrilled to see the Certified Autism Destination initiative in the Billings area growing. As more autistic travelers and their families look for locations where they will feel welcomed and understood, Billings has been hard at work to build a more inclusive destination – something everyone should be striving toward,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman.
In addition to the certification process, the Zoo also offers other supports and options for visitors, including quiet areas to step away and be immersed in nature and plans to have sensory bags for those who may experience sensory overload, as well as several low-sensory evenings in the summer of 2023.
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 created programs specifically for the hospitality and recreational organizations such as hotels, theme parks, and other attractions so staff would be more knowledgeable and other accommodations offered to this growing, but underserved, part of the community. IBCCES is the only credentialing board offering these types of programs, which include training from subject matter experts and autistic self-advocates, as well as long-term support and continuous learning, onsite reviews, and more. 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.
To learn more about joining Visit Billings Certified Autism Destination movement please reach out to Alex Tyson at Alex@visitbillings.com.
About ZooMontana
ZooMontana is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3), AZA accredited educational organization committed to the best in animal care, conservation and wildlife education. As Montana’s only Zoological and Botanical Park, ZooMontana is dedicated to wildlife education and conservation revolving around the 45th parallel of earth. The Zoo is located at 2100 S. Shiloh Rd. in Billings, MT just off the Zoo Drive exit (443) of Interstate 90. Find the Zoo on the web at zoomontana.org and on Facebook. ZooMontana is open every day at 10am.
Learn More About Becoming A Certified Autism Center™
Fill out the form below to learn more about our CAC Program, which includes staff certifications, training options and center certification.