Bouncetown has completed the process of becoming a Certified Autism Center, which is a designation that demonstrates the organization’s commitment to ensuring guests and families with children who have autism have the best possible experience. This is the first organization of its kind to earn the CAC designation.
Dolphin Discovery is the latest attraction to become a Certified Autism Center (CAC) to help ensure guests and families with children who have autism have the best possible experience. Dolphin Discovery’s Dolphin Cove in Ochos Rios, Jamaica, recently implemented a training and certification program provided by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). IBCCES also created custom sensory guides for each activity to help guests know what to expect when visiting.
[excerpt from CNN.com]
A vacation to an amusement park can be a daunting venture for any family, but for a family of a child with special needs, that trip may seem like an impossible dream.
You’re always on edge,” said Jerry Turning of Tinton Falls, New Jersey. “There’s a lot of sensory bombardment that our kids endure when they go to a place like this. Whether its the noise or the crowds or waiting in line, it’s always challenging.” Turning’s son, Eric, has autism. […]
At Sesame Place, his son feels understood and accepted. Although he may fidget in line or make funny noises, he faces no judgment from park staff or fellow visitors.
For Turning, the “cherry on top” is the new designation as a Certified Autism Center, which makes Sesame Place the first theme park in the world to receive that distinction from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. To earn the certification, the board requires at least 80% of a park’s staff to complete rigorous training on autism sensitivity and awareness. […]
And it’s not just theme parks recognizing the need for expanded accessibility for individuals with cognitive disorders; resorts are also getting in on the game.
Beaches Resorts, which also partners with Sesame Workshop to offer shows and activities, is the first resort company to be credentialed by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. According to Liz Kaiser, Beaches’ partnership marketing director, all staff members at every level have been trained in autism sensitivity and awareness. The resorts also provide a variety of customized services for families, including culinary concierge services to aid with dietary issues, a one-on-one aide, “quiet check-in,” and private transfers.
The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards has also credentialed Grand Palladium Bávaro Suites Resort & Spa in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, as well as the Sheraton Park Anaheim near Disneyland. The Georgia Aquarium is also an Autism Center, and Space Center Houston was designated as such last month.
First Space Center in the World to Earn Certified Autism Center Designation
Space Center Houston is the first space center in the world to become a Certified Autism Center (CAC). The designation, given by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), is awarded to organizations who have completed a professional training and review process with the goal to better serve individuals with autism and other sensory needs.
by: Nicole Thibault, CATP – Magical Storybook Travels
When my son was first diagnosed with Autism, even leaving the house was a challenge. My son’s meltdowns often happened in public, where sensory overloads of sights and sounds would often overwhelm him. Even a quick trip to a grocery store could lead to a meltdown.
Santa Barbara Zoo is the first zoo on the West Coast to become a Certified Autism Center (CAC), which is a designation that demonstrates the Zoo’s commitment to ensuring guests and families with children who have autism have the best possible experience.
“We are thrilled to be certified by IBCCES and are proud to be able to better meet the needs of individuals on the Autism Spectrum. Zoo Camp and other education programs, and many guest experiences, have long been accessible, but this integrates our commitment into the everyday visitor experience,” said J.J. McLeod, Zoo School Director. “By dedicating quiet spaces, offering sensory backpacks, and offering specialized staff training, we hope the autism community feels even more safe, supported, and welcome here.”
By: Kerry Magro, best-selling author, speaker, and disability advocate
In honor of Elmwood Park Zoo (officially becoming the first zoo in the world to become a Certified Autism Center) and Santa Barbara Zoo (first zoo on the West Coast to become a CAC), I wanted to discuss a topic that often doesn’t get mentioned: the benefits of interactions with animals for individuals with autism.
Elmwood Park Zoo is the first zoo in the world to become a Certified Autism Center (CAC). The designation, given by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), is awarded to organizations who have completed a training and review process with the goal to better serve individuals with autism and other sensory needs.
Grand Palladium Bávaro Suites Resort & Spa is the latest destination to become a Certified Autism Center (CAC) to help ensure guests and families with children who have autism have the best possible experience. Parents with children on the autism spectrum often find vacationing to be a challenge due to sensory needs, dietary restrictions and safety concerns.
By: Kerry Magro, best-selling author, speaker, and disability advocate
With the news of Sesame Place becoming one of the first theme parks in the world to become a Certified Autism Center I wanted to take a moment to discuss the impact of one of our favorite Muppets in Julia who is 4 years old and has autism.
Just to backtrack – Julia was introduced on Sesame Street in 2015 as part of the Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children initiative. In 2017, Julia had her television debut on Sesame Street on HBO. Some of the highlights of having Julia include:
