By Dr. Chris O’Shea
Just over a year ago Sebastian had his first introduction to scuba diving at Beaches Ocho Rios. Sebastian has wanted to scuba dive since he was about three. His success with the ‘Bubblemaker’ introduction was largely due to the support of the Beaches staff. All of this has been covered in my previous post, so the question for us as parents of a child with Asperger’s was “now what do we do”?
Zoo Miami is the first zoo in Florida to earn the designation
Zoo Miami is making a commitment to ensure all visitors, even those with sensory needs or on the autism spectrum, have an amazing experience. As part of this commitment, the Zoo recently earned the Certified Autism Center designation, which is awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to organizations who have completed a training and review process with the goal to better serve individuals with autism and other sensory needs.
By Jackie Nunes, Wondermoms.org
Once a child becomes mobile most parents invest significant effort into childproofing their homes. They watch their little ones like hawks from the time they can roll over and scooch through the crazy days of toddlerhood. But by the time their kids reach kindergarten, many parents can breathe a little bit easier and know that their kids are less apt to fall into physical danger through exploration.
That isn’t the case for many parents of children with autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, and other special needs. Parents of kids who wander and don’t understand danger often have to remain hyper-vigilant forever and use a number of approaches to keep their kids safe. How do you protect a child who wanders off, runs across the street without looking, shares personal details with strangers, or puts themselves at risk of injury? We have some tips.
Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana, the first-ever Gourmet Inclusive international property by Nickelodeon and Karisma Hotels & Resorts, located in the Dominican Republic, recently completed a training and certification program through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to ensure its staff are prepared to welcome guests on the autism spectrum or those with sensory sensitivities.
Georgia Aquarium is the latest destination – and the first aquarium – to become a Certified Autism Center (CAC). The CAC designation, granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), means that visitors and families with children who have autism and other sensory disorders can enjoy the best possible experience that caters to their needs.
First Resort in Florida to Earn the Designation
Sawgrass Marriott Golf 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.
The resort implemented a training and certification program provided by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to ensure staff are trained to work with individuals on the spectrum and to share the resort’s commitment to ensuring all guests are accommodated. For almost 20 years, IBCCES has been the industry leader in autism training for licensed healthcare professionals and educators around the globe. IBCCES created programs specifically for the hospitality and travel industry since parents with children on the autism spectrum often find vacationing to be a challenge due to sensory needs, dietary restrictions, and safety concerns.
Contributed by: Melissa A. Rowan – Certified Autism Travel Professional, Travel Consultant | Make Incredible Memories Travel
Children giggling and whispering contentedly in the backseat of the car with nary an argument. Cherubic children sleeping peacefully in their beds – where they went without a fuss – after a full day of sightseeing. A day in the amusement park without a single tear, cross word, or disagreement amongst family members. Precious …and extended moments with Big Bird or Elmo. Every family member eating everything on their plate and not a bite of wasted food. All family members equally interested in every event and activity planned on the vacation.
VillaKey has completed the process of becoming a Certified Autism Center, which is a designation that demonstrates the organization’s commitment to ensuring their clients who have autism or sensory sensitivities will have the best possible experience. This is the first vacation rental company globally to earn the CAC designation.
VillaKey has helped families, many with children on the autism spectrum, book vacation home rentals for years, but they furthered their commitment to serving those clients by completing the CAC program, which includes evidence-based staff training, through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). As a Certified Autism Center, parents can rest assured when booking through VillaKey that their needs will be understood and VillaKey’s experts will guide them to the best option for their family.
The Children’s Museum of Houston was recently designated a Certified Autism Center, which is awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) and demonstrates a commitment to ongoing training and a formal certification process in order to better serve individuals on the autism spectrum.
“The Children’s Museum of Houston’s vision is to spark a passion for lifelong learning in all children. We know every child is unique in their learning styles and have always strived to be an institution of inclusion. As a result, the Children’s Museum of Houston has created an environment which allows all children to discover their interest and engage in developmentally appropriate play. That philosophy influences our physical environment, attitudes, expectations and opportunities for all children, regardless of disability,” said Vandolyn Esparza, Alexander Specialist for Early Literacy and Special Learning Needs at Children’s Museum of Houston.
Colebrookdale Railroad 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 and sensory disorders have the best possible experience. Stretching between Berks and Montgomery Counties, the Colebrookdale Railroad traverses the Secret Valley, one of the most scenic and historic regions in the northeast.
