Visit Anaheim: Certified Autism Center for Inclusive Tourism
Visit Anaheim, the official destination organization, has proudly attained the Certified Autism Center (CAC) designation, a recognition granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This achievement marks the initiation of a comprehensive city-wide accessibility initiative aimed at creating an inclusive environment for individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities.
The Certified Autism Center designation is awarded to organizations whose staff undergo specialized training and certification processes to enhance their understanding and assistance for autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors and their families. Christina Dawson, Senior Vice President of Operations at Visit Anaheim, emphasizes the commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can enjoy the vibrant destination.
Visit Anaheim’s completion of the CAC program is the initial step in the broader goal of making Anaheim a Certified Autism Destination (CAD). This designation aims to provide multiple trained and certified options for visitors in the area, covering entertainment, recreation, and hospitality.
Through a partnership with IBCCES, Visit Anaheim plans to involve key tourism, hospitality, and recreation organizations in the community to undergo autism training and certification. This collaborative effort not only enhances the visitor experience but also attracts new visitors to the area while better serving the local residents.
Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman, commends Visit Anaheim for its commitment to creating a warm and welcoming environment for every visitor, highlighting the ongoing inclusivity initiative. The goal is to expand accessibility offerings and ultimately achieve the designation of a Certified Autism Destination.
IBCCES has been a leader in cognitive disorder training and certification for over 20 years, providing evidence-based content, perspectives from autistic individuals, ongoing support, and renewal requirements. AutismTravel.com, managed by IBCCES, serves as a free online resource listing certified destinations and resources for families to plan their leisure experiences, ensuring that each destination on the site meets the Certified Autism Center requirements.