Visit Anaheim becomes a certified autism centre jumpstarting city-wide accessibility initiative

Visit Anaheim becomes a certified autism centre jumpstarting city-wide accessibility initiative
Edited by Travel Weekly


    Visit Anaheim, the official destination organisation for Anaheim is now a Certified Autism Centre™ (CAC), which is a designation granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).

    IBCCES awards this credential to organisations whose staff have completed specialised training and a certification process to better understand and assist autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors and their families when visiting the Anaheim area.

    “Visit Anaheim’s designation as a Certified Autism Centre™ signifies our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility,” said Christina Dawson, senior vice president of operations at Visit Anaheim. “It’s not just about what our city offers; it’s about ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can experience the magic of our vibrant destination.”

    The Visit Anaheim team completing the CAC program is the first step in their initiative to make Anaheim the next Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD), which means visitors have multiple trained and certified options to choose from when in the area, including entertainment, recreation and hospitality options.

    Visit Anaheim has partnered with IBCCES to involve key tourism, hospitality and recreation organisations in the community to complete autism training and certification, helping earn the community designation to attract new visitors to the area and better serve residents.

    “IBCCES is proud to present Visit Anaheim with the Certified Autism Centre™ designation, signifying their ongoing commitment to creating a warm welcome for every person that visits their city,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman. “We’re excited to continue working with the city on their continued inclusivity initiative to become a Certified Autism Destination™ and further expand their accessibility offerings.”

    For more than 20 years, IBCCES has been a leader in cognitive disorder training and certification for healthcare, education, and corporate professionals around the globe. IBCCES programs include evidence-based content as well as the perspectives of autistic individuals, alongside other resources, ongoing support, and renewal requirements to ensure there is continued learning and a lasting impact.

    IBCCES also manages AutismTravel.com, a free online resource for families that lists certified destinations and resources to plan their leisure experiences. Each destination listed on the site has met the Certified Autism Centre (CAC) requirements.

    Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

    Visit Anaheim

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