Friday, April 5, 2024
The Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing is thrilled to declare its achievement of becoming a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC), accredited by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This certification is timely, considering the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) latest data, showing the autism diagnosis rate is currently at 1 in 36 children, and one in six individuals has a sensory need. Such statistics underscore the increasing need for hospitality and entertainment venues to be more inclusive for autistic individuals and their families, who seek new experiences but are often apprehensive about the availability of suitable and friendly environments.
To secure the IBCCES certification, an entity must ensure that at least 80% of its personnel have received targeted training and certification, underscoring their commitment to inclusivity. This training prepares staff members to better understand and meet the needs of visitors who are autistic or have sensory sensitivities, as well as their families.
“We are thrilled to announce that our tourism team has successfully completed the IBCCES certification, marking a pivotal step towards ensuring Martin County is a truly inclusive destination for visitors with autism spectrum disorder and their families,” says Nerissa Okiye, Tourism Director, Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing. “We are committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and understood as they explore the beauty and wonders of our community.”
Beyond its designation as a CAC, Martin County is dedicated to ensuring accessibility for all guests through several initiatives. It has partnered with Aira to offer professional support to visitors with visual impairments free of charge. Wheel the World makes it easier for travelers with disabilities to book their trips, and complimentary rolling beach wheelchairs are provided at protected beaches like Hobe Sound Beach, Stuart Beach, and Jensen Beach.
“We’re excited to work with the Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing as the team expands its focus on accessibility and ensures that autistic visitors and their families can have wonderful experiences,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman. “Organizations like the Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing are vital in pushing the industry forward to be more inclusive and welcoming for ALL travelers.”
For over two decades, IBCCES has stood as a pioneering force in the training and certification of professionals across healthcare, education, and corporate sectors worldwide in understanding cognitive disorders. It has devised specific programs for the hospitality and recreation industry—including hotels, theme parks, museums, and other attractions—to enhance staff knowledgeability and provide additional facilities for this important yet often overlooked segment of the population. Unique in its field, IBCCES remains the sole credentialing organization to offer such programs, incorporating training from experts and autistic self-advocates, ongoing support, additional resources, continuous education with renewal requirements, and more.
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
