Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau steps up as a certified autism centre

Monday, April 1, 2024

The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) has recognized the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) as a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC), a prestigious acknowledgment for organizations that undertake specific autism training to enhance their understanding and services for autistic individuals and those with sensory sensitivities, along with their families.

“Our focus as a destination continues to be our commitment to welcoming all visitors and ensuring that the Miami-Dade County travel and hospitality industry recognizes that our continued success is dependent on being the most inclusive destination possible,” said GMCVB President and CEO David Whitaker. “This certification aligns with our efforts to be an increasingly accessible community and builds on other programs including sustainability, that will make Greater Miami and Miami Beach a better place to live, work, play and visit.”

This certification marks a significant step towards making accessibility a priority, which is increasingly critical as the prevalence of autism rises, with recent data indicating one in 36 children in the U.S. being diagnosed with autism, and one in six individuals facing sensory challenges. Despite the large number of travelers with disabilities, destinations that proactively work to improve the travel experience for these visitors are rare.

“I am proud of the GMCVB’s leadership on key social issues that will improve our community and expand business opportunities,” said Julissa Kepner, general manager of the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay and GMCVB board chairperson. “The GMCVB’s certification in autism training is a critical first step as we continue to learn how to better serve our diverse travel community.”

Achieving the CAC status propels GMCVB on its path to turning Greater Miami and Miami Beach into a Certified Autism Destination (CAD), especially meaningful during April’s Autism Acceptance Month. The CAD status from IBCCES would mean that visitors have access to a variety of trained and certified places for entertainment, leisure, and hospitality, emphasizing the commitment to inclusivity and ensuring a welcoming environment for all visitors to Miami’s rich attractions.

“We’re thrilled to work with the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau as its team expands their focus on accessibility. This is the first step to enhance the visitor experience for autistic and sensory-sensitive travelers and make a huge difference for millions of families all over the globe,” said IBCCES Board Chairman Myron Pincomb. “Organizations like the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau are vital in pushing the industry forward to be more inclusive and welcoming for ALL travelers.”

With over two decades of expertise, IBCCES stands at the forefront of cognitive disorder training and certification, providing comprehensive programs for a wide range of professionals in the healthcare, educational, and corporate sectors, and now in hospitality and leisure. These programs, unique to IBCCES, include expert-led training, contributions from autistic individuals, ongoing support, and resources for continuous learning, ensuring that staff at hotels, theme parks, museums, and other attractions are well-equipped to serve this important community effectively.

Furthermore, IBCCES has launched AutismTravel.com, a complimentary online platform that lists organizations and professionals who meet the CAC standards, serving as a valuable tool for parents and caregivers looking for autism-friendly travel options and resources.

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