Friday, August 16, 2024 In September 2023, Traverse City embarked on a transformative journey to become a beacon of inclusivity for autistic individuals and their families in search of welcoming vacation spots. The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) is thrilled to confirm Traverse City’s new status as a Certified Autism DestinationTM (CAD), with 19 local entities achieving certification, aimed at enhancing the travel experiences for autistic and sensory-sensitive guests. “The goal is to create a welcoming environment for all residents and visitors, regardless of their unique needs, and to make the travel experience friendlier for families,” said Whitney Waara , chief operating officer of Traverse City Tourism.
“Sometimes it’s as simple as having knowledgeable employees, creating a quiet space, or providing accurate information about what a certain experience is like and how to navigate it easily before the visitors arrive.” This initiative, spearheaded by Traverse City Tourism, involved a diverse array of businesses, including accommodations, recreational, and entertainment venues, all of which underwent rigorous certification as part of their commitment to becoming more accessible and accommodating. To attain the Certified Autism CenterTM (CAC) status, venues’ frontline staff underwent specialized training, and select locations were subject to an IBCCES on-site review.
“We’re immensely proud to recognize Traverse City as the first Certified Autism DestinationTM in the Midwest. This achievement highlights the community’s commitment to inclusivity for visitors and will make a huge impact for millions of travelers. We know that so many families and individuals are looking for organizations and destinations to differentiate their offerings by focusing on accessibility and inclusion, and this is a huge step toward fostering a sense of belonging and understanding that will resonate far beyond the Traverse City borders,” says Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman .
The following entities are now recognized as CAC certified: An IBCCES travel survey revealed that 78% of autistic individuals or their parents hesitate to travel or explore new places. Community-wide certifications like the CAD aim to address this by offering a more inclusive and supportive environment that many other destinations might not provide. IBCCES also conducts ongoing on-site evaluations to ensure these venues remain appealing and accommodating for families affected by autism.
IBCCES continues to be a pivotal entity in enhancing training, certification, and resources for the travel and entertainment sectors, focusing on better understanding and accommodating autistic or sensory-sensitive visitors and their families. With statistics showing that one in 36 children is diagnosed with autism and one in six Americans has sensory sensitivities, the push for autism-friendly communities is increasingly vital, particularly in tourism and entertainment sectors..
