Autism and Special Care Information
AutismTravel
AutismTravel.com is powered by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), the industry leader in training and certification in autism and other cognitive disorders.
IBCCES has provided certification and training to licensed healthcare professionals and educators across the globe for almost 20 years. While research shows that travel is one of the most intellectually stimulating events for autistic individuals, there are very few travel options available for parents that have completed an evidence-based, third party training and review process.
IBCCES works with our advisory board to ensure our content is up-to-date and includes a variety of approaches and best practices from multiple disciplines. Our board is composed of neurologists, special education administrators, speech-language pathologists, BCBAs, individuals on the spectrum, and other experts in their field. Learn more about us at ibcces.org.
IBCCES CREATED AUTISMTRAVEL.COM TO HELP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ACCESS INFORMATION AND RESOURCES SO YOU CAN TRAVEL WITH CONFIDENCE.
Our Goals
FOR YOUR FAMILY
Your family can travel with peace of mind, knowing Certified Autism Centers and other certified professionals have made a commitment to welcoming ALL families and individuals, regardless of their needs.
Work with one of our Certified Autism Travel Professionals (CATP) to plan your trip, or view our Certified Autism Center (CAC) destinations.
FOR DESTINATIONS
We’re helping the leading travel destinations and attractions in the world ensure they are prepared to provide certified travel options for families and autistic individuals.
Certified Autism Center™ destinations have completed a training program for their guest-facing staff and are committed to welcoming all guests.
Autism Certification
Because “Autism Friendly” isn’t enough
Family entertainment centers and attractions are exciting places that can provide a great way for families and individuals to have fun and create memories. However, there are things your staff needs to do in order to be able to welcome ALL guests and ensure you have accessible options and the training to improve the guest experience at your location.
Fun is for everyone, and organizations across the globe are looking for ways to be equipped to truly accommodate all guests. With training, certification, and onsite review options, IBCCES is the leading expert in helping travel and recreation organizations become inclusive and accessible.
The IBCCES Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) certification helps ensure organizations are fully equipped to better serve and attract autistic guests or those with other sensory sensitivities, improve the guest experience for all, and empower your staff to have the confidence to handle guest-facing situations that may arise.
All Certified Autism Centers™ meet the following requirements:
IBCCES IS WORKING TO IMPROVE TRAVEL OPTIONS FOR FAMILIES. WE CERTIFY ORGANIZATIONS IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS:
A Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) is a facility or organization in which at least 80% of their staff is highly trained, fully equipped and certified in the field of autism. A CAC can range in specific specialty areas such as educational facilities, healthcare, recreational or travel etc. A CAC would primarily be a facility or organization that has a dedication to serving autistic individuals or those with other sensory sensitivities and are committed to ongoing training in autism.
Advanced Certified Autism Center (ACAC) level 2 certification were created by board of industry experts including physicians, therapist, parents, travel executives and autistic individuals and those with other cognitive disorders. The goal is to take the industry leading CAC program to the next level and recognize organizations that are going above and beyond to prepare and assist guests with cognitive disorders.
Autism Certified City (ACC) ensures that all areas of a city, including healthcare, education, local government, hospitality, leisure, manufacturing and corporate members are trained and certified to deliver their product or service to autistic guests, staff or residents and those with other cognitive disorders.
Certified Autism Destination (CAD) makes visitors with autism or sensory needs feel welcomed, safe, and above all, have fun! Becoming a CAD means a majority of tourism related organizations have completed autism and sensory disorder sensitivity and awareness training and completed an onsite review with IBCCES.
Let's chat! Contact me to discuss any concerns regarding booking a vacation with your autistic or accessible traveler.
Let us make all the arrangements and put your mind at ease. Reach out to book a vacation for the entire family to enjoy. Don't let immobility issues or Autism get in the way.
Remember, Friendly Guide Travels strives to make vacations for everyone, including our wheelchair, autistic and accessible friends as well.