International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES)

IBCCES proudly awards the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation to the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County (JWB)! To earn this designation, at least 80% of staff completed autism and sensory training—equipping them with the knowledge and understanding to better assist, support, and communicate with autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals. JWB went above that standard, with 94 % of staff fulfilling the training requirements. With this achievement, JWB becomes the second organization in Clearwater to earn the CAC designation, contributing to the city’s journey toward becoming an Autism Certified City™ (ACC), led by Learning Independence for Tomorrow (LiFT). This milestone helps ensure that residents and visitors have access to organizations that are trained and certified to create more inclusive and welcoming experiences across healthcare, public safety, education, hospitality, entertainment, and recreation. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/duStvxcp. #JuvenileWelfareBoardOfPinellasCounty #CertifiedAutismCenter #IBCCES #Clearwater #Florida #FL

At LEGOLAND Dubai Resort, the guest experience has been thoughtfully enhanced to better support children with autism and sensory sensitivities. Through trained staff, sensory-friendly practices, and clear communication, families can plan and enjoy their visit with greater comfort and predictability, from navigating the park to experiencing the rides. These intentional adjustments help reduce stress for families while allowing children to explore, play, and engage with confidence. Behind the scenes, this work reflects a deeper commitment to accessibility built into everyday operations. From staff readiness to detailed sensory guides, these efforts strengthen guest satisfaction, build lasting community trust, and create a more welcoming environment for every visitor. What makes this especially impactful is how these practices translate into real experiences for families. When inclusion is consistently prioritized at every level, it allows children to feel safe, supported, and free to fully enjoy the moment. This kind of intentional approach not only elevates the guest experience but also sets a meaningful benchmark for what true accessibility in attractions can look like. 👉 Find more Certified Autism Center™ locations in Dubai and around the world by downloading the FREE IBCCES Accessibility App™: https://bit.ly/4a0kCCI #CertifiedAutismCenter #LEGOLANDDubai #InclusiveAttractions #AccessibleHospitality #SensoryInclusive #GuestExperience #CommunityTrust #HospitalityLeadership #FamilyFriendly #Dubai #UAE #IBCCES

Visit Jacksonville, a Destinations International-accredited Destination Marketing Organization contracted by the Duval County Tourist Development Council (TDC), has been a Certified Autism Center™ since 2022—demonstrating its commitment to creating a more inclusive destination for all. Early last year, the organization renewed its certification, reinforcing its mission to better welcome every visitor. Through continued autism-specific training, staff strengthen their knowledge and skills to confidently support autistic and sensory-sensitive travelers visiting Jacksonville, Florida. In 2024, Visit Jacksonville also expanded its commitment to accessibility by adding the ReciteMe toolbar to VisitJacksonville.com. This feature provides more than a dozen tools—including text-to-speech audio, customizable color themes, cursor options, reading focus tools, and adjustable text sizing—ensuring a more accessible and user-friendly online experience. By prioritizing both in-person and digital accessibility, Visit Jacksonville is helping set a higher standard for inclusive travel. Visit their website: https://lnkd.in/e_znM8v. #VisitJacksonville #CertifiedAutismCenter #IBCCES #AutismTravel #DestinationMarketingOrganization #DMO #Florida

Making History: The First in the U.S. to Achieve Accreditation for Comprehensive Student Wellbeing™! IBCCES proudly awards the Accreditation for Comprehensive Student Wellbeing™ (ACSW)—a program recognizing schools that foster a whole-child approach to education, including mentally healthy learning environments—to Harvest Community School, the first school in the U.S. to earn this designation! On March 26, during the Harvest Community Fellowship Night, IBCCES CEO and Board Chairman Myron Pincomb led the award ceremony, celebrating a school transforming education through evidence-based social and emotional instruction. 💛 With 80% of educational staff and administrators trained, Harvest Community School is proactively addressing autism and neurodiversity, anxiety, trauma, and behavioral challenges, and overall student mental health, creating a supportive system where every student can thrive. Read more about this huge milestone and what it means to Harvest Community School and the whole community: https://lnkd.in/dPgyUWEg. #HarvestCommunitySchool #AccreditationForComprehensiveStudentWellbeing #ACSW #AutismAcceptance #InclusiveEducation #IBCCES #FirstInTheUS #Jacksonville #Florida #FL

Meet our featured Certified Autism Travel Professional™: Donna D., travel advisor at Upon A Star Travel & Concierge "My credentialing adds credibility when I tell clients that I am fully prepared to help them plan their vacations. Autism is unique—there’s no 'one size fits all' approach—so every person’s needs are slightly different. My training helped me think outside the box, ask the right questions, and consider the best destinations for each family. It taught me how to identify potential areas of stress and guide clients in making the best decisions for their loved ones." Learn more about becoming a Certified Autism Travel Professional™: https://lnkd.in/dfbK5tki #CertifiedAutismTravelProfessional #IBCCES #AutismTravel

Stepping Stone has made history as the first Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) in the Philippines, reinforcing its commitment to delivering meaningful support for autistic individuals and their families while building community trust and long-term institutional value. With 100% of public-facing staff trained in autism and sensory awareness, the center demonstrates exceptional staff readiness and a standard of care that goes far beyond awareness. Beyond education, Stepping Stone provides accessible facilities, a dedicated sensory room, specialized therapy services, and vocational training, creating an environment that not only supports learning but drives operational excellence and real-world outcomes. This milestone elevates its credibility, strengthens its position as a leader in inclusive education, and sets a new benchmark for accessibility across the Philippines. Discover how Stepping Stone is shaping the future of inclusive learning: https://bit.ly/3PyQCG7 #IBCCES #SteppingStone #InclusiveEducationPH #Accessibility #AutismAwareness #Philippines #CertifiedAustismCenter #CAC #InclusiveLearningAtSteppingStone #EmpoweringNeurodiversity

How can companies create workplaces that are more inclusive and accessible for all employees, including those who are neurodivergent? Discover how to better support neurodivergent staff while building high-performing, dynamic teams. Through the Certified Neurodiverse Workplace™ (CNW) program, IBCCES helps organizations embrace the competitive edge that neurodiverse talent brings and implement meaningful, sustainable inclusion strategies. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/d98Z2pK #CertifiedNeurodiverseWorkplace #CNW #IBCCES

The Lost World Aquarium at Atlantis, The Palm has officially reopened, revealing a fully reimagined experience while continuing its commitment as a Certified Autism Center™. This is more than a transformation. It’s a thoughtful evolution that blends immersive storytelling, advanced technology, and inclusive marine education to create deeper, more meaningful guest engagement, driving satisfaction, supporting visitor growth, and reinforcing its position as a forward-thinking destination. Home to over 65,000 marine animals, the aquarium now offers more than just a visual experience. Guests can explore interactive learning environments, gain behind-the-scenes access, and connect with a strong conservation and accessibility focus woven throughout the journey. This milestone reflects a deeper commitment to community trust, operational readiness, and long-term impact, where innovation, inclusion, and purpose come together seamlessly. #AtlantisThePalm #LostWorldAquarium #CertifiedAutismCenter #InclusiveTourism #AccessibilityInAction #NeurodiversityMatters #SensoryFriendly #InclusiveExperience #MarineEducation #ConservationMatters #GuestExperience #VisitorGrowth #TravelWithPurpose #InclusiveHospitality #CommunityImpact #InnovationInTourism #IBCCES #Dubai #AccessibleTravel #CAC

CAC Fun Fact! Did you know that Castillo de San Marcos National Monument became the first national park to earn the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation? Certified in early 2025, their team completed training and an onsite review through IBCCES—including sensory guides and tailored recommendations—to help create a more inclusive experience for autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors. This milestone also supports a broader initiative led by the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce to help the area become a Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD). Discover more about their journey: https://lnkd.in/gACPPRGT. #CastillodeSanMarcosNationalMonument #IBCCES #AutismTravel #CertifiedAutismCenter #AccessibleTravel #CertifiedAutismDestination #StJohnsCountyChamberOfCommerce #StAugustine

Honoring World Down Syndrome Day! Today, we celebrate the unique strengths of individuals with Down syndrome and reaffirm the importance of inclusion, understanding, and access to supportive care. At IBCCES, training and certification programs like the Down Syndrome Center of Excellence™ and Down Syndrome Specialist™ designation help professionals and healthcare providers build expertise, create supportive environments, and ensure individuals with Down syndrome and their families feel understood and valued. Let’s honor this day by continuing to advocate for awareness, accessibility, and meaningful inclusion in every community. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/dmHTKXGE. #WorldDownSyndromeDay #DownSyndromeCenterOfExcellence #DownSyndromeSpecialist #IBCCES