Parents with children on the autism spectrum often find choosing vacation locales and attractions to visit a challenge due to sensory needs, dietary restrictions and safety concerns. The Georgia Aquarium is the latest destination – and the first aquarium – to become a Certified Autism Center (CAC). The CAC designation, granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), means that visitors and families with children who have autism and other sensory disorders can enjoy the best possible experience that caters to their needs.
For almost 20 years, IBCCES has been the industry leader in autism training for licensed healthcare professionals and educators around the globe. IBCCES recognized that many families with children who have special needs have limited travel options. In response to this need, IBCCES created training and certification programs specifically for the hospitality and travel industry. While many destinations tout “autism-friendly” options, this phrase is a generic term that does not necessarily indicate a true understanding of these families’ requirements. More parents are seeking out destinations that have completed research-based training and professional review as they review search for options.
“Georgia Aquarium is dedicated to providing our guests with an exceptional experience that allows them to connect with the wonders of the aquatic world. We are thrilled to be leading the zoo and aquarium industry through our commitment to making our facility friendly for families with children on the spectrum. We look forward to applying this training and working to provide the best possible experience for all of our guests with the ultimate goal of inspiring awareness and preservation of our ocean and aquatic animals worldwide,” said Anthony Rivera, Vice President of Guest Experience and Hospitality.
While research shows that travel is one of the most intellectually stimulating events for individuals on the autism spectrum, there are still few trained and certified travel options for parents looking for destinations able to accommodate their needs. Organizations like IBCCES and industry leaders such as Georgia Aquarium are working to change that.
“Our goal is to partner with the leading travel destinations in the world to create safe, sensory-compatible travel options for parents and individuals on the spectrum. Our Certified Autism Center designation is awarded to premier organizations around the globe who have completed rigorous training and meet the highest industry standards,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman.
IBCCES also created AutismTravel.com, a free online resource for parents that lists certified destinations and connects families to other resources and each other. Each destination listed on the site has met Certified Autism Center (CAC) requirements.
About IBCCES
The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) was established in 2001 to meet the training and credentialing needs of professionals who work with individuals with special needs. IBCCES has since expanded into over 42 different countries with training centers in the United States and Singapore and members across the globe. Our Certified Autism Specialist, Board Certified Cognitive Specialist, Certified Autism Travel Professional and Certified Autism Center credentials were established with the highest standards in the industry. As a result, our programs have become the benchmark for those who work with cognitive disorders around the globe. In addition, IBCCES created and hosts the annual International Symposium on Cognitive Research & Disorders. This global event brings together top neurologists, education leaders and healthcare experts with a focus on research, innovation, and collaboration. For information about training and certification, visit ibcces.org.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake:
If your kiddos hit the candy jackpot this Halloween and you’re cringing at the thought of them eating it all, here are some local buy back programs that will take it off your hands and send it to our troops!
Stanley Steemer removes an average of 94% of common household allergens like pet dander from carpet, upholstery, tile and hardwood floors. They’re also certified “asthma and allergy friendly” by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum is the official railroad museum of the state of Alabama and located just south of Birmingham in Calera, Alabama. The museum features operating standard gauge and narrow gauge trains, two restored depots, an indoor collection of railroad artifacts and memorabilia, and an outdoor collection of railroad cars, locomotives, and cabooses.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month and we here at Birmingham Mommy want to provide you and your kids with some resources to help keep them and their peers safe from bullying. Happily, not all children experience true bullying at school; however, most witness it at one time or another. Research has found that one of the most significant tools for stopping bullying is bystanders involvement. Unfortunately, we are all subject to the “Bystander Effect,” the phenomenon in which people are less likely to offer help to a victim when others are present. We convince ourselves that someone else has already gone for assistance or is better equipped to help than we are and so we do…nothing.
Head up to the Summit this Saturday, October 27th from 11am – 4pm for a chalk art festival event! There will be sidewalk chalk artists working their magic stationed around The Summit as well as entertainment for the whole family. There will even be a chance for you to cast your vote for your favorite chalk art creation! The winner will receive a $500 gift card.
