At TPG, we strongly feel that travel is not only accessible to all, but enjoyable for all. In honor of World Autism Awareness Day (held annually on April 2), we highlight cities and attractions around the world that are doing just that — making the destination Their welcome all visitors.
About 1 in 36 children in the US are diagnosed with autism, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Every year, more and more destinations join the growing list of places that are dedicated to ensuring that every visitor’s needs are met so that they feel welcome, cared for and above all able. play.
To do this, these destinations partner with International Council on Certification Standards and Continuing Education, an organization that focuses on autism and cognitive differences. In addition to training in public health and safety, IBCCES has developed a robust certification program for cities, zoos, restaurants, theme parks, hotels, museums and attractions. Similar tourism is committed to serving people with autism.
Planning your next vacation? Here are seven autism-friendly destinations to consider.
Beach Resort
The Beaches property group includes three Family-friendly all-inclusive resort in Negril and Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and the Turks and Caicos Islands to welcome all types of guests, including those with autism.
All of these resorts are designated Advanced Certified Autism Centers and staff have been specially trained by IBCCES. Not to mention, each property offers kids camps, customized dining options, sensory-friendly zones, and sensory guides who provide detailed information on sensory stimulation levels. interest in the various amenities and activities at these Beaches resorts, including those led by celebrities on Sesame Street.
Beach resorts also offer accredited live staff called “Beach Friends” who can assist your family during all or part of your trip and “Arrival Service” and express departure”, both for an additional fee.
Mesa, Arizona
mesa, arizonastands out as the first city to be certified for autism in the United States. This title means that visitors can find autism-friendly attractions, hotels, restaurants, etc., all over the city.
The City website offers a directory of certified accommodation, dining and attractions. You can download a mobile passport that lists attractions and can earn special prizes if you check-in to five Certified Autism Center locations during your visit.
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nearby at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)visitors with special needs can request for free”compassionate cactus” lanyards so employees can easily identify who may need additional assistance.
Visas, California
In December 2022, Visalia, californiaearned the Certified Autistic Destination certification after a year-long collaborative effort by the tourist board Visit Visalia and local hotels and attractions.
Visalia holds a Updated list of Certified Autism Centers on its website, along with detailed information on the requirements for those hotels and attractions to achieve that classification, including staff training, accommodations and amenities such as sensory guides , quiet spaces and events dedicated to low-key feelings.
The city also participates in the “Potential Disability Sunflower Program,” will provide visitors with a complimentary sunflower-print lanyard. This will alert staff at local hotels, restaurants and attractions that special accommodations may be required. separate.
Legoland
As of the 2023 active season, all Legoland Resort across the United States will open as Certified Autism Centers.
Staff at LegolandFlorida in winter paradise, Florida, LegolandCalifornia IN City of San Diego And LegolandNew York in Goshen, New York, is specially trained to make sure guests with autism or other sensory disorders can enjoy the kid-friendly theme park. In the case of Legoland Florida, all three on-site hotels are also Certified Autism Centers.
Related: 7 things to know before visiting Legoland New York Resort
In addition, each Legoland location provides quiet rooms, sensory-friendly areas, and sensory guides for all attractions that rate each attraction’s sensory level in relation to emotions. sense, taste, sound, sight and smell. Visitors can also request a skip-the-line pass called the Hero Pass for disabled guests.
Peppa Pig amusement park
Peppa Pig amusement park — adjacent to Legoland Florida Resort — opens February 2022 as an IBCCES Certified Autism Center.
In addition to training staff in sensory awareness and continuing education on the needs of visitors with autism, Peppa Pig Theme Park also has a In-depth sensory guide on its website, sensory signage at each attraction and skip-the-line tickets for visitors with special needs. There are also areas designed for people with autism, such as an indoor theater that shows episodes of “Peppa Pig” in a quiet, dark room with comfortable cushions.
SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando is already an IBCCE Certified Autism Center since World Autism Day 2019. The theme park combines thrills and kid-friendly rides with water animal observation and education — along with Aquatica Orlando and the resort. Discovery Cove all-inclusive resort — organizes staff training on autism awareness and sensitivity so that all visitors can enjoy the many fun and educational experiences SeaWorld has to offer.
SeaWorld Orlando website provides information about the park’s skip-the-line rider program, along with the park’s quiet room and low-sensitivity areas. You can also download a sensory guide with detailed information about each attraction at SeaWorld Orlando.
The DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld, one of Orlando has many family-friendly hotelsis also designated an Autism Certification Center, making it a convenient option for families traveling with children with autism.
sesame flavor
sesame flavorhas a location in Philadelphia and San Diego, the only amusement park where you can visit the friendly people who call Sesame Street home, is also the Autism Certification Center.
In addition to the necessary sensory training and instructions, Sesame Place offers visitors the opportunity to meet Julia, an autistic resident of Sesame Street. Julia has been a featured character on the TV show “Sesame Street” since 2017.
Related: First look at the brand new Sesame Place theme park in San Diego
Six flags
Six Flags has more than 20 theme park locations nationwide. In 2020, Six Flags becomes the first park group to earn Certified Autism Center certification at all locations.
Related: Celebrate National Roller Coaster Day on 1 of the 10 best roller coasters in the USA
Parks has partnered with IBCCES with the goal of eliminating the difficulty of visiting an amusement park with a child with special needs while making every guest feel welcome. Each park has its own sensory guide, custom menu options at the dining venues, sensory-friendly spaces, and enthusiastic, accommodating staff.
bottom line
These seven cities, resorts and attractions are doing everything they can to accommodate the needs of travelers with autism.
For a complete list of IBCCES certified locations, visit the organization’s online website autism travel directory.
