Traveling can be an exciting experience, offering the chance to explore new environments and cultures. However, for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the experience can often be quite overwhelming due to sensory sensitivities, unfamiliarity, and other factors. Enter the Advanced Certified Autism Center (ACAC), an initiative designed to make travel more accessible and enjoyable for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.
What is Advanced Certified Autism Center (ACAC)?
The Advanced Certified Autism Center (ACAC) is a unique certification given to travel destinations, accommodations, and organizations by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This prestigious certification is given to those that have undergone wide-ranging training focused on serving individuals with autism and their families.
Taking travel inclusivity a notch higher, the ACAC goes beyond the basic Certified Autism Center (CAC) requirements. To acquire this certification, organizations must meet a series of rigorous criteria, ensuring they are entirely equipped to cater to the unique needs of individuals with autism and their families.
Importance of the ACAC
Travel can be a transformative experience, opening up a world of new perspectives. The ACAC seeks to ensure this experience is accessible to everyone regardless of neurodivergence. Any organization bearing ACAC certification can be viewed as a safe and understanding place for individuals with ASD. These organizations have the necessary understanding and resources to ensure that every guest's needs can be met.
Given that one in every 54 children in the U.S is identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the ACAC serves a significant need. Often, parents with kids on the spectrum worry about navigating unfamiliar destinations and how receptive these places would be to their needs. The ACAC provides those parents with peace of mind, knowing that their chosen destination has the expertise and resources to cater to their child’s needs.
Certification Process
The ACAC certification process is extensive and in-depth, ensuring only the most dedicated organizations acquire it. A facility must first obtain the Certified Autism Center (CAC) designation, showing at least 80% of staff members have undergone autism-specific training. After this, they should exhibit a high completion rate for specific advanced training for a wide range of professionals. Moreover, the facility must develop and execute an autism strategy to showcase their commitment and supporting resources.
Role of IBCCES In ACAC
IBCCES is internationally renowned for its commitment towards the continuous improvement and recognition of professionals and organizations that lead the field in special needs training and certification. It provides comprehensive, evidence-based certification programs to healthcare, education, and corporate professionals worldwide.
Having been established over 20 years ago, IBCCES set out to meet the growing need for certified professionals within the field of cognitive disorders and, in particular, autism. By offering the ACAC certification, IBCCES assures that the highest standards of autism accommodation and resources are upheld.
The Impact on Travel Experiences
The ACAC program has a strong impact on the travel experience for those within the autism community. For instance, in places like shops, transportation services, and amusement parks, an ACAC certification endows these destinations with the knowledge and necessary tools to create an inclusive environment.
Destination staff trained to identify and respond to potential overstimulation or distress from an individual with autism can significantly enhance their experience and those accompanying them. This not only makes the experience more pleasant for individuals with ASD but also their families, by minimizing conflict and maximizing enjoyment.
Final Thoughts
By fostering a more inclusive travel experience, the ACAC certification brings about a significant change. It signals a shift in the travel industry that recognizes the diverse needs of all travelers, including those on the autism spectrum. While progress has been made, there is still a way to go, with ongoing improvements in autism-friendly facilities and staff trainings. One thing is for sure, the continued promotion and implementation of the ACAC are key to ensuring that individuals with ASD and their families can enjoy stress-free and meaningful travel experiences.
