Latest news with #CertifiedAutism
Emirates 24/7
29-04-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Dubai becomes first Certified Autism Destination™ in Eastern Hemisphere
Dubai has officially gained recognition as the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere – a designation which underscores a citywide effort to make the tourism proposition more accessible and inclusive for all residents and visitors. This achievement aligns with key priorities of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, by championing talent development, social inclusion, and quality of life, as well as the UAE Year of Community, which includes the goal of creating inclusive spaces that encourage collaboration, a sense of belonging, and shared experiences. Awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), renowned for its expertise in autism and sensory training, the journey to achieve Certified Autism Destination™ status was spearheaded by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). This milestone was made possible through the collective efforts of key stakeholders and partners, who worked together to enhance accessibility across all aspects of the visitor experience - from the aviation ecosystem, to hotels, attractions, and transportation. Key initiatives included comprehensive staff training programmes, expanded visitor support at attractions, and the introduction of sensory guides and hidden disability lanyards to ensure a seamless and inclusive experience for all. Additionally, each certified location underwent an onsite review and received custom sensory guides developed by IBCCES as part of the process. As part of the certification programme, DET collaborated with IBCCES to facilitate comprehensive autism and sensory awareness training for the city's tourist-facing workforce. At the heart of this achievement is the 'Dubai Way' online training platform developed by Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), part of DET, to empower staff with the skills and knowledge to provide a more inclusive experience for People of Determination (those with special needs or disabilities). DCT has also continued to offer its Inclusive Service programme – a self-paced course that can be followed on the online Dubai Way platform. It teaches applicants how best to cater and communicate with People of Determination, with the training modules featuring real-life stories, interactive sessions, and videos, fostering empathy and understanding while embedding diversity into everyday interactions with visitors. In just over two years, the city has marked significant progress in inclusivity, with over 70,000 individuals receiving autism and sensory awareness training. This commitment extends to the hospitality sector, where more than 300 hotels are actively engaged in a training and certification process, aiming to provide comfortable and inclusive experiences for guests with autism and sensory sensitivities. Additionally, more than 15 attractions, along with several beaches and parks, have earned IBCCES certifications, reinforcing the city's commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said, 'Dubai's designation as a Certified Autism Destination is a landmark moment in our accessibility journey, demonstrating a collective commitment to not only consistently developing infrastructure, but also enhancing skills and services across the city. Under the guidance of our visionary leadership, we are dedicated to further elevating the experience in Dubai for all residents and visitors, with accessibility as a core priority, and this recognition has been made possible thanks to the steadfast efforts and support of all our partners, including IBCCES, the aviation ecosystem, hotels, and attractions. This also marks another important step towards achieving the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, to further consolidate Dubai's position as a leading global destination for business and leisure, and aligns with the priorities of the UAE Year of Community. As we continue to innovate and expand our offerings, we remain focused on making Dubai the best city to visit, live, and work in - for everyone.' Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman and CEO, said, 'Dubai is raising the bar for accessible tourism, and IBCCES is honoured to support this initiative. This achievement represents a significant step in ensuring that all visitors, including autistic people and individuals with sensory needs, can explore and experience everything Dubai has to offer with confidence and ease.' Dubai International (DXB), which in December 2023 was recognised as the first international airport to earn the Certified Autism Center™ designation, has successfully completed the expansion of its hidden disability and autism-inclusive training programme. This initiative equipped 45,000 employees – across the wider airport community, including partners and stakeholders – with the skills to better support hidden disabilities including autistic and sensory-sensitive travellers navigating both Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC). Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said, 'At Dubai Airports, we are proud to support Dubai's journey towards becoming a Certified Autism Destination. As the first and last impression of the city for millions of travellers, we embrace our responsibility to create a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive environment for all. This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring that every guest, regardless of their needs, enjoys a seamless and supportive travel experience at DXB. Through our oneDXB community, we continue to work closely with our stakeholders across the airports to enhance accessibility, provide specialised training for frontline teams, and design environments that are supportive of people of determination, including those with hidden disabilities such as autism. As the world's busiest international airport, we recognise the importance of leading by example, and this milestone reinforces our dedication to making travel more compassionate and human-centric for all.' For several years, Emirates has been on a journey to officially become the world's first Autism Certified Airline™, receiving certifications for its check in areas and training more than 30,000 on-ground staff and cabin crew to support autistic customers in a myriad of ways. Adel Al Redha, Deputy President, and Chief Operations Officer, Emirates, said, 'Emirates has been driving progress in accessible travel for several years, in a mission to make the travel experience more inclusive. In April 2024, Emirates received Certified Autism Center™ Designations for our Dubai Check In facilities, including at our dedicated hub in Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport. A year later, we are the world's first autism certified airline – with more than 30,000 cabin crew and airport staff trained to support customers with autism. These significant achievements help build a strong foundation for Dubai to be celebrated as the first certified autism destination in the eastern hemisphere - giving travellers confidence that their journey to and from our iconic city will be supported. We continue to work hand in hand with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism to create lasting change, break barriers, and be recognised as a world leading accessible destination. We have a social and professional responsibility to facilitate the travel journey for our autistic passengers.' Support from attractions and landmarks throughout the city has also been paramount to achieving the Certified Autism Destination™ status. A key example is Expo City Dubai, which was designated as a Certified Autism Center™ in December 2024 following an extensive training process for its visitor-facing team on how best to support autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors. Marjan Faraidooni, Chief of Education and Culture and Chief Human Resources Officer, Expo City Dubai, said, 'By becoming a Certified Autism Destination™, Dubai demonstrates the potential to succeed – and thrive – in travel and tourism when accessibility and inclusion are prioritised, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to experience all Dubai has to offer. Expo City Dubai is proud to have contributed to this city-wide effort. Becoming a Certified Autism Center™ in 2024 was a milestone in our people-centric strategy to create an inclusive culture and environment for all who visit, live and work in Expo City, and we look forward to further collaborations and success stories as we progress on this journey.' Dubai Holding Entertainment, which offers a range of leisure and entertainment options across Dubai, has a number of attractions that have obtained the Certified Autism Center™ status, including Motiongate Dubai and The Green Planet. The group has outlined a range of plans for more of its destinations to achieve the certification. Alanood Al Hashemi, Vice President of Organisational Culture and Impact at Dubai Holding Entertainment, said, 'We are proud of Dubai Holding Entertainment's contribution to Dubai's recognition as a Certified Autism Destination. We are committed to making ongoing efforts to ensure our parks are accessible and enjoyed by as many people as possible, whether they are residents of Dubai or tourists. We look forward to welcoming families from around the world to experience our exceptional and inclusive entertainment spaces here in Dubai.' To further support inclusivity efforts, all certified locations in Dubai are being featured on the IBCCES Accessibility App, which is free to download. This app provides travellers with real-time guidance on certified destinations, sensory-friendly spaces, and tailored recommendations. Further details on travel accessibility in Dubai are available at Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Trade Arabia
24-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Emirates launches 'travel rehearsal' programme in 17 cities
Emirates has achieved several milestones in Autism Awareness month, including launching a 'travel rehearsal' programme across 17 cities, allowing children with autism to practice airport journeys, and becoming the world's first Autism Certified Airline. Over 30,000 cabin crew and ground staff have been trained to support customers with autism. In April, Emirates highlighted autism awareness to millions of passengers by showcasing movies, podcasts, and TV shows about neurodiversity on its inflight entertainment system, ice. Adel al Redha, Deputy President and COO, Emirates, said: 'Emirates has been driving and facilitating good progress in accessible travel, and it is part of our operational strategy. We continue to work on this mission to make travel more inclusive. At the beginning of 2024, we were recognised as a Certified Autism Center™. We have upskilled our teams and I am pleased to say that we are now the world's first autism-certified airline, with 30, 000 frontline staff and cabin crew trained to support our customers with autism. Now we are also rolling out our Travel Rehearsal programme in cities across the globe, to break barriers and make travel accessible for everyone. This is part of our social and professional responsibility.' EMIRATES' TRAVEL REHEARSALS ACTIVATED ACROSS 17 CITIES Globally, Emirates has started rolling out its travel rehearsal programme to 17 cities including Barcelona, Brisbane, Budapest, Cebu, Christchurch, Dubai, Durban, Luanda, Madrid, Manila, Mauritius, Manchester, Montreal, Nice, Oslo, Paris and Toronto, with more destinations committing to the programme every month. The Travel Rehearsal concept first began in 2023, as a community collaboration between Emirates, Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Airports, the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai Police and Dubai Customs, and several schools and centres for autism in Dubai, whose feedback was invaluable to the process. The local schools and centres for autism including Safe Center for Autism, The New England Center for Children's (NECC) Clinic, Rashid Center for People of Determination and Dubai Autism Centre were invited to Dubai International (DXB) to experience a simulation of an airport journey. The children and their teachers and carers got to practice checking in, dropping baggage, going through immigration and security, experiencing the hustle and bustle of Duty Free and familiarising themselves with the airport, boarding passes, and the many individuals encountered along the way. Now on an international level, parents, therapists and teachers involved in the travel rehearsals have reported to Emirates that the experience has been invaluable in helping their child to have a safe and successful flight, by offering the comfort of preparation and familiarity, as well as trained staff to support.
Hi Dubai
10-04-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Airports Scales Up Autism-Inclusive Training, Setting Global Benchmark in Accessible Travel
Dubai Airports has significantly expanded its autism-inclusive training programme, now equipping 45,000 employees across Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) to better support autistic and sensory-sensitive travellers. This initiative reinforces Dubai's broader vision of becoming a Certified Autism Destination (CAD). DXB holds the distinction of being the world's first international airport to receive the Certified Autism Centre (CAC) designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), in addition to certification by the Dubai Autism Centre (DAC). The enhanced training programme, which reflects a 36% increase in specialist training year-on-year, forms a key pillar of Dubai Airports' strategy to ensure an inclusive and supportive airport experience. Employees are trained in sensory awareness, effective communication, and anxiety-reduction techniques to create a smoother journey for neurodiverse travellers. 'True inclusion starts with people,' said Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Airports. 'Our airports are Dubai's gateways to the world. It's our responsibility to ensure every guest feels welcomed, supported, and included.' The IBCCES-accredited training spans a wide airport community, including partners like Dubai Police, Dubai Customs, Emirates, flydubai, dnata, and Dubai Taxi Company. Trained Guest Experience Ambassadors, identifiable by Sunflower pins, are stationed at key points across both airports to assist autistic guests and their families. Supporting measures include priority lanes via the Sunflower Lanyard, the DXB Travel Planner for pre-journey preparation, sensory-friendly lounges, and autism-friendly routes throughout the terminals. During Autism Acceptance Month, blue-lit Smart Gates and terminal displays of sunflowers further demonstrate solidarity with the autism community. Dubai Airports continues to set the standard for accessible travel, making inclusivity not just a commitment—but a cornerstone of the travel experience. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Zawya
17-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel achieves Certified Autism Center status
Dubai, UAE – Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel proudly announces its achievement of the Certified Autism Center™️ (CAC) designation, awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This certification recognizes the hotel's dedication to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals, ensuring accessible and supportive services for all guests. Through the CAC certification, the hotel's team has been equipped with essential training to enhance their understanding and support of autistic guests and their families. As part of the certification process, IBCCES conducted an on-site assessment of Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel, providing recommendations and sensory guides. These guides help guests understand the sensory impact of different hotel areas—such as noise levels, lighting, and other sensory elements—allowing them to make informed decisions about their stay and navigate its facilities comfortably. 'Inclusivity is at the heart of our hospitality philosophy. Becoming a Certified Autism Center™ is a testament to our commitment to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for all our guests,' says Stefan Schmidt, complex general manager of Al Jaddaf Rotana Dubai, Arabian Park Dubai – Edge by Rotana, and Park Apartments Edge by Rotana. 'This milestone reflects our dedication to creating an environment where individuals with autism and their families feel welcome, supported, and comfortable. We look forward to continuing to enhance the experience for all our guests, ensuring that every stay is memorable and accessible.' The certification also aligns with Dubai's broader initiative, led by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), to become a Certified Autism Destination™️ (CAD). This designation highlights Dubai's commitment to establishing an inclusive tourism landscape with numerous certified lodging, recreation, and entertainment options for autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals. 'Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel's achievement as a Certified Autism Center™️ represents a significant step in Dubai's journey towards greater accessibility,' says Myron Pincomb, CEO and board chairman of IBCCES. 'By prioritizing inclusivity, the hotel not only enhances its reputation as a leading hospitality destination but also ensures that every guest, regardless of their sensory needs, can enjoy a welcoming and supportive environment.' For over 20 years, IBCCES has been the global leader in cognitive disorder training and certification for healthcare, education, corporate, and hospitality professionals. It remains the only credentialing body providing travel and entertainment organizations with autism-specific training and certification from subject-matter experts and autistic self-advocates, alongside long-term support and resources. IBCCES also operates a free online resource that connects families with certified locations, destinations, and professionals worldwide. Each organization listed has met the CAC requirements to ensure exceptional accessibility and support. About Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel Located in the thriving Al Jaddaf district, a premier business and lifestyle community connecting old and new Dubai, Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel offers guests luxury, convenience and outstanding leisure, dining and meeting facilities. With 318 modern rooms and luxurious suites, all elegantly furnished with pool or city views, spacious living areas and kitchenettes, the hotel is ideal for business and leisure travellers, including families visiting the city. Your business and leisure needs are met with the hotel's extensive facilities including 6 meeting rooms, a Bodyline Fitness & Wellness Club with a gym, outdoor swimming pool as well as sauna and massage rooms. About IBCCES Delivering the global standard for training and certification in the fields of autism, neurodiversity, and accessibility – IBCCES provides a series of certification programs that empower professionals to be leaders in their field and improve the outcomes for the individuals they serve. For over two decades, IBCCES has been a global leader, setting the industry standard in autism and cognitive differences training. IBCCES works in over 111 countries and provides training in 8 languages, and its programs have been recognized around the world as the leading benchmark in training and certification. In addition to individual certification programs, IBCCES partners with cities, destinations, and organizations on initiatives like the Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) and Autism Certified City™ (ACC), ensuring autistic and sensory-sensitive residents and visitors feel welcomed and safe. Destinations that achieve the CAD designation have completed a specialized program that ensures a multitude of recreation, hospitality and entertainment organizations have completed an autism and sensory-sensitivity training, certification and IBCCES facilities review process. The ACC designation expands on that program and includes IBCCES training and certification for the public safety, education, healthcare and workplace sectors. IBCCES also created the Accessibility App, and – free resources for individuals with a variety of neurodiversities and disabilities, listing certified locations and connecting individuals to other resources and each other.
Associated Press
12-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
ABQ BioPark Becomes a Certified Autism Center™, Enhancing Accessibility for Every Visitor
Designation is the first of its kind for Albuquerque's cultural facilities 'Being a Certified Autism Center™ opens the doors to families who may have hesitated to visit before, and now we can provide the tools to help everyone prepare and make the most of their visit...' — Allyson Zahm, ABQ BioPark guest experience manager ALBUQUERQUE, NM, UNITED STATES, February 12, 2025 / / -- In recognition of its efforts to create inclusive and accessible experiences for all guests, the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) awards ABQ BioPark the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation, an impressive accolade and a first for Albuquerque 'The ABQ BioPark is a leader among Albuquerque's cultural facilities and has gone above and beyond the requirements for this designation,' says Mayor Tim Keller. 'Having a Certified Autism Center™ in Albuquerque improves the quality of life for all, especially for families with autistic individuals that deserve to experience all that our Zoo, Aquarium and Botanic Garden have to offer.' To earn this certification, 80% or more of the park's guest-facing staff completed autism-specific training. This training and certification process equips staff with knowledge of the best practices, skills and resources to help create a welcoming and accessible environment for autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors and their families. IBCCES also conducted an on-site review to create sensory guides and offer additional recommendations. 'It is important that every guest at the ABQ BioPark is welcome to connect with nature in a way that is meaningful to them,' says Allyson Zahm, ABQ BioPark guest experience manager. 'Being a Certified Autism Center™ opens the doors to families who may have hesitated to visit before, and now we can provide the tools to help everyone prepare and make the most of their visit to the zoo, botanic garden and aquarium.' In addition to the specialized training that led to the Certified Autism Center™ designation, the ABQ BioPark has enacted a number of measures to help ensure an inclusive visit for BioPark guests. These include: - Creating a centralized online page with accessibility information. - Producing social narratives to help guests prepare for a visit. - Providing on-site sensory information to help guests determine which areas to consider visiting or bypassing, depending upon their needs. - Scheduling more events tailored to guests with sensory sensitivities. - Establishing a sensory-friendly morning at the zoo and aquarium and botanic garden each month with limited ticket sales and reduced sounds and lights where possible. In addition to the online tools available for guests and the training staff received, physical signs to help guests identify areas of high sensory experiences are starting to be installed. The zoo will be the first to receive these, with the aquarium and botanic garden to follow. 'We are proud to celebrate the ABQ BioPark's achievement of becoming a Certified Autism Center™, recognizing their efforts to best include and accommodate every person that visits the zoo, aquarium or botanic gardens,' says Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman. 'This certification is a testament of their dedication to creating a space where every guest will feel welcome and included.' For more than 20 years, IBCCES has been the leader in cognitive disorder training and certification for healthcare, education, and corporate professionals worldwide. IBCCES is the only credentialing organization providing this type of certification, which includes evidence-based training, as well as the perspectives of autistic individuals, alongside other tools and resources, such as onsite reviews, customized recommendations and renewal requirements to ensure the program is a long-term commitment that has a lasting impact. IBCCES also created a free online resource that lists certified locations and professionals. Each organization listed on the site has met Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) requirements. ### About ABQ BioPark The ABQ BioPark is a living environmental park that protects the natural world and connects communities with nature. It is a refuge for thousands of animals and plants cared for by zoological, marine and botanical experts who lead significant science-based conservation work in New Mexico and around the world. The BioPark consists of four distinct areas: ABQ BioPark Aquarium, ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden, ABQ BioPark Zoo, and Tingley Beach. The ABQ BioPark is an accessible facility and a division of the Department of Arts & Culture, City of Albuquerque, Tim Keller, Mayor. We are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and a member of the American Public Gardens Association. In 2023, ABQ BioPark earned the American Humane Certified™ seal of approval for its excellent treatment of animals and commitment to conservation. For more information, visit or call 311 locally or 505-768-2000 (Relay NM or 711). About IBCCES Delivering the global standard for training and certification in the fields of autism, neurodiversity, and accessibility – IBCCES provides a series of certification programs that empower professionals to be leaders in their field and improve the outcomes for the individuals they serve. For over two decades, IBCCES has been a global leader, setting the industry standard in autism and cognitive differences training. IBCCES works in over 111 countries and provides training in 8 languages, and its programs have been recognized around the world as the leading benchmark in training and certification. In addition to individual certification programs, IBCCES partners with cities, destinations, and organizations on initiatives like the Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) and Autism Certified City™ (ACC), ensuring autistic and sensory-sensitive residents and visitors feel welcomed and safe. Destinations that achieve the CAD designation have completed a specialized program that ensures a multitude of recreation, hospitality and entertainment organizations have completed an autism and sensory-sensitivity training, certification and IBCCES facilities review process. The ACC designation expands on that program and includes IBCCES training and certification for the public safety, education, healthcare and workplace sectors. IBCCES also created the Accessibility App, and – free resources for individuals with a variety of neurodiversities and disabilities, listing certified locations and connecting individuals to other resources and each other. Meredith Tekin X LinkedIn Instagram Legal Disclaimer:
