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Dubai Eye
28-04-2025
- Business
- Dubai Eye
Dubai becomes autism-certified destination
Dubai has officially gained the recognition as an autism-certified destination, underscoring citywide efforts to make tourism more accessible and inclusive for all. The certification by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) pegs Dubai as the first city in the Eastern Hemisphere to gain the title. The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) collaborated with IBCCES to facilitate comprehensive autism and sensory awareness training for the city's tourist-facing workforce. In just over two years, the city has marked significant progress in inclusivity, with over 70,000 individuals receiving autism and sensory awareness training. It 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. Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman and CEO, highlighted that the "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". It comes days after Emirates Airline got the recognition of the world's first Autism-Certified Airline, after successfully training over 30,000 cabin crew and ground staff in autism awareness and support. In December 2023, Dubai International (DXB) was recognised as the first international airport to earn the Certified Autism Centre designation. Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said, "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." Support from attractions and landmarks throughout the city has also been paramount to achieving the Certified Autism Destination status, with Expo City Dubai and a number of attractions under Dubai Holding Entertainment obtaining the recognition over the last year.
Gulf Insider
24-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Emirates Becomes First Autism-Certified Airline Globally
Emirates has achieved designation as the world's first Autism Certified Airline™, with over 30,000 cabin crew and ground staff now trained to support customers with autism, the airline announced during Autism Awareness month. The certification follows a year-long collaboration with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), which involved detailed reviews and comprehensive audits to create a new blueprint for serving passengers with accessibility requirements, the airline said in a statement. Emirates expands autism travel rehearsals to 17 global cities The airline has also expanded its 'travel rehearsal' programme to 17 cities globally, including Barcelona, Brisbane, Budapest, Cebu, Christchurch, Dubai, Durban, Luanda, Madrid, Manila, Mauritius, Manchester, Montreal, Nice, Oslo, Paris and Toronto. '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,' Adel al Redha, Deputy President and COO, Emirates said. The travel rehearsal concept began in 2023 as a community collaboration in Dubai, involving the Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Airports, the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai Police, Dubai Customs, and several schools and centres for autism. Children and their carers practised airport procedures, including check-in, baggage drop, immigration, security screening, and boarding, helping them become familiar with the airport environment and processes. Parents, therapists and teachers have reported that these rehearsals have been 'invaluable' in helping children have successful flights by offering preparation and familiarity, as well as trained staff support. Currently, the travel rehearsal initiative is available on an invitation basis in collaboration with accredited centres. Throughout April, Emirates highlighted autism awareness to passengers through its in-flight entertainment system, featuring films like Temple Grandin and Ezra , podcasts about Dubai's autism-friendly mission, and documentaries including BBC's 'Inside Our Autistic Minds.' The initiative supports Dubai's ambition to become the most accessible destination globally, addressing findings from an survey which revealed that 78 per cent of families hesitate to travel or visit new locations, while 94 per cent would take more holidays if staff were autism-trained and certified. Also read: Pahalgam Terror Attack: Dubai-Based Indian Expat Among Victims
Arabian Business
23-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai's Emirates becomes world's first Autism Certified Airline
Emirates has achieved designation as the world's first Autism Certified Airline™, with over 30,000 cabin crew and ground staff now trained to support customers with autism, the airline announced during Autism Awareness month. The certification follows a year-long collaboration with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), which involved detailed reviews and comprehensive audits to create a new blueprint for serving passengers with accessibility requirements, the airline said in a statement. Emirates expands autism travel rehearsals to 17 global cities The airline has also expanded its 'travel rehearsal' programme to 17 cities globally, including Barcelona, Brisbane, Budapest, Cebu, Christchurch, Dubai, Durban, Luanda, Madrid, Manila, Mauritius, Manchester, Montreal, Nice, Oslo, Paris and Toronto. '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,' Adel al Redha, Deputy President and COO, Emirates said. The travel rehearsal concept began in 2023 as a community collaboration in Dubai, involving the Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Airports, the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai Police, Dubai Customs, and several schools and centres for autism. Children and their carers practised airport procedures, including check-in, baggage drop, immigration, security screening, and boarding, helping them become familiar with the airport environment and processes. Parents, therapists and teachers have reported that these rehearsals have been 'invaluable' in helping children have successful flights by offering preparation and familiarity, as well as trained staff support. Currently, the travel rehearsal initiative is available on an invitation basis in collaboration with accredited centres. Throughout April, Emirates highlighted autism awareness to passengers through its in-flight entertainment system, featuring films like Temple Grandin and Ezra, podcasts about Dubai's autism-friendly mission, and documentaries including BBC's 'Inside Our Autistic Minds.' The initiative supports Dubai's ambition to become the most accessible destination globally, addressing findings from an survey which revealed that 78 per cent of families hesitate to travel or visit new locations, while 94 per cent would take more holidays if staff were autism-trained and certified.
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:
