The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards renews Mesa's Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Department designation as a Certified Autism Center (CAC). Over 80% of community-facing staff completed up-to-date training on autism and sensory needs to equip them with understanding of best practices and skills to welcome and support every visitor. When Mesa Parks, Recreation and Communities Facilities was initially certified in 2019, it became the first such organization to become a CAC.
"Renewing our Certified Autism Center designation through IBCCES shows our continuing commitment to having parks and recreation programs and facilities that are inclusive, accessible and tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals with autism. This certification is part of our commitment to creating welcoming spaces for all families. It elevates the quality of our services by fostering an environment of understanding, respect and excellence in every activity we offer," said Andrea Moore, Mesa Parks Recreation and Community Facilities Director.
"We are proud to continue our long-standing partnership with Mesa Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities and renew their Certified Autism Center designation," said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman. "This certification is a testament to their ongoing dedication and commitment to creating spaces where every person feels welcome, included and supported."
Since becoming a CAC, Mesa Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities has implemented several accessibility initiatives, including:
- Inclusion programmer hire
- Emphasis on inclusion services on our website
- Redesign of website
- Red Mountain Center quiet room
- Mesa Convention Center and Amphitheater quiet room
"It was helpful to learn strategies to be mindful of all the different sensory stimuli that might affect an individual with autism. It's not just about having the individual adapt to the world around them but how we can make spaces sensory-friendly," said Talia, a recreation specialist for Mesa Parks and Recreation.
"Understanding autism is not just about recognizing differences; it's about embracing diversity and creating an inclusive environment where every child can thrive," said Randall, a recreation programmer for Mesa Parks and Recreation.
Grecia, who is also a recreation programmer for the department, continues, "My training will positively impact what I do in Special Events by helping create more inclusive and sensory friendly experiences. For example, my team can implement strategies such as quiet zones, sensory friendly hours, visual schedules and trained staff to better support attendees with autism."
"The IBCCES training will impact the City of Mesa Special Events office by giving us the skills and knowledge to better serve our event attendees and to ensure that everyone participating in our events feels welcomed and comfortable from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave," said Aaron, Mesa Parks and Recreation coordinator.
The department's certification contributes to Mesas designation as an Autism Certified City (ACC). This designation ensures that both visitors and residents have access to a wide range of organizations that are trained and certified to better welcome and assist autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals across the healthcare, public safety, education, hospitality, entertainment and recreation industries. Mesa was the first city to earn the ACC designation.
For more than two decades, IBCCES has been a leader in providing autism, sensory and neurodiversity training and certification for professionals worldwide, including those in healthcare, education, public safety, travel and corporate sectors. As the only credentialing board offering these programs, IBCCES provides training from subject matter experts and autistic self-advocates, along with long-term support, continuous learning, onsite reviews, and renewal requirements to ensure continued growth and lasting impact.
To further support inclusivity efforts, Mesa Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Department is featured on the IBCCES Accessibility App, which is free to download. This app provides individuals with a variety of disabilities real-time guidance on certified destinations, sensory-friendly spaces and tailored recommendations. By connecting users to accessible locations worldwide, the app helps ensure seamless, enjoyable experiences for everyone.
IBCCES also provides access to resources such as CertifiedAutismCenter.com and AutismTravel.com, free online tools for families that list certified locations and professionals. Each organization listed on the site has met Certified Autism Center (CAC) requirements.