Families dealing with autism or sensory needs should find it easier vacationing in Traverse City, MI. Numerous businesses have received training from an internationally recognized autism accredidation organization. Traverse City has now become the first city in Michigan to qualify as a Certified Autism Destination.
The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) certified the region as an “Autism Destination” after multiple organizations trained a majority of their staff on the needs of autistic people. The training included recognition and understanding of autism and the common sensory sensitivity concerns. The training took place with a variety of travel and leisure-related organizations including Traverse City Tourism, lodging partners, and attractions.
“The goal is to create a welcoming environment for all residents and visitors regardless of their unique needs, and to make the travel experience friendlier for families,” said Traverse City Tourism Chief Operating Officer, Whitney Waara. “Sometimes it’s as simple as creating a quiet space or helping provide accurate information about what a certain experience is like and how to navigate it easily before the visitors arrive.”
More than 5 million adults are on the autism spectrum according to the Center for Disease Control. In the last census, another 9 million people were identified as having sensory issues.
While other businesses and attractions are working on their autism certification, these have all achieved their certification:
- Traverse City Tourism & Traverse City Visitor Center
- Blossom Hotel & Suites
- COGNITION Science & Discovery Center
- Crystal Mountain
- Dennos Museum Center
- Great Lakes Children’s Museum
- Great Wolf Lodge
- Inland Seas Education Association
- KOTI Experiences
- Lake ‘n Pines Lodge
- Michigan Legacy Art Park
- Mt. Holiday
- National Writers Series
- Rainbow Valley Family Farm
- Seaside Sailing Excursions
- TART Trail
- The Garden Theater
- The Inn at Black Star Farms
- Traverse Area District Library
- Traverse Tall Ship Company
More detailed information about the autism designation, along with a list of regularly updated certified businesses is available at: www.TraverseCity.com.