The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) proudly awards the Accreditation for Comprehensive Student Wellbeing™ (ACSW) designation to Dubai Center for Special Needs (DCSN). To earn this accreditation, staff completed specialized training focused on autism, sensory awareness, accessibility, and inclusive educational practices to better support students with diverse learning, developmental, and sensory needs.
As part of the accreditation process, IBCCES also will be conducting an onsite review to provide additional recommendations that further enhance accessibility, inclusive learning environments, and student support services across the center
“At Dubai Center for Special Needs, we believe that continuous growth and excellence are at the heart of everything we do. Pursuing the certification program offered by IBCCES reflects our commitment, both as a management team and as dedicated staff, to ongoing professional development. This training provides valuable insights and practical strategies that directly support the well-being of our students, empowering our teachers and therapists to better understand, engage, and respond to diverse needs, said Dr. Salehi from DCSN
Dr. Salehi continued, “It also strengthens our ability to create a more inclusive, supportive, and evidence-based learning environment, aligns our practices with internationally recognized standards, and fosters a unified approach across all departments. Ultimately, this initiative will enhance the quality of care and education we provide to our students and their families”.
Operational efficiency in schools is about maximizing resources, time, and personnel to achieve meaningful student outcomes. IBCCES autism and accessibility training directly contributes to this by equipping educators and support staff with evidence-based strategies that help foster proactive, rather than reactive, learning environments. Through enhanced staff readiness, improved communication approaches, and inclusive classroom practices, schools can reduce classroom management challenges, strengthen collaboration across departments, and empower educators to better support every learner.
The ACSW designation reflects Dubai Center for Special Needs’ commitment to creating a high-functioning, inclusive educational environment where students with diverse abilities are empowered to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. By investing in professional development and internationally recognized best practices, the center continues to strengthen its role as a trusted leader in specialized education and student wellbeing within the region.
“We are proud to work with Dubai Center for Special Needs as they continue advancing inclusive education and student wellbeing,” said Myron Pincomb, CEO and board chairman of IBCCES. “Through this accreditation, the center is demonstrating a strong commitment to creating supportive, evidence-based learning environments that prioritize accessibility, empowerment, and long-term success for every student.”
For 25 years, 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, DCSN is now featured on the IBCCES Accessibility App, a free tool that provides individuals with disabilities real-time guidance on certified destinations, sensory-friendly spaces, and tailored recommendations. By connecting users to accessible locations worldwide—including iconic experiences such as NH Collection Dubai The Palm—the app ensures seamless, enjoyable experiences for all visitors.
IBCCES also provides access to resources such as AccessibilityCertified.com and AutismTravel.com, free online tools for families that list certified locations and professionals. Each organization listed on the site has met IBCCES certification requirements.
About Dubai Center for Special Needs
Dubai Center for Special Needs is a specialized educational center dedicated to empowering students with diverse learning, developmental, and physical needs through individualized, inclusive, and evidence-based education and therapy services. Located in Al Safa, Dubai, the purpose-built campus provides accessible facilities, sensory-supportive environments, and multidisciplinary programs designed to promote student wellbeing, independence, and long-term success. Through a commitment to continuous professional development and student-centered care, the center strives to create a nurturing environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive.
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 industry leaders and improve the outcomes for the individuals they serve. For 25 years, IBCCES has been a global leader, setting the industry standard in autism and cognitive differences training. IBCCES works in over 125 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, AutismTravel.com, and AccessibilityCertified.com – free resources for individuals with a variety of neurodiversities and disabilities, listing certified locations and connecting individuals to other resources and each other.
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