The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) proudly awards the Certified Neurodiverse Workplace™ (CNW) designation to iCan Dream Center. To earn this certification, at least 80% of staff completed training and certification to better recruit and support neurodivergent employees, including those who are autistic, have ADHD, or are dyslexic. Additionally, as part of the certification process, IBCCES will review current practices and provide recommendations for additional inclusive workplace practices.
“At iCan Dream Center, becoming certified as a Certified Neurodiverse Workplace™ is more than a designation. It is a reflection of who we are and what we believe,” says Dr. Evisha Ford, founding executive director of iCan Dream Center.“We are a workforce development organization serving neurodivergent students and adults, and we have a responsibility to model the same high standards and meaningful supports that we ask of our employer partners. Our organization was founded on compassionate leadership, and that means creating environments where people are expected to contribute, supported with dignity, and recognized for the gifts they bring to the workplace.”
Efficiency is about maximizing output with minimal input. A neurodiverse and accessible workplace directly contributes to this by reducing friction and unlocking hidden potential. The CNW program helps organizations increase operational efficiency by reducing turnover, enhancing problem-solving and innovation, and optimizing the use of their existing talent.
iCan Dream Center’s commitment to neurodiversity is reflected in both its mission and workplace practices. As a workforce development organization, iCan Dream Center places neurodivergent students and young adults in internships that align with their interests, skills, strengths, and long-term goals. These experiences are designed to help students build confidence, practice workplace expectations, strengthen communication skills, and develop the independence needed for meaningful employment.
Inside the organization, iCan Dream Center works to model a workplace culture rooted in compassionate leadership, clear expectations, and individualized support. This includes building staff awareness around neurodiversity, creating structured environments, using strengths-based approaches, supporting communication differences, and promoting a culture where accountability and dignity can exist together.
The organization also works closely with employer partners to expand access to inclusive work-based learning opportunities. By preparing students for the workforce while also helping workplaces better understand neurodivergent talent, iCan Dream Center serves as both a training ground and a bridge to opportunity.
“iCan Dream Center’s designation as a Certified Neurodiverse Workplace™ reflects its commitment to fostering an environment where neurodivergent employees are valued, supported, and empowered to succeed,” says Myron Pincomb, IBCCES CEO & board chairman. “By embracing inclusive workplace practices, iCan Dream Center is helping create opportunities for individuals and demonstrating how organizations can build stronger, more innovative teams.”
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, iCan Dream Center 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 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 iCan Dream Center
iCan Dream Center is a therapeutic school, workforce development organization, and behavioral health provider committed to optimizing student potential. Founded in compassionate leadership, iCan Dream Center serves neurodivergent learners and young adults through individualized education, transition services, mental health supports, internships, and career-readiness opportunities. The organization partners with school districts, families, employers, and community agencies to build pathways that help students develop academic, social-emotional, vocational, and independent living skills. Through meaningful support and real-world experiences, iCan Dream Center prepares students to move boldly toward futures filled with purpose, contribution, and possibility.
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, 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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