An Autism Certified City™ (ACC) represents a community-wide commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with autism and other cognitive differences. Through comprehensive training and certification programs, an Autism Certified City™ ensures that all areas of a city, including healthcare, education, local government, hospitality, leisure, manufacturing, and corporate members are trained and certified to accommodate the needs of autistic guests, staff, residents, and their families This prestigious designation from IBCCES requires organizations to complete rigorous autism support training, undergo independent assessment validation, and participate in onsite facility audits to enhance accommodations. Autism Certified Cities are helping to make it easier for families to find welcoming, understanding communities where they can live, work, and visit with confidence. The certification demonstrates a city’s dedication to creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
Mesa, Arizona, USA
Welcome to Mesa, Arizona. A gateway city to one of the most dynamic regions in the country. With countless places for new discoveries, competitive sports, wild west adventures, and farm-to-table cuisine, Mesa is a city that knows no bounds. From urban to rural, mountain peak to desert floor, arts and culture to wildlife and nightlife, each and every guest is given unparalleled access to one of the richest arrays of visitor offerings in the country. A geographic wonderland, Mesa is close to the Tonto National Forest and the iconic Superstition Mountains, but far enough to experience a wide-open and true Arizona vacation. From here, all things are possible, leaving you breathless and sure to show you why we are “City Limitless.”
Five years ago, Visit Mesa embarked on a journey to become a beacon of inclusivity, driven by a personal commitment to creating accessible experiences for all. As a parent of a child on the autism spectrum, this mission is deeply meaningful. To date, over 7,500 individuals across 50 businesses have become certified, solidifying our position as a national leader in accessible destination marketing.But we haven’t stopped there. We’ve expanded our focus to encompass a wider spectrum of accessibility needs, forging strategic partnerships with organizations like Wheel the World, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, Aria, and more. These collaborations allow us to offer robust and comprehensive support, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can experience the magic of Mesa. We’re committed to continuing this work and making Mesa a welcoming destination for all.– Marc Garcia, President and CEO of Visit Mesa
Medinah, Saudi Arabia
Al Madinah Al Munawwarah المدينة المنورة, holds a central place in Islamic history as the city that welcomed the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and became the foundation for the spread of Islam. Known for its sacred mosques, historical sites, and a strong sense of community, Medina is a beacon of spiritual and cultural significance.
By pursuing the Autism Certified City designation, Al Madinah Al Munawwarah is expanding its legacy of hospitality and care to a new dimension. This initiative reflects Al Madinah Al Munawwarah’s commitment to ensuring that every resident and visitor, including those with autism and other cognitive differences, can fully experience and engage with the city’s offerings.
We want to ensure that residents and visitors in Medina experience a city that is truly inclusive. Partnering with IBCCES allows us to equip our community to better serve individuals on the autism spectrum and those with sensory sensitivities, ensuring a welcoming environment for everyone.– Dr. Adel Alwafi, CEO of Al-Madinah Association for Autism “Tamakkon”
Looking for more travel options? Visit Autism Travel for a full listing of IBCCES Certified Autism Destinations™ (CAD). An IBCCES CAD is a location designed to make autistic visitors or those with sensory needs feel welcomed, safe, and above all, have fun during their visit! In a CAD, the majority of tourism-related organizations in the location have completed autism and sensory sensitivity and awareness training and have completed an on-site review with IBCCES.