TRAVERSE CITY — Traverse City is the first city in the state of Michigan to be recognized as a Certified Autism Destination with 20 locations that are sensory-safe for residents and visitors.
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.
Whitney Waara, CEO of Traverse City Tourism, said advancing the city’s accessibility is a positive step.
“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,” Waara said. “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.”
While some businesses and attractions are working on their autism certification, organizations that have all achieved their certification include:
- 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
- Traverse Area Recreation Trail (TART) Trail
- The Garden Theater
- The Inn at Black Star Farms
- Traverse Area District Library
- Traverse Tall Ship Company
Through the certification process, hundreds of hospitality professionals have been trained to support travelers who may need special assistance.
Myron Pincomb, board chair for IBCCES, said the new designations in Traverse City mark a clear effort by organizations to center inclusivity.
“With millions of individuals and families looking for accessible and welcoming destinations, we are elated to announce Traverse City, Michigan as the first and only Certified Autism Destination in Michigan,” Pincomb said. “The leadership and commitment from Traverse City to ensure travelers and locals have options for individuals with autism and other sensory needs is evident in their continuous efforts to create inclusive and accommodating environments.”
Traverse City Tourism President Trevor Tkach said he is hopeful the designations will bring more families to the area.
“Through the certification process, hundreds of hospitality professionals have been trained to support travelers who may need special assistance. “For many of our members the certification was a passion project,” Tkach said. “They know what it’s like to travel with a family member or friends that need special accommodations and they just want to make life easier for them.”
Alanna M. Lahey, executive director of Disability Network Northern Michigan, said the certification is a welcome addition to northern Michigan according to accessibility advocates.
“True community inclusion exceeds simply removing physical accessibility barriers for people with mobility-related disabilities,” Lahey said. “Creating safe places for neurodiverse people who live with low sensory stimulation thresholds demonstrates Traverse City’s dedication and commitment to building a community that welcomes people of all abilities.”
More detailed information about the autism designation, along with a list of regularly updated certified businesses is available at www.traversecity.com .
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