Mesa: First U.S. Autism Certified City

Autism Acceptance and Neurodiversity Infinity RainbowPhoto bySuzy Jacobson Cherry

Mesa was named the first Autism Certified City (ACC) in the United States by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) in 2019. During the initial process, which took about a year, almost 60 businesses and organizations in Mesa and the surrounding area completed autism certification training. Each of those organizations are deemed a Certified Autism Center by IBCCES. In order to earn their CAC designation, organizations must have trained 80% or more of their public-facing team members in how to communicate with and respond to autistic community members.

These first businesses included Jake’s Unlimited, AZ Goat Yoga, i.d.e.a. Museum, Arizona Museum of Natural History, Mesa Arts Center, Main Street Bar and Grill, and Escape Rooms Mesa. Others have joined the list, including Mesa Arts Center, Mesa Public Library’s Dobson Ranch branch and Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities. With Autism Certified staff, these business and organizations are able to welcome autistic individuals with more understanding.

In April 2019, the IBCCES named Visit Mesa the country’s first-ever destination marketing organization designated as a Certified Autism Center. As a Certified Autism Center, Visit Mesa helps visitors and residence find organizations in healthcare, public safety, education, hospitality, entertainment, recreation facilities, and workplaces that are trained and certified. When the initiative to make Mesa an Autism Certified City was first introduced and championed by Visit Mesa President and CEO Marc Garcia, all areas of the community quickly supported the effort.

Recertification

This past April, Mesa's Arts and Cultural Centers; Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities, and Dobson Ranch Library have renewed their certification as Certified Autism Centers by IBCCES. These arts and cultural centers are committed to meeting and maintaining the CAC standards. To meet these standards, staff must complete a training and certification program to better understand and welcome guests and their families who are autistic or sensory-sensitive. As part of the certification, IBCCES conducted an onsite review of each center to provide additional recommendations on how they can accommodate visitors.

All Mesa Arts and Culture organizations have designated sensory rooms, provide visitors sensory bags upon request, utilize social stories, offer virtual tours, and participate in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program — providing discreet support to guests with disabilities that may not be apparent. Additionally, Arizona Museum of Natural History offers noise-canceling headphones and light-sensitivity glasses, and along with i.d.e.a. Museum, has implemented sensory guides and sensory gentle hours. Mesa Arts Center recently added larger designated sensory spaces for festivals to accommodate more guests.

Dobson Ranch Library incorporates the IBCCES ideals into story times and events to deliver a positive experience for visiting families and individuals with sensory needs. “Providing inclusive experiences is one of our priorities as a library system. We will continue to explore and implement ways to provide great experiences and customer service to our visitors of every type and ability and we thank the IBCCES for its partnership and assistance in educating our staff on ways to achieve this goal!” said Polly Bonnett, Mesa library director.

Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities provide a range of activities such as weekly sports, special interest classes, social events, and summer camps for people with developmental disabilities. They offer inclusive programming and highly sought-after adaptive programs in Mesa — currently offering 41 programs with over 1,500 participants.

“IBCCES is excited to continue to partner with Arizona Museum of Natural History, i.d.e.a. Museum and Mesa Arts Center, as well as all of the partners in and surrounding Mesa who have joined in the Autism Certified City initiative. Mesa has been a leader and champion in taking steps to be more inclusive and accessible for the millions of autistic individuals and their families,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman. “Our programs are designed to provide long-term support and sustainability to ensure our partners continue to stay up to date on best practices and have the tools needed to better accommodate all guest needs.”

Queen Creek Parks and Recreation

The Town of Queen Creek Parks and Recreation Department recently completed IBCCES training and certification. The designation of Certified Autism Center (CAC) helps create a more inclusive environment in community spaces. As part of the certification process, IBCCES also reviewed key parks and community resources and has provided observations and sensory guides for visitors and residents to the area.

Autism Certified Police and Fire Departments

• In addition to the cultural and recreations organizations, the Mesa Police Department, which employs over 1,200 employees, over 800 sworn and over 400 civilians is a Certified Autism Center. In February of 2020, the Mesa Fire and Medical Department became the first fire team in Arizona to do so.
• Other area police departments which have earned their CAC include the Queen Creek Police Department earned their CAC designation in 2021.
• The Gilbert Police Department completed their certification and earned the designation in April of 2022, with the Gilbert Fire Department earning theirs in 2022.
• The Tempe Police Department. Tempe was named a Certified Autism City in February of 2023.
• The Payson Police Department became an official Certified Autism Center in October of 2023.

What is IBCCES?

The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) is the only credentialing board offering these types of programs, which include training not only from subject matter experts, but also from autistic self-advocates. IBCCES provides long-term support and continuous learning to those who have undergone the training.

IBCCES has created programs specifically for hospitality and recreational organizations such as hotels, theme parks, and other attractions, so staff would be more knowledgeable. IBCCES also created AutismTravel.com, a free online resource for families that lists certified options and connects them to other resources. Each location listed on the site has met the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) requirements.