International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards
IBCCES strives to create an army of trained and knowledgeable professionals in order to increase the outcomes for individuals with autism & special needs.
IBCCES provides a series of training and certification options that empower professionals to be leaders in their field and improve outcomes for individuals with cognitive disorders.
08/07/2025
Renewed with Purpose 🌟
We’re proud to announce that Alia Autism Center in Bahrain has officially renewed its designation as a Certified Autism Center™
Through ongoing training, they continue to lead in inclusive education and therapy for individuals with autism and developmental challenges.
“This milestone reflects our mission to lead with purpose, empathy, and excellence,” — Dr. Rania AlKhalifa
🍫 Did you know? Hershey's Chocolate World has been a Certified Autism Center™ since 2019, continuing its efforts to create a more inclusive space for autistic individuals and their families.
The attraction periodically offers Sensory Friendly Nights, featuring a Free Tour Ride with reduced audio, sensory-adjusted 4D shows with three intensity levels, and a caregiving companion pass for the Create Your Own Candy Bar experience. These events may also include one-night-only discounts on food and retail.
🏅 Did you know the Palm Springs City Government is a Certified Neurodiverse Workplace™ (CNW)?
This designation, earned last year, reflects their ongoing dedication to creating a workplace where neurodivergent individuals — including autistic individuals and those with ADHD, dyslexia, and more — feel welcomed, supported, and valued. 💼✨
City staff completed specialized training through IBCCES, designed to enhance inclusive hiring practices, workplace communication, and long-term support strategies. The CNW program also includes insights from neurodivergent voices and continuous learning to ensure lasting impact. 🌟
🚨 Coldsprings Excelsior Fire and Rescue is now officially a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) through IBCCES! 🌟 This designation means that over 80% of their community-facing staff have completed autism-specific training to better support autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals and their families. 🧯
As a paid on-call fire department serving multiple townships in Kalkaska County, MI, their team is trained in everything from structural firefighting and hazmat to ice and water rescues, now with an added focus on inclusivity and accessibility. ❄️🚒
Did you know? 🏥 Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida —the region’s only pediatric hospital—was the first hospital in Florida to earn the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation! 🌟
To achieve this, over 80% of physicians, nurses, and staff completed IBCCES training focused on autism awareness, communication, and patient safety. 🌈 The hospital also launched the innovative SEA STAR Program (Safety Education Awareness, Sensory Training – Autism Readiness) to enhance sensory-friendly care and review policies to better serve autistic and sensory-sensitive patients.
The hospital is also equipped with the first sensory-friendly ambulance to help improve comfort, reduce stress, and ensure safe and supportive transportation to the hospital. 🚑
Learn more about Golisano Children’s Hospital’s commitment to inclusive care ➡️ https://bit.ly/3xRXCFl
07/31/2025
💼 Your team is already neurodiverse — is your workplace equipped to support and retain these employees?
15–20% of people are neurodivergent, and organizations that embrace this diversity see greater innovation, productivity, and retention.
📥 Download and read the IBCCES article Rethinking Neurodiversity as a Competitive Advantage to discover how forward-thinking companies are moving beyond compliance and unlocking strategic advantage.
👉 https://ibcces.org/rethinking-neurodiversity-competitive-advantage.
07/31/2025
Congratulations to Child Willing Specialist Rehabilitation Center in Isa Town, Bahrain, on renewing their Certified Autism Center™ designation! 👏
Their team completed updated autism training with IBCCES to ensure every child receives compassionate, personalized support in a sensory-friendly environment.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to accessibility and inclusion in Bahrain! 🇧🇭
🎠 IBCCES proudly renews The Carousel Center ’s designation as a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC)! Initially certified in 2023, the center continues to raise the bar when it comes to creating inclusive, sensory-friendly spaces.
From team members completing updated autism-specific training to expanding innovative resources like Sophia’s Place — calming music rooms with customizable lighting and sound 🎶✨ — the Carousel Center is making sure every visitor feels welcome and supported.
The Carousel Center has also added another exciting tool to its sensory-friendly lineup — the FoamDaddy HD Pro Stacker Foam Cannon! 🫧 Recognized as a Certified Autism Resource™ (CAR) by IBCCES, this foam cannon brings the fun with sensory-friendly foam parties designed to be safe, inclusive, and full of joy for everyone. ✨
The Centre for Inclusive Supports has reached a meaningful milestone as the first organization of its kind in Australia to earn the Certified Autism Center™ designation, recognizing its dedication to creating a more inclusive environment for autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals. This achievement reflects their strong commitment to ongoing professional learning, academic research, and delivering quality support services that empower neurodivergent young adults. Through their Campus Life program originally launched as a small research initiative, they’ve successfully built a welcoming post-school community that blends therapeutic, social, and personalized learning experiences. Now in its third year and operating across multiple campuses, the program continues to help participants build autonomy, confidence, and pathways toward meaningful work and leadership opportunities. Learn about their dedication to inclusive hospitality here: https://ibcces.org/blog/2024/11/04/inclusive-supports/
07/29/2025
🌊💦 Big waves of inclusion are making a splash in El Paso!
The City of El Paso Water Parks — Camp Cohen, Chapoteo Water Park , Lost Kingdom Water Park , and Oasis Water Park — are now officially the FIRST Certified Autism Centers™ in the city! 🏅
Through specialized training and IBCCES support, at least 80% of guest-facing staff at each park are now equipped to better understand and communicate with autistic and sensory-sensitive guests. 👏
Each water park will also receive onsite reviews by IBCCES to create sensory guides and provide expert recommendations to ensure fun is accessible for every guest. ☀️💧
🍷 Cheers to inclusion! IBCCES is excited to welcome Brengman Family Wines as a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC)! This winery, distillery, and café has completed autism and sensory training to enhance the experience for all guests, ensuring visitors feel supported and welcomed. 🌿
The space includes ♿ handicap accessible parking and restroom facilities. Its large outdoor patio offers guests the room to spread out, feel included, or find a quieter spot to relax.
By earning the CAC designation, Brengman Family Wines is also contributing to Traverse City’s journey as a Certified Autism Destination™, where trained and certified options across lodging, recreation, and entertainment help create a more inclusive travel experience. 🌊🏞️
NH Collection Dubai The Palm has earned the Certified Autism Center™ designation, a milestone that reflects its dedication to providing an inclusive, welcoming experience for every guest. The hotel’s team completed specialized training to better support autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals, while implementing thoughtful features like sensory guides and accessible amenities, including 12 rooms designed for people of determination. This achievement aligns with Dubai’s broader commitment to inclusive tourism, ensuring visitors of all abilities can feel comfortable and valued while enjoying world-class hospitality. Learn about their dedication to inclusive hospitality here: https://ibcces.org/blog/2025/02/25/nh-collection-dubai-the-palm/
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In 2001, IBCCES identified a need for standardization within healthcare and education to meet the growing demands of care required for those with cognitive disorders. We assembled a board of thought leaders and experts in these fields to address this growing international need. Our globally recognized certification programs were established to set the industry standards and create a worldwide community of trained and knowledgeable professionals. As the impact of cognitive disorders now reaches 1 in 4 people, our team continues to grow and expand our reach to ensure professionals in these industries are aware of the latest research and applications.
IBCCES adheres to international standards for boards that grant professional credentials. The IBCCES certification procedures and content undergo various reviews and validation, pursuant to the professions that are eligible for certification, as well as standards established by content experts in the field.
Delivering The Global Standard For Training and Certification in The Field of Cognitive Disorders
IBCCES provides a series of certifications that empower professionals to be leaders in their field and improve the outcomes for the individuals they serve. These programs are recognized around the world as the leading benchmark for training and certification in the areas of autism and other cognitive disorders. As part of our commitment to sharing the latest innovations and research, we host the International Symposium on Cognitive Research and Disorders to create a forum for collaboration among industry stakeholders.
