PREPARE CLIENTS FOR TRAVEL Social stories are a great way to prepare families , but so are rehearsals . The Arc , a nationwide nonprofit that advocates for people with disabilities , created its free Wings for Autism program to provide airline and airport staff and families an opportunity to do an airport “ rehearsal ” to prepare families for flying . Look for local chapters of The Arc near a client and find out when the next rehearsal is scheduled .
THE ARC OF THE U . S
APPLY FOR DISABILITY ACCESS Register with TSA Cares to request the accommodations your clients need in advance of a flight . Some families may be able to skip security lines for a faster , quieter security check-in .
A family checking in at a Wings for Autism event .
HERE IS A LIST OF POPULAR DESTINATIONS THAT HAVE SECURED A CERTIFIED AUTISM DESTINATION OR CERTIFIED AUTISM CENTER DESIGNATION FROM THE IBCCES :
MESA , AZ : The first-ever Autism Certified City , Mesa offers a mobile passport highlighting the city ’ s Certified Autism Centers including attractions , hotels and restaurants . The Skyline Aquatic Center Water Slide , Arizona Museum of Natural History and the i . d . e . a . Museum provide sensory guides indicating the level of stimulation at different areas of the location .
HIGH POINT , NC : The first Certified Autism Destination on the East Coast , High Point has a number of certified attractions , including the High Point Library and the High Point Museum , and such restaurants as Giannos and Sweet Old Bill ’ s .
BEACHES RESORTS : The first resort brand to achieve the Advanced Certified Autism Center designation , Beaches offers its staff continuous competency training in sensory awareness , common motor skills and social skills and different methods of communication . The resorts offer sensory stimulation guides to prepare guests for what to expect in different areas of the resorts , autismfriendly Kids Camps and custom meal preparation . Families can hire “ Beach Buddies ,” trained aides who can step in with an extra set of eyes and hands and offer caregivers a respite .
DUBAI : Several attractions and hotels in the United Arab Emirates city have IBCCES designations . Atlantis Aquaventure Dubai is one , which is the world ’ s largest waterpark that has 621 lifeguards with autism certifications , sensory ratings around the park and designated quiet zones . There ’ s also The Green Planet biodome which includes sensory ratings for its 11 attractions and quiet zones , and the H hotel , the first hotel in Dubai to be a Certified Autism Center . All guest-facing staff here have received specialized training .
LEGOLAND : Parks in California and Florida are Certified Autism Centers and offer guests and travel advisors preplanning resources , sensory guides for rides and attractions , low sensory areas , quiet rooms and earplugs .
SESAME PLACE : With locations in Pennsylvania and California , the parks provide noise-canceling headphones , a quiet room and other low-sensory areas , a ride accessibility program and quiet dining options .
PEPPA PIG THEME PARK : Sensory guide booklets are available for all its attractions .
SEAWORLD ORLANDO AND DISCOVERY COVE : Both Certified Autism Centers provide sensory guides for every ride , quiet rooms and spaces and low sensory areas .
Fall colors in Rocky Mountain National Park .
WINTER 2023 / THE COMPASS / 51