COMPASS-2-Spring 2021 | Page 40

11 . SEAWORLD ORLANDO

SeaWorld Orlando fittingly announced its CAC designation on World Autism Awareness Day in April 2019 . And like the other parks on this list in the SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment family ( Aquatica , Sesame Place and Discovery Cove ), SeaWorld Orlando ’ s website offers a sensory guide to walk visitors through each experience before they visit . Three of SeaWorld ’ s official hotel partners are CACs as well : Doubletree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld , Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando at SeaWorld and Springhill Suites Orlando at SeaWorld , creating an all-around inclusive vacation experience from start to finish .
This list is only a short collection of the many Certified Autism Centers in the U . S . For a full , searchable list of other CACs in the U . S ., visit austimtravel . com .

10 . SANTA BARBARA ZOO

The first CAC-designated zoo on the West Coast , Santa Barbara Zoo is also one of the world ’ s most beautiful zoos . It ’ s located on 30 acres of botanical gardens and accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums , as it ’ s home to almost 500 animals in open , natural habitats . Every visitor can expect a fun , educational and memorable experience with safari sleepovers , behind-thescenes tours and programs that contribute to saving wildlife . Quiet spaces along with sensory backpacks that feature fidget cubes , noise-canceling headphones , squeeze balls , zoo cars and more aim to keep the visitors on the autism spectrum feeling safe , supported and welcome at the zoo .
COURTESY OF SANTA BARBARA ZOO COURTEY OF SEAWORLD
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