Phoenix becomes largest US city to be "Certified Autism Center"
The City of Phoenix has achieved the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), which sets the global standard for training and certification in the fields of autism, neurodiversity, and accessibility. To recognize this achievement, City leadership gathered at City Hall to receive the official certificate from IBCCES. The certification comes after more than 80% of front-facing City employees, including Police and Fire personnel, received specialized training to better support and serve autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals.
Today, Phoenix is the largest municipality in the country to earn the CAC designation. . . .
“Phoenix prides itself on being a community where everyone is able to thrive—and we are especially proud that the City of Phoenix is now a Certified Autism Center™,” Mayor Kate Gallego said. "With thousands of daily visitors to our many facilities, parks and destinations, we are continuously improving to meet the needs of our entire community, including the unique needs of autistic individuals. As we strive to be a global model for accessibility, I’m especially grateful to Councilwoman Debra Stark for her leadership to make Phoenix more welcoming for all.”
“Earning the Certified Autism Center™ designation shows how deeply Phoenix values inclusivity and access," District 3 Councilwoman Debra Stark said. "Our staff worked diligently to complete this important training, and this certification moves us closer to a city where everyone, regardless of ability, can help improve Phoenix.”
“This distinction reflects Phoenix’s ongoing commitment to becoming a more accessible, inclusive and welcoming city for people of all abilities,” said Nicole Anderson, Chair of the Mayor’s Commission on Disability Issues and member of the Strategic Workgroup on Accessibility. “I am proud to live in a city that trains its employees to better understand and support autistic individuals and people with sensory, communication and cognitive differences. This work helps ensure residents and visitors feel included in the places, services and experiences that belong to all of us.” . . .
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