May 4, 2023, Jacksonville, FL, CBS 47, Fox 30: St. Johns County to offer autism certification grant https://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/local/st-johns-county-offer-autism-certification-grant/YKTM3DBELND2HIPCRA5JZ3JSPU/
The St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce and St. Johns County launched a cooperative, matching grant program for businesses to become a Certified Autism Center. The hope is to make the county a certified autism destination.
The grant will help businesses make necessary accommodations and train local public staff to better serve neurodiverse individuals, including guests with autism and sensory issues. The certification will make a positive impact and attract more diverse visitors to the area as an inclusive community.
“This is a way to open your tourism and hospitality business to new markets and be better positioned to accommodate guests with neuro differences,” Isabelle Renault, the Chamber’s President & CEO said. “With one in 36 children diagnosed with autism, the certification will also benefit our local families. We are pleased to partner with the County to provide the matching grants on a first-come, first-served basis,” she said.
