Aug 16, 2024, Travel Daily News: Traverse City becomes first Autism Certified Travel Destination in Michigan
Traverse City, Michigan, becomes the state’s first Certified Autism Destination, ensuring a welcoming environment for travelers with autism or sensory needs.
Families dealing with autism or sensory needs should find it easier vacationing in Traverse City, thanks to numerous businesses that have received training from an internationally recognized autism accreditation organization. Traverse City has become the first city in Michigan to qualify as a Certified Autism Destination.
The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) certified the region as an “Autism Destination” after multiple organizations trained a majority of their staff on the needs of autistic people. The training included recognition and understanding of autism and the common sensory sensitivity concerns. The training took place with a variety of travel and leisure-related organizations including Traverse City Tourism, lodging partners, and attractions.
“The goal is to create a welcoming environment for all residents and visitors regardless of their unique needs, and to make the travel experience friendlier for families,” said Chief Operating Officer, Whitney Waara. “Sometimes it’s as simple as creating a quiet space or helping provide accurate information about what a certain experience is like and how to navigate it easily before the visitors arrive.”
More than 5 million adults are on the autism spectrum according to the Center for Disease Control. In the last census, another 9 million people were identified as having sensory issues. . .
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