Aquatica® Orlando is Now a Certified Autism Center
Today, the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) announced that Aquatica® Orlando has completed staff-wide autism sensitivity and awareness training, becoming the world’s first water park to earn accreditation as a Certified Autism Center (CAC). This distinction follows sister park Sesame Place, which became the world’s first CAC theme park in April 2018.
IBCCES will continually train Aquatica staff to assist guests with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. Guests will also be provided with specific information about attractions and experiences, as well as in-park accommodations, so they can make informed choices that will provide a positive experience during their visit.
Vice President of Aquatica Orlando, David Heaton, shared his enthusiasm in a press release about the water park’s new distinction: “As the first water park in the world to complete the training and become a Certified Autism Center, Aquatica Orlando is proud to provide fun and memorable experiences through exceptional service.”
IBCCES has been the industry leader in autism training for licensed healthcare professionals and educators around the world. Sensory awareness, environment, communication, motor and social skills, program development, and emotional awareness are all areas that are covered in training, and there is also a comprehensive autism competency exam. The autism training must be taken every two years in order to maintain the certification.
Aquatica Orlando has been voted the nation’s top water park, and this certification comes as the park readies for the opening of its newest attraction – KareKare Curl – this spring. Learn more about that here.