IBCCES Autism Certified

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The Town of Queen Creek strives to accommodate all residents and visitors. In an effort to enrich opportunities for individuals and families with autism, the Parks and Recreation Department recently completed a training and recertification program through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). The designation of Certified Autism Center (CAC) helps create a more inclusive environment across community spaces. As part of the certification process, IBCCES also reviewed key parks and community resources and has provided observations and sensory guides (available below) for residents and visitors.
IBCCES CAC

Becoming a CAC is just one of the many ways Queen Creek is working to expand opportunities for individuals of all abilities. Queen Creek’s parks, Mansel Carter Oasis Park and Frontier Family Park, feature inclusive-focused play equipment. Through a partnership with Banner Ironwood Medical Center, the entire area is outfitted with poured rubber surfacing, including the sand play area, enabling individuals of varying abilities to play alongside one another. The park also includes signage highlighting the importance of play for community health and wellbeing, reinforcing the goals of the CAC designation. Please note that there are lakes near both playgrounds and splash areas. While there is fencing it is not entirely enclosed; parents and caregivers are reminded to be extra cautious.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 31 children in the United States is diagnosed with autism, and the diagnosis rates continue to rise.

Parents with children on the autism spectrum often struggle when seeking recreational options, due to specific needs and sensory sensitivities, and limited information about destinations and activities. IBCCES recognized these challenges and created certification programs designed to help recreational and travel-related organizations become more welcoming and accommodating. For 24 years, IBCCES has been the industry leader in autism and cognitive disorder training and certification, working with professionals in education, healthcare and corporate sectors to improve the quality of life for individuals they serve.

IBCCES also created AutismTravel.com, a free online resource for parents that lists certified destinations and connects families to other resources and each other. Each destination listed on the site has met Certified Autism Center (CAC) requirements.

To review the facility observations and sensory guides please use the drop down menu below. 

Desert Mountain Park
Frontier Family Park
Founders' Park
Library Recreation Annex
Mansel Carter Oasis Park
Recreation & Aquatic Center

About IBCCES

Delivering The Global Standard For Training and Certification in The Field of Cognitive Disorders – IBCCES provides a series of certifications that empower professionals to be leaders in their field and improve the outcomes for the individuals they serve. These programs are the only training and certification programs endorsed by the largest grassroots autism organization in the world, The Autism Society of America, and recognized around the world as the leading benchmark for training and certification in the areas of autism and other cognitive disorders.