Traverse City, Michigan, becomes the state's first autism-certified destination, ensuring a welcoming environment for travelers with autism or sensory needs.
TRAVERSE CITY, MICH. – Families with autism or sensory needs should find it easier to vacation in Traverse City, thanks to the many businesses that have received training from an internationally recognized autism accreditation organization. Traverse City has become the first city in Michigan to qualify as an autism-friendly Certified Autism Destination.
THE International Council for Accreditation and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) has certified the region as “Destination Autism” after several organizations trained the majority of their staff on the needs of individuals with autism. The training included recognizing and understanding autism and common sensory sensitivity issues. The training took place with a variety of travel and recreation 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 special needs, and to make the travel experience more family-friendly,” said Tourism in Traverse City Chief Operating Officer, Whitney Waara. “Sometimes it’s as simple as creating a quiet space or providing specific information about what a certain experience looks like and how to have it easily before visitors arrive.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 5 million adults have autism. In the last census, an additional 9 million people were identified as having sensory disorders.
While other businesses and attractions are working on their autism certification, these have all achieved their certification:
- Traverse City Tourism and Visitor Center
- Blossom Hotel & Suites
- COGNITION Science and Discovery Center
- Crystal Mountain
- Dennos Museum Center
- Great Lakes Children's Museum
- Lodge of the Great Wolf
- Association for Inland Seas Education
- KOTI Experiences
- Lake and Pines Inn
- Michigan Legacy Art Park
- Mount Holiday
- National Writers Series
- Rainbow Valley Family Farm
- Sailing excursions by the sea
- Pie Trail
- The Garden Theater
- Black Star Farms Inn
- Traverse District Library
- Traverse Tall Ships Company
“As millions of individuals and families seek accessible and welcoming destinations, we are thrilled to announce that Traverse City, Michigan is the first and only certified autism-friendly destination in Michigan,” said Myron PincombChairman of the IBCCES Board of Directors. “Traverse City’s leadership and commitment to ensuring travelers and locals have options for people with autism and other sensory needs is evident in their continued efforts to create inclusive and welcoming environments.”
Accessibility advocates say the certification is a welcome addition to northern Michigan. “True community inclusion is about more than just removing barriers to physical accessibility for people with mobility disabilities.” said Alanna M. LaheyExecutive Director of the Disability Network of Northern Michigan. “Creating safe spaces for neurodiverse individuals who live with low sensory thresholds demonstrates Traverse City’s dedication and commitment to building a community that welcomes people of all abilities.”
Through the certification process, hundreds of hospitality professionals have been trained to support travelers who may require special assistance. “For many of our members, certification was a passion project” said Traverse City Tourism President Trevor Tkach (Tah-koch). “They know what it’s like to travel with a family member or friends who need special accommodations and they just want to make their life easier.”
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor in ChiefShe is also responsible for the day-to-day operation and financial policy. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of academic and industry experience in the tourism sector. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
