SeaWorld Orlando Now a Certified Autism Centre
SeaWorld Orlando has been designated as a certified autism centre by The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).
SeaWorld Orlando joins Aquatica Orlando and Discovery Cove to become the first family of parks in Orlando to be certified.
“We are incredibly proud to be the first family of Orlando theme parks to achieve these certifications,” said Mark Pauls, SeaWorld Orlando park president. “We want to create lasting memories for all our guests. As families start planning their summer travel, the resources and tools that our parks now offer can provide peace of mind for families with members that have autism and other special needs. Our parks and staff are now equipped to offer families inclusive activities, helping to ensure meaningful experiences for everyone.”
Earlier this year, Aquatica Orlando became the world’s first water park to be recognized as a certified autism centre and Discovery Cove in Orlando became the first all-inclusive day resort and animal interaction park in the US to be designated.
The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) worked with SeaWorld Orlando on the completion of a staff-wide autism sensitivity and awareness training as well as an onsite review of the park property and guest experience, officially designating SeaWorld Orlando as a Certified Autism Center (CAC).
As Certified Autism Centers, the parks are required to provide ongoing training to ensure that team members have the requisite knowledge, skills, temperament and expertise to interact with all families and children with special needs, specifically on the autism spectrum. Training takes place in the areas of sensory awareness, environment, communication, motor and social skills, program development, and emotional awareness as well as a comprehensive autism competency exam. The autism training must be taken every two years in order to maintain the certification.
