Traverse City Becomes First Autism Certified Travel Destination in Michigan

Traverse City has become the first city in Michigan to qualify as a Certified Autism Destination.

Travelers living 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.

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 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 Traverse City Tourism 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."

According to the Center for Disease Control, more than five million adults are on the autism spectrum, and in the last U.S. Census, another nine million people were identified as having sensory differences.

While other businesses and attractions are working on their autism certification, the below have all achieved their certification:

• Traverse City Tourism & Traverse City Visitor Center
• Blossom Hotel & Suites
• COGNITION Science & Discovery Center
• Crystal Mountain
• Dennos Museum Center
• Great Lakes Children's Museum
• Great Wolf Lodge
• Inland Seas Education Association
• KOTI Experiences
• Lake 'n Pines Lodge
• Michigan Legacy Art Park
• Mt. Holiday
• National Writers Series
• Rainbow Valley Family Farm
• Seaside Sailing Excursions
• TART Trail
• The Garden Theater
• The Inn at Black Star Farms
• Traverse Area District Library
• Traverse Tall Ship Company

"With millions of individuals and families looking for accessible and welcoming destinations, we are elated to announce Traverse City, Michigan as the first and only Certified Autism Destination in Michigan," said Myron Pincomb, Board Chair for IBCCES. "The leadership and commitment from Traverse City to ensure travelers and locals have options for individuals with autism and other sensory needs is evident in their continuous efforts to create inclusive and accommodating environments."

The certification is a welcome addition to northern Michigan, according to accessibility advocates.

"True community inclusion exceeds simply removing physical accessibility barriers for people with mobility related disabilities." said Alanna M. Lahey, Executive Director of Disability Network Northern Michigan. "Creating safe places for neurodiverse people who live with low sensory stimulation 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 need special assistance.

"For many of our members, the certification was a passion project," said Traverse City Tourism President Trevor Tkach. "They know what it's like to travel with a family member or friends that need special accommodations and they just want to make life easier for them."

More detailed information about the autism designation, along with a list of regularly updated certified businesses, is available at TraverseCity.com.

Courtesy of Groups Today.

Photos courtesy of Traverse City Tourism.