Cathedral City Earns Certified Autism Center™ Status, Enhancing Accessibility for All
CATHEDRAL CITY — Another Coachella Valley has committed to being a more inclusive and accessible city. First was Palm Desert, now Cathedral City becomes a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC), a designation granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).
For the certification, over 80% of city employees, including law enforcement and first responders, went through training and certification designed to help understand and communicate with autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals.
City Manager Charles McClendon
“We are incredibly proud that Cathedral City has achieved the Certified Autism Center designation from IBCCES,” City Manager Charlie McClendon said in a statement. “This certification reflects our unwavering commitment to creating an inclusive community where everyone can thrive. By enhancing our understanding of autism and adapting our services, we’re not just improving accessibility – we’re fostering a culture of acceptance and support.”
Many autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals face challenges when visiting new places or planning family outings due to a lack of staff understanding, the potential for sensory overload, and the need for flexible accommodations. To address these issues, IBCCES developed training and certification programs specifically for those organizations, ensuring more credible and understanding travel options are available.
Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman, shared his enthusiasm for Cathedral City’s accomplishment, saying, “We are delighted to see Cathedral City achieve the Certified Autism Center™ designation. This honor highlights the city’s commitment to inclusivity and its proactive efforts to create supportive environments for autistic individuals and those with sensory needs. We eagerly anticipate the positive impact this will have on the community and its visitors.”
Since 2001, IBCCES has been the leader in autism, neurodiversity, and cognitive disorder training and certification for various organizations around the globe. Each program is created so staff would be more knowledgeable and other accommodations
could be offered throughout the community. IBCCES is the only credentialing board offering these types of programs, which include training from subject matter experts and autistic self-advocates, as well as long-term support, continuous learning, and more.
