Mesa Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Department has upheld its status as a Certified Autism Center (CAC), following a rigorous renewal process by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This renewal marks a continued effort to ensure that individuals with autism, and with other sensory needs, are met with understanding and supportive environments tailored to their unique challenges. Mesa's dedication to accessibility and specialized training for its staff serves as a model of community inclusiveness.
"Renewing our Certified Autism Center designation through IBCCES shows our continuing commitment to having parks and recreation programs and facilities that are inclusive, accessible and tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals with autism," Andrea Moore, Mesa Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Director, said in a statement reported by MesaNow.org. Despite being the first organization to earn this certification back in 2019, the park district has not wavered in its resolve, with over 80% of community-facing staff completing up-to-date training on autism and sensory needs.
Since its initial certification, Mesa Parks has taken significant steps to improve accessibility for all its citizens. They've tackled web accessibility with a complete website redesign and an emphasis on inclusion services. On the ground, practical enhancements like quiet rooms at the Red Mountain Center and the Mesa Convention Center and Amphitheater have been well received. As IBCCES board chairman Myron Pincomb noted, "This certification is a testament to their ongoing dedication and commitment to creating spaces where every person feels welcome, included, and supported."
Staff training has been a cornerstone of Mesa Parks' initiatives, with a focus on strategies to mitigate the impact of sensory stimuli, something Talia, a recreation specialist, lauded as beneficial, "It's not just about having the individual adapt to the world around them but how we can make spaces sensory-friendly," she told MesaNow.org. For recreation programmer Randall, the takeaway from the training was clear: "Understanding autism is not just about recognizing differences; it's about embracing diversity and creating an inclusive environment where every child can thrive." His colleague, Grecia, emphasized the value of this training in planning special events with quiet zones, sensory-friendly hours, and trained staff to support attendees with autism.
