St. Augustine Visitor Information Center Completes Autism Training

The City of St. Augustine Visitor Information Center (VIC) was recently recognized by the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce for completing autism training from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards and will be recognized now as a registered Certified Autism Center, according to a media release.  This credential is awarded to organizations that show their ongoing dedication to creating an environment that welcomes, supports, and accommodates all visitors.

To earn the designation, staff undergo a comprehensive training and certification program to ensure they are equipped with the best practices and resources to assist every person, including autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors.

“It is so important for the city to join this effort being brought forward by our Chamber of Commerce, to demonstrate our commitment to being an inclusive city, recognizing the diverse needs of all our visitors,” said St. Augustine Mayor Nancy Sikes-Kline, in the release.

By completing the CAC program, the VIC is part of the greater St. Johns County movement to achieve the Certified Autism Destination designation, which is also awarded to communities with a multitude of trained and certified lodging, entertainment options and service organizations.  The St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce, the St Augustine, Ponte Vedra & the Beaches Visitors & Convention Bureau, along with many other organizations, attractions and hotels in the area also have completed the certification program, the release states.

“With the City of St. Augustine Visitor Information Center team having completed the training, this takes us another step further in caring for our guests on the autism spectrum,” said Isabelle Renault, president and CEO of the St. Johns County Chamber, in the release. “Thank you to the city for joining leaders in the community in advancing this initiative to become a certified destination.”

IBCCES is the only global credentialing board providing travel and entertainment organizations with training and certification from subject-matter experts and autistic self-advocates, and other resources, as well as long-term support that helps them understand how to better accommodate and assist autistic or sensory-sensitive visitors and their families, according to the release.