Isabelle Renault knows firsthand that traveling with a child with special needs can present its own unique set of challenges. But the president and CEO of the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce is hoping that a new program can help families like hers make more memories while experiencing less worry.

St. John’s County and its Chamber of Commerce recently launched a matching grant program for businesses to become Certified Autism Centers (CAC). The goal of the grant is to help businesses make accommodations as well as train public-facing staff members to better serve neurodiverse individuals, including guests with autism and sensory needs.

The Chamber is working in partnership with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), which provides the training. St. Johns County businesses that are in the tourism or hospitality industry, including restaurants, attractions and overnight accommodations that have been open for at least one year, are eligible to apply. Not-for-profit tourism-oriented businesses such as historic landmarks and attractions also are encouraged to apply. St. Johns County will reimburse the businesses 50% of their training and certification expenses.

Renault, who has a daughter with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), said this program is close to her heart and has been in discussions for four years.

“My child is on the spectrum, and I know how difficult it is to travel as a family,” she said. “The wonderful thing about this training is that it doesn’t involve major infrastructure investments but learning about communicating in specific ways with guests with sensory issues and neuro-differences.”

Renault recalls working at the Visitor Center one day when a family came in for information. The mother said her child would love to see the historic forts, but when Renault learned the child had sensory needs, she advised them to avoid times when the cannons were fired.

“This training is about sensitizing people to the experiences of others in their community. It’s not saying, ‘you have to stop using the cannons,’ but to think about the needs of people who may be sensitive to that and advising them,” Renault said.

IBCCES operates around the world to certify and train businesses to better serve those with special needs. Today one in 36 children is diagnosed with autism, and one in six people has a sensory need. When it comes to travel, according to the IBCCES website, $29 billion is spent annually by travelers with disabilities, not including companions. Among the results IBCCES boasts for those businesses that have undergone certification are triple-digit increases in out-of-market guests, a 54% increase in group bookings and a “huge boost” in guest satisfaction.

To receive the CAC designation, at least 80% of guest-facing employees must undergo online staff training. Additionally, representatives from IBCCES perform on-site visits and “make reasonable recommendations” to support what businesses already have in place and to “enhance processes and procedures to ensure staff are prepared.” ICCBES will also create sensory guides for each attraction or exhibit to help guests to know what to expect.

One of the first St. Johns County businesses to take advantage of the matching grant is the Old Town Trolley Tours of St. Augustine. In addition to the trolley tours, the company operates several popular tourist attractions, including the Old Jail Museum, Potters Wax Museum and the Ghosts & Gravestones tours. Dave Chatterton said more than 150 cast members will be undergoing the training – and the reaction to the announcement about the new venture was overwhelmingly positive. Chatterton, who is also on the Chamber’s Board, said when he learned of the grant, he also thought it was a great idea.

“We are one of the larger companies in town, and we see this as a way to make sure we’re thinking about the underserved visitors to St. Augustine and helping to provide everyone with an amazing vacation experience,” he said.

Nicole Miller, who is Chatterton’s executive assistant and recruiter for Old Town Trolley Tours, also has a child with autism.

“I’m very proud of our company for doing this from a consumer perspective,” she said. “We are just looking at any way we can better serve these families and visitors by incorporating small changes.”

Renault said St. Johns County is supplying $25,000 for reimbursement causes and has offered to double that amount to $50,000 next year. She also has a larger goal for the community.

“If 80% of our tourism businesses become certified, our Visitors and Convention Bureau can market itself as a Certified Autism Destination,” she said. “That’s our goal.”