by Kristen Hess
Last updated: 2:05 PM ET, Wed April 24, 2024
Beaches
Resorts announced on Wednesday that the company received recertification as
an Advanced Certified Autism Center (ACAC) as part of its commitment to
enhancing accessibility in conjunction with the International Board of
Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).
Currently, Beaches Resorts is the only hospitality
organization to hold an ACAC certification from the IBCCES, which certifies that they have met
the rigorous requirements for training and that they offer proper
accommodations for autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors.
“As a family-owned brand, Beaches is wholeheartedly
committed to creating a vacation setting where all guests can thrive,” Sandals
Resorts International’s Corporate Manager of Entertainment Operations Heather
Effs said. “For families with neurodivergent travelers, what may seem like a
simple travel decision can shape the entire course of their family vacation,
and we know how coveted of a time that is.”
“Becoming the first resort company in the world to be
certified as an Advanced Certified Autism Center marked an enduring commitment
to neurodivergent travelers and their families, whom we proudly welcome,
oftentimes year after year, to make memories and even celebrate milestones at
Beaches,” Effs continued.
A Personalized Vacation Plan
Beaches
Resorts offers customized vacation and on-resort planning, including a
questionnaire for guests that ensures the Beeches
Special Services Team can properly recommend experiences and rooms that provide
the most comfortable vacation possible. For example, the team advises on
specific room locations to limit stimuli and has a resort-wide sensory guide
that rates areas on a one-to-ten scale in terms of stimulation.
As part of Beaches Resorts’ commitment to accessibility,
they also offer personalized menus for those with allergies and dietary
restrictions. In addition, the Beaches Buddies program offers one-on-one care,
help, and accompaniment for vacation tasks, from building a sandcastle to
snorkeling.
“Beaches Resorts has gone above and beyond to lead the
hospitality industry toward a more inclusive future for all families seeking
unforgettable vacations tailored to their needs,” IBCCES said in a statement.
Beaches Resorts also includes specifically comforting and
inclusive activities, such as a Sesame Street workshop
featuring Julia, a four-year-old Muppet that is on the spectrum, as well as
an Annual Beaches Autism All-Inclusive Week from September 22-29.
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