Easterseals of Southwest Florida Renews Certified Autism Center™ Designation, Enhances Supportive Care for All

The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) proudly renews Easterseals Southwest Florida’s Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation. To renew the certification, at least 80% of front-facing staff completed autism-specific training to equip them with up-to-date knowledge of best practices and skills to best assist and support every person who walks through Easterseals’ doors.

“We are incredibly proud to renew our certification as a Certified Autism Center™ at Easterseals Southwest Florida,” says Tom Waters, president and CEO of Easterseals Southwest Florida. “This renewal underscores our commitment to providing the highest quality support and resources to individuals with neurodivergence and their families in our community. It reflects our dedication to excellence, innovation, and the positive impact we strive to achieve every day. Through our certified programs, we empower individuals with autism to reach their full potential, and this renewal strengthens our resolve to continue expanding opportunities and fostering independence for all those we serve.”

“Renewing their Certified Autism Center™ designation is a great testament to Easterseals Southwest Florida’s dedication to creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and supported,” says Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman. “We are excited to continue our partnership with Easterseals, and we look forward to seeing the continued impact of this training and certification.”

For more than two decades, IBCCES has been a leader in providing autism, sensory and neurodiversity training and certification for professionals worldwide, including those in healthcare, education, public safety, travel, and corporate sectors. As the only credentialing board offering these programs, IBCCES provides training from subject matter experts and autistic self-advocates, along with long-term support, continuous learning, onsite reviews, and renewal requirements to ensure continued growth and lasting impact.

To further support inclusivity efforts, Easterseals Southwest Florida is featured on the IBCCES Accessibility App, which is free to download. This app provides individuals with a variety of disabilities real-time guidance on certified destinations, sensory-friendly spaces, and tailored recommendations. By connecting users to accessible locations worldwide, the app helps ensure seamless, enjoyable experiences for everyone.

IBCCES also provides access to resources such as CertifiedAutismCenter.com and AutismTravel.com, free online tools for families that list certified locations and professionals. Each organization listed on the site has met Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) requirements.