SARASOTA, FL. (January 27, 2025) – The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens receives the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). To earn this credential, staff completed autism-specific training to equip them with understanding of the best practices and resources to welcome and accommodate every guest, especially autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals. Selby Gardens’ IBCCES certification was made possible through a grant from the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
“True leadership in supporting autism and neurodiversity begins with knowledge. Achieving certification through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards demonstrates a commitment to excellence and the ability to create spaces where everyone can thrive,” remarks Jennifer Rominiecki, President and CEO of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. “Our botanical gardens are dedicated to fostering an environment that welcomes and supports individuals of all abilities. By prioritizing professional training and certification, we aim to ensure our staff is equipped with the tools and understanding needed to create meaningful, enriching experiences for visitors with autism and neurodiverse needs. This commitment underscores our broader mission of inclusivity and innovation, allowing us to be a sanctuary for all who seek a connection with nature.”
“We are proud to award the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens with the Certified Autism Center™ credential, highlighting their efforts to create a space that is inclusive and accessible for every visitor to enjoy,” says Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman. “We look forward to seeing the positive impact this certification will have on every individual that visits the botanical gardens.”
For more than 20 years, IBCCES has been a leader in cognitive disorder training and certification for healthcare, education, and corporate professionals around the globe. IBCCES programs include evidence-based content, as well as the perspectives of autistic individuals, alongside other resources, ongoing support and renewal requirements to ensure there is continued learning and a lasting impact.
IBCCES also manages AutismTravel.com, a free online resource for families that lists certified destinations and resources to plan their leisure experiences. Each destination listed on the site has met the Certified Autism Center (CAC) requirements.
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