St. Johns County has seen some early successes as it moves toward becoming a Certified Autism Destination.
Thursday, Aug. 17, representatives of three key organizations announced that they have been certified by an independent credentialing organization for their efforts to improve accessibility for those affected by autism or other sensory-sensitive conditions.
After a sufficient number of tourism- or hospitality-centered businesses and organizations achieve this certification, the county will earn the overarching designation. That threshold, which would signify certifications in entertainment, recreation, dining and lodging options, is yet to be determined.
It’s a significant goal, one that makes the community more welcoming for families impacted by autism and one that could benefit businesses that rely on tourism.
The three Certified Autism Centers are:
The certifications were granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). To achieve certification, at least 80% of the guest-facing staff — those who directly interact with the public — must be trained in autism and sensory disorders and pass a competency exam. The training focuses on understanding the unique needs of guests on the autism spectrum.
In addition, the IBCCES may conduct an onsite review. Certification is good for two years.
Certified businesses and organizations are featured on autismtravel.com, a resource used by travelers seeking inclusive destinations.
“Today is a benchmark moment for St. Johns County as a community and as a destination,” said St. Johns County Commission Chair Christian Whitehurst.
The local effort began four years ago, when Chamber President and CEO Isabelle Renault read about a community that had become a Certified Autism Destination. She investigated and realized this would make the county a more welcoming environment — not only for visitors but also for local families with neurodivergent members.
“The program assures visitors that our certified tourism and hospitality businesses have taken the necessary training and steps to provide a welcoming experience to neurodiverse guests,” Renault said. “In addition, the certification is a way to open our tourism community to new markets and be inclusive to all guests and their families.”
It’s a welcome initiative for those who, according to IBCCES President Meredith Tekin, “for years and years and years” have felt ignored, misunderstood and hesitant to go anywhere — even to the grocery store.
Erin Wallner, parent to a teen on the autism spectrum and a member of the committee that reviews grant applications from businesses wanting to be certified, hopes these initial successes mark the beginning of a trend.
“Travel is tricky when you have a child on the spectrum,” she said. “Whether it’s something being out of their routine, different sounds, different activities … It can be a real challenge.”
She said a lot of planning is required to make travel easier on both the child with autism and the rest of the family.
To help fund the effort, the Chamber and St. Johns County have launched a matching grants program that reimburses participating businesses and not-for-profits for the training. At the Aug. 17 press conference, Whitehurst announced that the county intends to triple its investment in fiscal year 2024 to $75,000.
St. Augustine Mayor Nancy Sikes-Kline said the city will be working on its own certification.
“It’s important to be an inclusive city, to be a welcoming city, to be a hospitable city and to be a compassionate city, as well as a city that’s safe and enjoyable for everyone,” she said.
Currently, there are only a few cities in the world that have attained the certification, according to Tekin.
To be considered for the grant, a business must be in the tourism or hospitality industry, have a St. Johns County address and be seeking this training and certification for its public-facing staff.
A business that has taken an early lead in this effort is Old Town Trolley Tours & Attractions of St. Augustine.
“When Isabelle approached me about this opportunity to train our staff and become a Certified Autism Center, we were onboard and eager to better serve the autistic and neurodivergent demographic,” said General Manager David Chatterton. “What I didn’t expect was how excited my cast would be to participate and how many of them would eventually come and tell me that they were affected by this condition.”
The business has 200 employees — which it terms cast members — and 100% of those who interact with the public have completed the training.
In addition to training its staff, Old Town Trolley Tours & Attractions of St. Augustine has posted sensory guides outside each of its museums. These guides provide sensory levels for visual, olfactory, auditory and tactile sensitivities so that parents can decide whether their children would be affected should they enter that space.
Old Town Trolley Tours & Attractions operates four museums: the Old Jail, the Oldest Store Museum Experience, the St. Augustine History Museum and Potter’s Wax Museum.
Communication between the business and families prior to their arrival can better ensure that everything is prepared.
“For example, someone may have a sound sensitivity, so alerting the person in advance that there may be some loud noises, the individual can take some precautions, such as ear covering,” Chatterton said.
That’s important, because each child affected will have his or her own unique sensitivities.
“This is just such a wonderful opportunity for, not just visitors that are coming, but our cast members as well so they know how to interact with the guests who come here,” said Museum and Productions Manager Heather Quinn.
“Together, really, we’re redefining the possibility of what an inclusive destination can truly be,” said Renault.
The grant application and related information can be found at sjcchamber.com.
