Mesa Autism Certified City Celebration
Mesa, Arizona proudly marks its fifth anniversary as the world’s first Autism Certified City™, showcasing its continued commitment to inclusivity. Spearheaded by Visit Mesa, the city has undertaken significant initiatives to improve accessibility for individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities. The ongoing celebration features a range of autism-friendly events, the participation of local businesses, and recognition from the IBCCES for its exemplary efforts. Mesa sets a benchmark for other communities, reaffirming the importance of creating welcoming environments for all.
Mesa, Arizona is throwing a big celebration as it marks its fifth anniversary as the world’s first Autism Certified City™. This remarkable achievement, spearheaded by Visit Mesa, highlights the city’s ongoing commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities, as well as their families.
The Autism Certified City™ designation, awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), symbolises Mesa’s dedication to its residents and visitors. Over the past five years, the city has proactively worked to improve its facilities, services, and community practices, ensuring that everyone can participate in the rich experiences Mesa has to offer.
The excitement kicked off on November 7, 2024, with the “Live Life Limitless” event. This engaging gathering invited residents and visitors alike to partake in various autism-friendly activities and initiatives. But don’t worry if you missed it—the festivities are far from over! The celebrations will keep rolling until April 2025, reaching a high point during Autism Acceptance Month. During this time, expect a range of events and community engagement efforts aimed at supporting and celebrating the autistic community.
The pride of Mesa shines brightly, especially with the local businesses and community members stepping up to complete autism-specific training. This training is all part of the Autism Certified City™ approach, which involves certifying key stakeholders across various fields, including healthcare, education, local government, and the hospitality sector. Each certified center plays a crucial role in fostering a more inclusive atmosphere for all visitors.
IBCCES has recognized Mesa for its exemplary efforts in enhancing accessibility for individuals with autism. The board chairman commended the city for setting a high standard in inclusivity, inspiring other communities to follow suit. With over 300 businesses listed as Autism-Certified Centres, Mesa has truly become a model that others look to emulate.
As part of the celebration, Mesa has also introduced a “Live Life Limitless” passport that guides individuals to all certified locations, including hotels, restaurants, and attractions throughout the city. To make planning even easier, visitors can access a free online sensory guide available on the Visit Mesa website. This guide highlights several of Mesa’s most popular destinations, catering specifically to those who may have sensory sensitivities.
Mesa’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in its attractions, with places like the Mesa Arts Center, Arizona Museum of Natural History, and Idea Museum renewing their Certified Autism Center designations. The staff at these venues have completed specialized training designed to enhance their ability to accommodate autistic guests and others who may need additional support.
This five-year celebration is not just a milestone for Mesa but a beacon of hope and inspiration for other communities seeking to embrace inclusivity. Following in Mesa’s pioneering footsteps, Traverse City, Michigan, recently became the most recent destination to receive autism certification. This ripple effect shows just how impactful Mesa’s journey has been!
As the celebrations continue, Mesa reaffirm its status as a leader in creating a welcoming atmosphere for all, proving that a little understanding and effort can go a long way in making the world a better place for everyone.
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