Gilbert Parks and Recreation has earned the Certified Autism Center designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards for undergoing training and implementing new programs and resources to better serve autistic or sensory-sensitive individuals. 

IBCCES conducted an onsite review of key parks and community centers in Gilbert to help provide recommendations on how the town could better understand and accommodate visitors’ needs. 

Some of those new programs and resources include:   

• Guides to help communicate the sensory impacts at Gilbert parks and facilities; 
• Quiet zones at all facilities and events; 
• Noise-canceling headphones and other sensory tools at each recreation venue; 
• Low sensory options at events such as the “No Noise Hour” occurring before the start of Gilbert’s Truck-a-Palooza event. 

Gilbert Parks and Recreation’s staff also participated in training from subject matter experts and autistic self-advocates. 

“Being recognized as a Certified Autism Center demonstrates that Gilbert’s Parks & Recreation Department is committed to serving all individuals in our community, including those who are autistic,” Gilbert Parks and Recreation Director Robert Carmona said in a release. “Gilbert is dedicated to ongoing training and education of its employees in order to better serve autistic individuals and their families when they are out enjoying the amenities available in our community.”  

Gilbert Parks and Recreation is the second department within the town to earn the Certified Autism Center™ designation, following the Gilbert Police Department, which became certified in April. 

“Parks and Recreation departments provide critical services and resources to the community that also need to be more welcoming and accessible to autistic and sensory-sensitive residents and visitors,” IBCCES board chairman Myron Pincomb said in the release. “Ensuring we provide long-term, strategic partnership and resources to our partners is part of our mission, and we are proud to partner with Gilbert Parks and Recreation as they ensure everyone has what they need to enjoy the wonderful amenities and natural spaces in Gilbert.” 

The department has sensory guides for different features at Gilbert Regional Park, the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, Cactus Yards, Freestone Park and Freestone Recreation Center available on the town website.