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COMMUNITY
Tempe achieves Certified Autism Center status
Posted
INDEPENDENT NEWSMEDIA
Tempe has earned a designation awarded to organizations that have shown their commitment to serving autistic and “sensory sensitive individuals.”
The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards announced the city has been designated a Certified Autism Center. The designation is presented to organizations that complete a training and certification process, according to a city release.
In Tempe, participating departments included police, fire and medical, employee development, the Kid Zone Enrichment Program and Community Services, which encompasses arts, culture, parks and recreation and the Tempe Public Library.
“Every day, we strive to make Tempe an inclusive, welcoming and equitable place for people,” Tempe Mayor Corey Woods said.
“I’m proud of the work our staff has done to be trained to better understand and serve members of our community. We hope that this designation will inspire other Tempe businesses and organizations to join us on this journey to become the second Autism Certified City in the world.”
The Tempe release stated one in six people have a sensory need sensitivity and one in 44 children are being diagnosed with autism in the United States.
"IBCCES is excited to partner with the city of Tempe as they work to expand community offerings and options to serve Tempe’s diverse population," Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman said.
Among the services and support Tempe offers are:
Inclusive play equipment as well as artwork and places designed to “calm and soothe.”
Alternative communication boards in select parks to support non-verbal and “multimodal communication.”
After-school and summer programs for students with intellectual and development disabilities.
Tempe Leadership is building 20 sensory kits to be installed in all Tempe community centers as well as four police and fire stations.
Cowtown S.K.A.T.E. partnered with the city’s adaptive recreation program to launch a new adaptive skateboarding class.
To receive Certified Autism Center status, at least 80% of “community-facing department staff” must complete a training and certification program to better understand the autism spectrum and strategies for communication, visitor experience and safety, city officials said.
IBCCES also reviewed and audited key facilities that provide additional support to those in need.
