What is an Autism Certification? 

The Autism Certified City designation is heavily marketed and promoted to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) communities across the U.S. and within Tempe's established target markets. Certification illustrates to those families affected by ASD that they can trust Tempe as a dedicated tourism destination serving individuals with autism. Certification is achieved when at least 80% of guest-facing staff is trained and certified in the field of autism. Through International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) and Autism Travel, Tempe and our partners will be part of a network of trusted travel professionals already serving the ASD community.

Who is leading this?  

The City of Tempe has partnered with IBCCES to introduce this program and the steps to take for the certification. IBCCES is setting the standard for autism (and other cognitive disorders) certifications as the only known organization focused on the hospitality/travel industry. Their key insights, paired with their Autism Travel nationwide presence, will help our partners better understand the ASD community and their growing need for autism-certified travel destinations, attractions and hotels.

Why now?

With a 600% increase autism diagnoses in the U.S., autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder in the world. The City of Tempe is dedicated to creating an inclusive city for those with autism to live, travel and feel seen and heard.

Join Us!

The City of Tempe has been diligently working to internally support our teams to best serve those who live and come into our city. Knowing the progress that has been made, we are thrilled to be partnering with local and neighboring businesses to embrace the inclusivity this project brings.

We invite you to join us as we continue on with this project! 

City of Tempe departments that are a part of this initiative and have gone through training: 

• Community Services
• Kid Zone
• Tempe Police Department
• Tempe Fire Medical Rescue
• Human Resources: all new employees to the City of Tempe take the 30 minute training as part of their onboarding. This video highlights the perspective of someone with autism in the first person and teaches awareness to sensory sensitivity.

Certification is easy

1. If you want to learn more, we will introduce you to IBCCES, the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards.
2. Check your inbox. IBCCES will contact you to share more details and start your training.
3. Watch and learn. IBCCES’s course content includes a training video followed by a 20-question knowledge check assessment of common behaviors and sensory considerations associated with autism spectrum disorders.

For more information please reach out to Samantha Mason at samantha_mason@tempe.gov