Family-friendly all-inclusive resort Company, Beaches Resorts, has received renewal of its Advanced Certified Autism Centre (ACAC) designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).
Awarded by the IBCCES to organisations that complete advanced training and offer accommodation for autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors, Beaches Resorts remains the only hospitality organisation in the world to hold the rigorous ACAC certification, fostering an environment of inclusivity under the Caribbean sun. The ACAC designation is the next level of certification once an organisation has achieved the Certified Autism Centre (CAC) certification.
The ACAC certification process entails a variety of important aspects, including:
- In-depth training on autism sensitivity and awareness in the areas of communication, sensory impacts, motor skills, social skills, environment awareness, emotional awareness, early childhood identification, autistic perspectives, and more.
- Activities and accommodations that must be available for autistic guests.
- An annual onsite audit and review which provides for sensory guides for interactive areas as well as other feedback and enhancements to existing programs and processes.
- Protocols and physical space to accommodate various needs.
Beaches Resorts offers personalised holiday planning and on-resort programming across all resorts for families with neurodivergent travellers. A pre-arrival questionnaire allows Beaches’ Special Services Team to recommend experiences and advise on specific room locations to limit stimuli and identify low-sensory zones. Together with the IBCCES, Beaches Resorts has curated resort-wide sensory guides that rate areas on a one-to-ten scale of sensory stimulation including pools, activity centres, water parks, and more. On site, Beaches Buddies offer one-on-one care helping families navigate activities as complex as snorkelling or as simple as sandcastle building, alongside sensory-sensitive members. An expert culinary concierge creates custom menus factoring in allergy and dietary restrictions.
A partnership with Sesame Workshop gives way to programming like Amazing Art with Julia, an open-ended art activity where kids can explore, experiment, and create using a wide range of materials alongside Julia, a sweet and curious four-year-old Sesame Street character with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Beaches Resorts will also celebrate its second Annual Beaches Autism All-Inclusive Week at Beaches Negril from September 22nd-29th 2024, bringing together a community of guests with similar needs for unique programming, tableside chats with experts, and much more—all with a dedicated Beaches Buddy per family.
“As a family-owned brand, Beaches is wholeheartedly committed to creating a holiday setting where all guests can thrive. For families with neurodivergent travellers, what may seem like a simple travel decision can shape the entire course of their family holiday, and we know how coveted of a time that is,” said Heather Effs, Sandals Resorts International’s Corporate Manager of Entertainment Operations. “Becoming the first resort company in the world to be certified as an Advanced Certified Autism Centre marked an enduring commitment to neurodivergent travellers and their families, whom we proudly welcome, oftentimes year after year, to make memories and even celebrate milestones at Beaches.”
With more than two decades of expertise in cognitive disorder training and certification, IBCCES has emerged as a global leader in providing specialised education for healthcare, education, and corporate professionals. Recognising the need for tailored programmes in hospitality and recreational settings, IBCCES has developed comprehensive training initiatives tailored to organisations such as hotels, theme parks, museums, and attractions. These initiatives aim to equip staff with the necessary knowledge and tools to cater to the needs of this often-overlooked segment of the community.
UK Travel Agents can now become a ‘Certified Autism Travel Professional’ with the IBCCES. Agents can get 50% off the certification fee by using a special discount code, found online on the Beaches Resorts’ Travel Agent Portal . A PDF detailing more information is listed under ‘Special Offers’ followed by the ‘Travel Agent Specials’ tab. The certification is based on a four-hour online training and competency exam, and the 50% discount code is applicable when this is completed by 31st December 2024. To sign up, Travel Agents should visit IBCCES.ORG/CATP, click “Start Application” and enter their Beaches Resorts discount code to begin the application process. Travel Agents can access Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts’ Travel Agent portal online at: www.sellingsandals.co.uk
“Beaches Resorts has gone above and beyond to lead the hospitality industry toward a more inclusive future for all families seeking unforgettable holidays tailored to their needs,” said Myron, Board Chairman of IBCCES. “By renewing the ACAC certification, Beaches Resorts continues its commitment to ensuring families can make memories and have life-changing experiences in a welcoming environment.”
Agents can book online or by calling Unique Caribbean Holidays Ltd. (UCHL)’s experienced Sales Executives on 0808 164 3459. For more information about Beaches Resorts please visit www.sellingsandals.co.uk.
