The city of Phoenix is now considered a Certified Autism Center, the largest municipality in the U.S. to earn the designation.
The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) recognized Phoenix after determining the city met the global standards for training employees in autism, neurodiversity and accessibility.
The city said more than 80% of employees in front-facing positions received training to better serve individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities.
IBCCES board chairman Myron Pincomb said 8,816 city employees have completed the training so far.
“This isn’t the finish line,” Pincomb said. “Really, it’s just the beginning.”
The initiative stemmed from the city’s Strategic Workgroup on Accessibility, which Mayor Kate Gallego said is tasked with making improvements to meet the needs of every community.
“We know we have more work to do, but we are proud of this recognition,” Gallego said. “From our first responders, to our community spaces, we’re committed to keep doing more.”
Other accessibility efforts the task force has implemented include, introducing inclusive design standards on newly constructed homes and enhancing wayfinding throughout Phoenix for people with low or no vision.
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Adaptive Recreation holds social classes, field trips and events for people with disabilities 6 and up. The fashion show has been a tradition between the Chandler and Mesa programs in one way or another for over 20 years. -
Arizona Autism Family Medicine opened its doors through a partnership between Valle De Sol Community Health and Arizona Autism Charter Schools earlier this month.
