High Point, NC (February 23, 2023) – The High Point Rockers and Truist Point ballpark is now a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC), a designation granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), joining the growing movement championed by Visit High Point to attract more travelers to the area. To meet CAC requirements, staff completed training and certification to better assist and accommodate autistic or sensory-sensitive guests and their families. IBCCES also conducted an onsite review to provide additional ways the Rockers can accommodate visitors and create sensory guides for each ballpark area as part of the certification process.
IBCCES developed programs specifically for hospitality and recreational organizations such as hotels, theme parks, and other attractions, so staff would be more knowledgeable and offer other accommodations to this growing but underserved part of the community. With 1 in 6 people having a sensory need or sensitivity and 1 in 44 children being diagnosed with autism in the US (CDC), the need for more hospitality and entertainment options for these visitors and their families is at an all-time high.
“We aim to make Truist Point a welcoming venue to all fans. This program allows us to ensure our gates are open to everyone and that our team is properly trained to handle situations that arise in a caring manner,” shared Pete Fisch, President of High Point Rockers.
By completing the CAC program, the High Point Rockers join the greater Visit High Point movement to achieve the Certified Autism Destination (CAD) designation, which IBCCES awards to communities with a multitude of trained and certified lodging, recreation, and entertainment options. In addition to certification, Truist Point ballpark will have a quiet room available upon request for spectators, along with sensory packs for guests to use while at the ballpark. Other organizations that have completed the CAC program in the area include High Point Library Children’s Department, Wingate by Wyndham, Visit High Point, High Point Museum, JH Adams Inn, Sweet Old Bill’s and Q’s Corner, and other attractions and hotels in the area in the process.
“We’re excited about the High Point Rockers’ team as they join this movement to help serve the millions of autistic and sensory-sensitive travelers and their families who are looking for more welcoming and accessible spaces,” said Myron Pincomb, board chairman of IBCCES. “Our programs provide long-term strategic support and additional resources beyond training that make our certifications, and the organizations who complete our program, industry leaders.”
For more than 20 years, IBCCES has been the leader in cognitive disorder training and certification for healthcare, education, and corporate professionals around the globe. IBCCES is the only credentialing board offering these types of programs for travel, hospitality, and entertainment organizations, which include training from subject matter experts and autistic self-advocates, as well as long-term support and continuous learning, onsite reviews, and more.
IBCCES also created AutismTravel.com, a free online resource for parents that lists certified destinations and connects families to other resources and each other. Each destination listed on the site has met the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) requirements.
