Palladium Hotel earns Certified Autism Center designation

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autismtravel-2
Avatar of Linda Hohnholz
Written by Linda Hohnholz

Grand Palladium Bávaro Suites Resort & Spa is the latest destination to become a Certified Autism Center (CAC) to help ensure guests and families with children who have autism have the best possible experience. Parents with children on the autism spectrum often find vacationing to be a challenge due to sensory needs, dietary restrictions and safety concerns.

The resort, located in the Dominican Republic but attracting visitors from all over the world, implemented a training and certification program provided by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). For almost 20 years, IBCCES has been the industry leader in autism training for licensed healthcare professionals and educators around the globe. IBCCES recognized that many families with children with special needs have limited travel options and created programs specifically for the hospitality and travel industry.

“For Palladium Hotel Group, it’s very important to provide specific services that ensure fun and safe activities for families, children and adolescents and sensory inclusive programs for families. Our goal is that every family has the comfort and confidence of knowing their children are in good care, regardless of their needs. We want to ensure an unforgettable vacation for every family,” said Felipe Martínez Verde, Chief Operations Officer-America for Palladium Hotel Group.

While research shows that travel is one of the most intellectually stimulating events for individuals on the spectrum, there are still few trained and certified travel options for parents looking for destinations able to accommodate their needs. Organizations like IBCCES and Palladium Hotel Group are working to change that.

“We’re excited to partner with another great destination that is truly committing to serving those on the spectrum. We want to create safe, sensory-compatible travel options for parents and individuals, so they can visit the leading destinations across the globe and have peace of mind,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman. “Our Certified Autism Center designation is awarded to premier organizations who have completed rigorous training and meet the highest industry standards.”

Many destinations tout “autism-friendly” options; however, this term does not necessarily indicate a true understanding of these families’ requirements. More parents are now seeking out destinations that have completed research-based training and professional review to ensure the best experience possible. 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 Certified Autism Center requirements, which include extensive staff training and an on-site audit conducted by leading autism experts. Grand Palladium Bávaro Suites Resort & Spa will also be listed with other CACs on AutismMember.org, a partnership between IBCCES and Autism Society to connect families and individuals with businesses and resources committed to serving individuals on the spectrum.

About IBCCES

Delivering The Global Standard For Training and Certification in The Field of Cognitive Disorders – IBCCES provides a series of certifications that empower professionals to be leaders in their field and improve the outcomes for the individuals they serve. These programs are recognized around the world as the leading benchmark for training and certification in the areas of autism and other cognitive disorders. As part of our commitment to sharing the latest innovations and research, IBCCEs also hosts the International Symposium on Cognitive Research and Disorders to create a forum for collaboration among industry stakeholders.

About Palladium Hotel Group

Based on Ibiza in the Balearic Islands, PALLADIUM HOTEL GROUP is a multinational corporation established over forty years ago with the aim of promoting the island in Spain and across Europe. Over the years it has cemented a position as one of the best-known Spanish companies worldwide. PALLADIUM Hotel Group is a prestigious company which has gone to great lengths to segment its hotels and to launch new brands for each line, pursuing a consistent expansion policy and fulfilling stringent quality standards. At present, the group has establishments in a plethora of destinations around the globe including Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca, Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Oviedo, Fuerteventura, Tenerife, Córdoba and Seville in Spain, Sicily in Italy and the Mayan and Nayarit Rivieras in Mexico, Punta Cana and Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, Montego Bay in Jamaica and Salvador de Bahia in Brazil.

About the author

Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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