Orlando Hotels Among First to Earn Autism Certification

ORLANDO, Fla., September 24, 2019 (Newswire.com) - ​​SpringHill Suites and Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Orlando at SeaWorld are continuing their commitment to a gold standard guest experience with their newly earned Certified Autism Center designations. Both hotels completed a certification program from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to ensure staff has the training, tools and skills needed to work with guests with autism or other sensory needs. This hotel duo joins their neighboring partners and fellow Certified Autism Centers SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, and Discovery Cove to become an inclusive destination for all.

Families with children on the autism spectrum often face hurdles when it comes to planning for a vacation, or weekend getaway, due to sensory needs, dietary restrictions, and safety concerns. The commitment to ensuring every guest that enters the premises receives the best possible experience aligns perfectly with the values of Marriott International. 

“All of us at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott and Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Orlando at SeaWorld are committed to creating a brilliant and memorable experience for each and every one of our guests every day. We are excited to be in the first group of hotels in Orlando, Florida, to become autism certified and be able to best serve individual guests with autism. This partnership is important to the families that stay with us, but also embraces the Marriott culture of taking care of others,” said Michael Wilke, Dual General Manager. “This effort hits close to home for me as two of my family members have autism. I am proud to bring light and dedicate my time to serving those with special needs.”

For almost 20 years, IBCCES has been the industry leader in autism and cognitive disorder training and certification for healthcare professionals and educators around the globe. IBCCES recognized that many families and individuals who have special needs have limited travel options. In response to this need, IBCCES created training and certification programs specifically for the hospitality and travel industry. While research shows that travel is one of the most intellectually stimulating events for individuals on the autism spectrum, there are still few trained and certified travel options for parents looking for destinations able to accommodate their needs. More parents are seeking out destinations that have completed research-based training and professional review as they search for options.

“We’re excited to work with another SeaWorld of Orlando partner that is fully committed to serving guests on the autism spectrum,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman. “We know training and certification from an established credentialing board is critical to ensuring a positive guest experience and we’re excited to see these organizations working together to create a seamless welcoming and fun experience for visitors.”

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 (CAC) requirements.

About SpringHill Suites by Marriott

SpringHill Suites by Marriott is an all-suite hotel brand that offers guests a fresh take on mixing business and pleasure by providing little extras that help them enjoy their time away. Recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Top 10 Franchises to buy in 2016, the portfolio consists of over 400 properties across the United States and Canada. The suites are spacious and feature a modern, stylish design that allows guests to be productive and unwind. For more information or reservations, visit www.springhillsuites.com, become a fan on Facebook or follow @SpringHillSuites on Twitter and Instagram. SpringHill Suites is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the new name of Marriott’s travel program replacing Marriott Rewards®, The Ritz- Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest® (SPG). The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits, including earning points toward free hotel stays and nights toward Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.com.

About Fairfield by Marriott

Fairfield by Marriott is designed to deliver a seamless stay through trusted service and warm, inviting spaces. In addition to complimentary Wi-Fi and hot breakfast, Fairfield offers thoughtfully designed rooms and suites that provide separate living, working and sleeping areas. With over 1,000 properties around the globe, Fairfield is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the new name of Marriott’s travel program replacing Marriott Rewards®, The Ritz- Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest® (SPG). The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits, including earning points toward free hotel stays and nights toward Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.com. For more information or reservations, visit www.fairfieldinn.com, become a fan on Facebook or follow @FairfieldHotels on www.twitter.com/fairfieldhotels.

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 the only training and certification programs endorsed by the largest grassroots autism organization in the world, The Autism Society of America, and 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.

MEDIA CONTACT:

SpringHill Suites and Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Orlando
Michael Wilke, General Manager
Phone: 407-354-1176
​Email: Michael.Wilke@marriott.com

IBCCES
Meredith Tekin, President
Phone: 904.508.0135 // 904.434.1534
Email: meredith@ibcces.org

Source: IBCCES