ZooMontana in Billings Mont., is now a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC), a designation awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to organizations that complete training and certification to better understand and welcome autistic or sensory-sensitive visitors and their families. IBCCES will also conduct an onsite review to provide additional ways the Zoo can accommodate visitors and create detailed sensory guides for each exhibit as part of the certification process.
“ZooMontana is for everyone. We want to ensure all guests that visit have a safe and enjoyable time, no matter their background. Becoming a Certified Autism Center™ allows us to show the proof in the pudding,” said Jeff Ewelt, executive director of ZooMontana. “We see you, and we include you. We are dedicated to creating a space all will remember, learn and enjoy their family time.”
By completing the CAC program, ZooMontana takes a step forward to be part of a larger Billings initiative to achieve the Certified Autism Destination (CAD) designation. Visit Billings is spearheading the CAD initiative to attract new visitors to Billings and ensure there are a variety of autism certified options in the areas of lodging, recreation, and entertainment. Visit Billings is supporting partners to become certified locations including Boothill Inn & Suites, Billings Depot, and ZooMontana.
“IBCCES is thrilled to see the Certified Autism Destination Initiative in the Billings area growing. As more autistic travelers and their families look for locations where they will feel welcomed and understood, Billings has been hard at work to build a more inclusive destination—something everyone should be striving toward,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman.
In addition to the certification process, the Zoo also offers other supports and options for visitors, including quiet areas to step away and be immersed in nature and plans to have sensory bags for those who may experience sensory overload, as well as several low-sensory evenings in the summer of 2023.
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 created programs specifically for the hospitality and recreational organizations such as hotels, theme parks, and other attractions so staff would be more knowledgeable and other accommodations offered to this growing, but underserved, part of the community.
Photo Credit: ©Zoo Montana
Back to All Stories