Friday, July 3, 2026

Discover Long Island Strengthens Inclusive Tourism Efforts with Certified Autism Center™ Designation

A smiling caregiver stands behind a child using a wheelchair outdoors, alongside the Discover Long Island logo and the Certified Autism Center™ badge.

Family of four joyfully running and holding hands on a sandy beach during sunset.

Family walking on a boardwalk near green trees and a lighthouse, with a deer standing on the right side in a natural setting.

Seaside view of a lighthouse on a rocky shore at sunset with waves crashing and a colorful sky.

A child reaches toward a sea lion swimming underwater on the other side of a large aquarium viewing window.

This Certified Autism Center™ training has empowered our team to become the experts. We now feel confident sharing this knowledge with our partners to champion the necessity of accessibility...”
— Discover Long Island President & CEO Sharon Wyman

HAUPPAUGE, NY, UNITED STATES, July 2, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) proudly awards Discover Long Island the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation, recognizing its efforts to create an inclusive

and welcoming environment for every visitor. This credential is awarded to organizations whose staff complete autism-specific training to gain the understanding and skills needed to effectively communicate with, assist, and accommodate autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals and their families.

“We are proud to be taking this next step, reinforcing Discover Long Island’s commitment to making our destination genuinely welcoming for all,” says Discover Long Island President & CEO Sharon Wyman. “This Certified Autism Center™ training has empowered our team to become the experts. We now feel confident sharing this knowledge with our partners to champion the necessity of accessibility and overall continue to help visitors of all abilities and their families experience Long Island with confidence, comfort, and a true sense of belonging.”

The CAC training equips staff with clear, standardized protocols that reduce hesitation, guesswork, and the time it takes to decide how to handle a situation, leading to faster and more confident service.

“Discover Long Island’s Certified Autism Center™ designation demonstrates its dedication to fostering a more accessible and welcoming community,” says Myron Pincomb, IBCCES CEO & board chairman. “IBCCES is proud to partner with organizations that prioritize inclusion and looks forward to the benefits this achievement will bring to staff, visitors, and community members.”

For 25 years, IBCCES has been a leader in providing autism, sensory, and neurodiversity training and certification for professionals worldwide, including those in healthcare, education, public safety, travel, and corporate sectors. As the only credentialing board offering these programs, IBCCES provides training from subject matter experts and autistic self-advocates, along with long-term support, continuous learning, onsite reviews, and renewal requirements to ensure continued growth and lasting impact.

To further support inclusivity efforts, Discover Long Island is featured on the IBCCES Accessibility App, which is free to download. This app provides individuals with a variety of disabilities real-time guidance on certified destinations, sensory-friendly spaces, and tailored recommendations. By connecting users to accessible locations worldwide, the app helps ensure seamless, enjoyable experiences for everyone.

IBCCES also provides access to resources such as AccessibilityCertified.com and AutismTravel.com, which are free online tools for families that list certified locations and professionals. Each organization listed on the site has met IBCCES certification requirements.

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