6 Questions for Meredith Tekin, BCCS, President of the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES)
Recently, Rocketaround.com had the pleasure of interviewing Meredith Tekin, President of the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), an organization that plays a unique role for the neurodiverse community, and for neurodiverse families with an interest in adventure. Here are Meredith’s insights.
Rocketaround.com: What is IBCCES and how do you support neurodiverse families?
Meredith Tekin: IBCCES is a training and certification organization. We focus on providing knowledge and supports to professionals in healthcare, education, public safety, hospitality/entertainment, and corporate settings so they can better understand and work with autistic and neurodivergent individuals. We provide long-term supports, recommendations, and actionable programs to help these professionals and their organizations improve the experience for those individuals they serve. Our programs focus on providing information and best practices from clinical experts as well as neurodivergent individuals for a well-rounded approach. We also created AutismTravel.com and CertifiedAutismCenter.com so that individuals and families looking for organizations or destinations who have completed these programs can find them.
RA.com: What major developments in travel for neurodiverse families occurred in recent years? Did any occur in 2022?
MT: IBCCES has been working with hotels, resorts, attractions, and entertainment venues since 2017 to provide better experiences for autistic individuals and their families and friends. In 2022, we announced many new certified locations (check out AutismTravel.com for all of them), as well as a partnership to make the city of Dubai a Certified Autism Destination! We have other communities in the US working toward that designation (Visalia, CA has achieved that status) but Dubai will be the first in the Eastern hemisphere.
RA.com: What’s on your radar for travel and adventure for neurodiverse families in 2023?
MT: IBCCES is continuously working to add more certified partners, so we have a focus globally as well as right here in the US. We know many attractions and lodging options now know they need to be more inclusive and accessible for visitors, the key is providing actionable training for staff as well as other supports such as sensory guides and accommodations when possible, to make it easier for families to “choose their own adventure” so to speak when they visit a location.
RA.com: What trends are unfolding for adventure for neurodiverse families?
MT: The families are really driving the trends, IBCCES focuses on preparing the locations to help roll out the welcome mat for families! We are seeing lots of interest internationally, as mentioned, as well as lesser-known smaller and mid-size destinations working hard on accessibility and special experiences so visitors can get off the beaten path and try some new locales.
RA.com: What can neurodiverse families do to support the mission and activity of IBCCES?
MT: Continue to travel, ask for accommodations, and ask if locations have considered IBCCES certification.
RA.com: What key tips do you have for neurodiverse families as they seek adventure?
MT: Continue to explore and try new experiences – we know that sometimes that can be scary and feel risky, so do whatever is in your comfort level, but we know that sometimes trying a new thing/location/destination can make all the difference and expand everyone’s horizons. Also, reach out to your destinations’ Visitor Centers and destination marketing organizations – these professionals have the mission to bring more visitors to their area and they may be able to provide guidance on your visit as well as they are a key to making sure more destinations know travelers are looking for accessible options, they have a lot of influence. You can also try working with a certified travel agent if that makes planning your trip easier – you can search for these professionals on AutismTravel.com. And of course, check out a Certified location – resort, hotel, theme park, zoo, and others are listed on our site.