For the fifth year in a row, Discovery Cove has been endorsed as a Certified Autism Centre by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This is the first all-inclusive day resort and animal interaction park in the USA to earn this certification, ensuring that both guests and employees with Autism Spectrum Disorder can have the best experience possible.
To receive this certification, all Discovery Cove staff, known as Ambassadors, undertook specialised training to ensure they have the knowledge and skills to cater to autistic and sensory-sensitive guests. In addition to this, guests can also download IBCCES Sensory Guides which outline how each experience within the park may affect different sensory issues. But even with this preparation, all the experiences and noise at Discovery Cove can get overwhelming, so in addition to the wide, clear spaces available to everyone across the resort, there is also a designated quiet space specifically for relief from sensory issues.
So, whether you’re swimming with dolphins, exploring Freshwater Oasis or wandering through Explorer’s Aviary, you and your family can be confident that you can make the most of every activity available to you.
IBCCES has been the leader in cognitive disorder training and certification for healthcare, education and corporate professionals around the globe for more than 20 years. It is the only global credentialing board that provides travel and entertainment organisations with training and certification from both experts and autism self-advocates, and they provide long-term support after the certification too.
Discovery Cove isn’t the only Florida park with this certification - last year LEGOLAND Florida Resort was also designated as a certified autism centre, which includes LEGOLAND Theme Park, LEGOLAND Water Park and Peppa Pig Theme Park.
Book your Discovery Cove tickets now for a full day of relaxation, plus 14 consecutive days of admission to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica with a Standard Package, and Busch Gardens too with an Ultimate Package!