Autism Awareness Month: Mesa Arizona Makes Traveling with Kids with Autism Easier
Traveling with kids is difficult enough, the reason we started our television series…to inspire families to overcome the obstacles and challenges and get out there to explore the world together. But, traveling with kids with autism presents its own set of challenges, which is why many families with members on the spectrum don’t travel. Mesa, Arizona is making it easier and recently became the first Autism Certified City in the U.S. awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards.
What does that mean? It means that city planners and the team at Visit Mesa have taken an interest and worked to make Mesa autism-friendly. They have challenged businesses to certify staff members at hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions, as well as law enforcement officers and parks and recreation staff members to undergo training in autism. So far, more than 50 businesses have taken up the challenge. This training teaches attendees what autism is, how those with autism experience the world, and how to address their needs.
Museums and family-friendly attractions have also adapted their offerings to cater to those on the spectrum. Mesa offers online sensory guides that helps families determine which activities would be best for their children. The guides include information on physical accessibility, sensory activities and possible triggers such as sound and noise, quiet area opportunities, and more. Each park rates each piece of equipment and activity area for how it may affect each of the five senses making it easier to plan an outing that will most suit your children.
In addition to the museums like Arizona Museum of Natural History and i.d.e.a. Museum, kid-friendly attractions like OdySea Aquarium and Butterfly Wonderland, which are great for kids, Mesa offers a host of family-friendly outdoor fun like kayaking, horseback riding and hiking. They have even designed a geocache tour app, Visit Mesa Autism Travel GeoTour, specifically for families with children on the spectrum. If you are visiting in March, Mesa is also home to Sloan Park, the Chicago Cubs’ home stadium for Spring Training…and yes, they have completed their autism training program as well.
So,now is the time to plan your trip to explore all that Mesa has to offer for families! Whether on the spectrum or not, there’s something for everyone. For more on what Mesa has to offer families with children with autism, visit their website or get their Visit Mesa Autism Travel Guide.
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