With April being Autism Acceptance Month, Beaches Resorts has expanded its extensive autism program with the release of all-new Sensory Guides. Carefully developed by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), the guides are designed to allow caregivers and guests with cognitive disabilities to more comfortably navigate the on-resort experience based on specific sensory sensitivities.
Guides comprise extensive resort maps with public areas — such as the resorts’ many pools, dining spaces and sports hubs — rated on a 1-10 scale of sensory stimulation.
Our Analysis: Families Would Take More Vacations If Their Needs Were Met
In a recent survey conducted by IBCCES, 94% of families share that they would take more vacations or visit more new places if they had access to autism-trained and certified options. In 2019, Beaches Resorts attained the Advanced Certified Autism Center designation from IBCCES, ensuring at least 80% of customer-facing staff have the requisite expertise to interact with families and children with special needs.
The company is also set to host its first-ever dedicated autism week at Beaches Ocho Rios in Jamaica from Oct. 9-13. Travel advisors looking to work with this market clearly have a strong vacation option in Beaches Resorts.
Fast Facts:
- Autism spectrum disorder affects 1 in every 36 children.
- Beaches Resorts also offers one-on-one Beaches Buddies, accredited staff members who can join the family for an hour, a day, or for their entire stay, at an additional cost.
- In 2017, Beaches Resorts became the first resort company to be designated a Certified Autism Center (CAC). That same year, Beaches Resorts evolved their Sesame Street programming to include Julia, a 4-year-old character on the autism spectrum who introduced a new activity for kids: Amazing Art with Julia.
- Families traveling with children on the autism spectrum can find more information on Beaches' website, including a dedicated toll-free number (844-360-9380) to speak with Beaches’ Special Services Team, certified by IBCCES, during the planning stages of their vacation.
What They Are Saying: Inclusion Speaks to Beaches’ Overall Mission
“At Beaches Resorts, the word ‘inclusive’ has dual meanings — one speaks to our business model, and the other speaks to our mission,” said Joel Ryan, group manager for themed entertainment and children’s activities for Beaches. “Our enduring commitment to do more in this very important space, and to do it better, has inspired many new programs across our resorts to create a vacation experience that’s safe and comfortable for all. This month, and year-round, we’re proud to see and hear from guests who, time and time again, trust to bring their families to a Beaches Resort.”
