The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) has announced that LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort is the first Certified Autism Center (CAC) in Malaysia. This marks an important step in making the country’s attractions and theme parks more accessible and inclusive. The resort has shown its commitment to providing a welcoming experience for everyone. The CAC is given to organizations that train their staff in autism and sensory awareness, complete additional requirements, and undergo an onsite audit.
“Becoming Malaysia’s first Certified Autism Center is a meaningful milestone for us and we’re proud to achieve this distinction,” says CS Lim, Divisional Director of LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort. “LEGOLAND Malaysia has always been focused on delivering an educational, fun, and memorable experience to children and families of all backgrounds. As a leading tourist destination in Malaysia, we’re committed to paving the way forward in creating an accessible, flexible environment that will cater to our guests’ diverse needs and will continue doing our part to making the park inclusive and welcoming to all.’
With 1 in 100 children being autistic worldwide, many families struggle to find activities where their loved ones can feel safe and included. Trips can be difficult due to staff who aren’t trained, busy environments, and a lack of information about sensory-friendly options. To help with this important issue, IBCCES provides special training and certification for places like attractions, hotels, zoos, aquariums, and other fun spots.
These programs teach about autism, how to communicate effectively, and the best ways to create positive experiences. Developed with input from professionals and autistic individuals, the training helps ensure that all families can enjoy their visits. Certification includes ongoing education, support from IBCCES, and regular updates to maintain high standards.
LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort opened on September 15, 2012, and is the first Legoland theme park in Asia. With over 40 rides and attractions across 73 acres in Johor, Malaysia, it offers many fun experiences for visitors of all ages. Apart from its exciting rides, LEGOLAND Malaysia is committed to being welcoming for all guests.
In addition to getting certified, LEGOLAND Malaysia wants to help families plan their visits confidently. The LEGOLAND Malaysia website now features an accessibility page with sensory guides for each attraction. This allows guests to check the sensory information before they arrive, making it easier for families to have a comfortable and enjoyable trip. Sensory guideboards will also be placed around the rides in the LEGOLAND Theme Park. More updates will be shared as they become available.
“We are proud to welcome LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort as the first Certified Autism Center in Malaysia,” says Myron Pincomb, CEO and board chairman of IBCCES. “This certification is a vital step toward greater accessibility and inclusion within Malaysia’s tourism industry. LEGOLAND Malaysia’s commitment to providing a welcoming and accommodating environment for autistic individuals and those with sensory sensitivities demonstrates their dedication to ensuring that all families can enjoy the park’s attractions and create lasting memories together. We are equally proud to continuously collaborate with LEGOLAND globally to elevate accessibility standards across all their locations, reinforcing our shared mission of inclusivity for every guest.”
IBCCES has been a leader in training and certifying professionals in healthcare, education, and corporate settings for more than 20 years. It is the only global organization that offers travel and entertainment companies training and certification from experts and autistic self-advocates. This support helps these organizations better understand how to assist autistic or sensory-sensitive visitors and their families.
IBCCES also created AutismTravel.com, a free online resource for families. This site lists certified destinations and connects families with helpful resources and each other. Each destination on the site meets the Certified Autism Center (CAC) standards.