UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts Achieves Certified Autism Center™ Status, Contributing to Dubai's Accessibility Movement

Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts Achieves Certified Autism Center™ Status, Contributing to Dubai's Accessibility Movement, awarded by IBCCES.

As a proud advocate for inclusive hospitality, Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts strives to be a welcoming destination for all travelers, including autistic individuals”

— Faiek El Saadani, General Manager

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, February 4, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Autograph Collection joins the movement towards helping the community and earns the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation. This certification is awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to organizations that

demonstrate a high level of commitment to ensuring their services are accessible and accommodating to autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals. Through this certification process, the staff received training to best equip them with the knowledge and resources needed to provide a great experience for autistic guests and their families. 

“As a proud advocate for inclusive hospitality, Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts strives to be a welcoming destination for all travelers, including autistic individuals,” says Faiek El Saadani, general manager at Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Autograph Collection Hotels. “Our Polynesian-themed resort, located within the vibrant Dubai Parks and Resorts, provides a secure and enjoyable environment where every family can relax and create unforgettable moments. Our staff is well-trained to support autistic guests, ensuring that every guest feels comfortable, valued, and well cared for through thoughtfully designed spaces and modern features."

The hotel is dedicated to providing accessible accommodations for all guests, featuring accessible on-site and van parking, elevators, and routes leading to various amenities, including the pool, business center, fitness center, and restaurants. Guest rooms are equipped with mobility-friendly features such as roll-in showers, adjustable shower wands, non-slip grab rails, and hearing-accessible options. Additional amenities include visual alerts, lever handles, and safety features like deadbolts and secondary locks, ensuring a secure and comfortable stay.

The hotel’s achievement is part of a wider initiative by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) to achieve the Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) designation in Dubai. This designation is awarded to communities with a multitude of trained and certified lodging, recreation, and entertainment options that are accessible and accommodating to autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals and their families. Once achieved, this would mark the first CAD in the Eastern Hemisphere.

As part of the certification, IBCCES performed an on-site assessment of the hotel to provide recommendations and sensory guides. These guides will enable guests to understand the sensory intensity for each area of the hotel such as noise level, lighting and impact on other senses, so informed decisions can be made prior to entering an area.

“Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, stands as a gateway to some of Dubai's most exciting attractions and theme parks, making it essential for them to be certified as a Certified Autism Center™” says Myron Pincomb, CEO and board chairman of IBCCES. “This designation ensures that every visitor, including those who are autistic and sensory-sensitive, can enjoy a fully accessible and inclusive experience. By prioritizing accessibility, Lapita not only enhances its reputation as a premier destination but also reinforces the importance of accommodating all families in their journey to create unforgettable memories.”

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. IBCCES is the only global credentialing board providing travel and entertainment organizations with training and certification from subject-matter experts and autistic self-advocates, and other resources, as well as long-term support that helps them understand how to better accommodate and assist autistic or sensory-sensitive visitors and their families. 

IBCCES also created AutismTravel.com, a free online resource for families that lists certified destinations and connects families to other resources and each other. Each destination listed on the site has met the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) requirements.