There's nothing like taking advantage of vacations, extended holidays or a little time off to travel, even more so if it's with the family. And the Central Florida region has a range of attractive possibilities for EVERYONE! What goes for families of children with special needs or different sensory abilities.
In the United States alone, 1 in 6 people have sensory needs or sensitivities. And, according to statistics from the US health agency, the CDC, 1 in 36 8-year-olds are diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Unfortunately, there are no estimates exclusive to Brazil because, here, the diagnosis is more difficult. But, taking into account the same proportion of this CDC study with the Brazilian population, we could have about 5.95 million autistic people in the country.
As a result, demand for trained and certified options has reached an all-time high. And many autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals face challenges when visiting new places or planning family trips due to a lack of staff training and understanding, potential sensory overload, or a need for flexible options and accommodations.
However, the charming and charming Polk County, situated between Orlando and Tampa, and made up of cities such as Lakeland, Davenport, Lake Wales and Winter Haven, prides itself on offering a welcoming environment right in the heart of Florida, where some of the biggest attractions from the region do everything they can to make sure everyone, without exception, has a good time.
This is the case of Peppa Pig Theme Park, Legoland Florida Resort, Florida Children's Museum and Bok Tower Gardens. Going a little beyond the region, in Cape Canaveral, less than 1 hour by car from Orlando, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, the NASA Park, also makes the list of inclusive tours for those traveling to Florida. Check out this TOP 5 of respect:
Peppa Pig Theme Park – It was the first theme park in America to receive the Certified Autism Center (CAC) designation from the International Board of Accreditation and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). It has an excellent sensory guide that provides information about touch, taste, hearing, sight and smell. Sensory guidelines in accordance with these specifications are posted on all rides and attractions. All staff are prepared to serve visitors with sensory sensitivity, and the park also offers quiet areas and sensory kits.
Legoland Florida Resort – The CAC designation has been extended to the complex, which applies to the theme park – the largest in Florida for children 12 and under – and each of its hotels. As well as the tours are ADA compliant. Many of the features available at the Peppa Pig Theme Park including sensory guides, low sensory areas, certified staff and kits are also available at the LEGO theme park.
Florida Children's Museum – Located in Bonnet Springs Park, the museum offers ADA compliant access and has worked in close partnerships to be “Autism Friendly”. Layout, colors and acoustics were chosen and thought to provide a fun and enriching experience for all children. Shades to control sunlight, predictive floor patterns to show paths, sound deadening wall treatments and wheelchair access are just a few actions that make visiting comfortable. There is a quiet room and sensory kits that include noise-reducing headphones, sunglasses and a hand-moving toy.
Bok Tower Gardens – Recognized as \"Autism Friendly\" by the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) at the University of South Florida. They collaborate with CARD to provide tools for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other cognitive or sensory processing impairments to make their visit special and enjoyable.
STRETCH FROM ANOTHER WORLD!
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex – The NASA Park, located less than an hour’s drive from Orlando, recently announced a partnership with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to become a “Certified Autism Center”. Autism). This collaboration aims to ensure that autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals can be visited with confidence. To make this certification possible, the NASA Visitor Complex team completed training to better understand and welcome people with autism or sensory sensitivity. IBCCES conducted an on-site review to provide additional ways to accommodate visitors, as well as providing sensory guide signage for each exhibit.
As a “Certified Autism Center”, KSCVC will provide resources and services to ensure an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all visitors. Examples include trained and engaged staff, sensory guidance signage strategically placed throughout the NASA Visitor Complex, designated sensory break areas, and a comprehensive sensory guide with detailed information about accommodations and additional options available to guests. visitors.