The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) proudly awards the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation to the South Carolina Welcome Centers. To achieve this designation, at least 80% of staff completed autism and sensory training to equip them with knowledge of best practices, skills and resources to welcome and support every visitor, including autistic and sensory-sensitive guests and their families.
“We call our Welcome Centers ‘South Carolina’s front porches,’ and that designation alludes to the kind of experience you can expect during a visit. While our team is dedicated to providing outstanding customer service, central to our mission is personifying authentic hospitality. That means we strive to make our guests feel welcomed, comfortable, and valued,” said Duane Parrish, director of South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism.
Parrish continued, “This certification is an important tool in our hospitality toolbox because it enhances and empowers our ability to recognize and effectively respond to visitor needs. We are extremely proud to be the first state-operated welcome center program to receive this certification, and we will continue to find opportunities to improve our service and understanding as we help visitors discover South Carolina.”
In addition to training and certification, Welcome Center staff have quiet spaces for guests in need at each of the nine locations. Additionally, the SC Welcome Centers have sensory packets containing sunglasses, ear plugs, and sensory stickers. Fidgets will soon be available in the packets as well.
“The designation of nine locations as a Certified Autism Center™ marks a significant step forward in South Carolina’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Through training and certification, South Carolina is setting a powerful standard for inclusion by ensuring that every visitor, regardless of their needs, can experience the state with confidence and support,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman. “This commitment not only enhances accessibility but also elevates the visitor experience and reinforces South Carolina as a welcoming destination for all.”
By investing in specialized training and certification, these organizations are ensuring that every visitor—especially autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals—can feel welcomed, understood, and supported. This milestone reflects a broader movement toward creating communities where inclusion is not an initiative, but a standard.”
For 25 years, IBCCES has been a leader in providing autism, sensory and neurodiversity training and certification for professionals worldwide, including those in healthcare, education, public safety, travel, and corporate sectors. As the only credentialing board offering these programs, IBCCES provides training from subject matter experts and autistic self-advocates, along with long-term support, continuous learning, onsite reviews, and renewal requirements to ensure continued growth and lasting impact.
To further support inclusivity efforts, the South Carolina Welcome Centers are featured on the IBCCES Accessibility App, which is free to download. This app provides individuals with a variety of disabilities real-time guidance on certified destinations, sensory-friendly spaces, and tailored recommendations. By connecting users to accessible locations worldwide, the app helps ensure seamless, enjoyable experiences for everyone.
IBCCES also provides access to resources such as AccessibilityCertified.com and AutismTravel.com, which are free online tools for families that list certified locations and professionals. Each organization listed on the site has met IBCCES certification requirements.
