Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch Is Now A Certified Autism Center™

Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch joins a growing number of organizations in and around Mesa, AZ, to earn Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This movement, which was initiated by Visit Mesa, has resulted in Mesa becoming the first-ever Autism Certified City through IBCCES.

The Certified Autism Center™ designation is awarded by IBCCES to organizations who have completed an additional training and professional certification to enhance their understanding and awareness when assisting guests with autism or other sensory sensitives.

The Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch Management team stated, “Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch is excited to be a part of the City of Mesa Autism Certified City Program. The Ranch is an authentic Arizona Guest Ranch, located in the Tonto National Forest. Our guests enjoy the wonderful solitude of the Ranch and have the chance to explore the Sonoran Desert along the banks of the Salt River. The proximity of the surrounding desert, lake and river offer a variety of activities. We feel it is the perfect get-away for families and guests from all walks of life and we want everyone regardless of any life challenges to have the opportunity to explore and have fun. With the autism training and certification, our staff will be more prepared as hosts to help facilitate wonderful experiences and memories to last a lifetime.”

For more than 20 years, IBCCES has been the industry leader in autism certification for healthcare, education and corporate professionals around the globe. IBCCES recognized that many families with children who have special needs have limited travel options. In response to this need, IBCCES created training and certification programs specifically for the hospitality and travel industry. More parents and individuals are seeking out destinations and organizations that have completed a certification program through an accredited source. IBCCES is the only credentialing organization providing this type of certification, which includes evidence-based best practices as well as the perspectives of individuals with autism, alongside other tools and resources such as onsite reviews and customized recommendations to ensure the program is a long-term commitment and has a lasting impact.

More families and individuals are seeking out destinations and organizations that have completed a certification program through an accredited source. IBCCES is the only credentialing organization providing this type of certification, which includes evidence-based information as well as the perspectives of individuals with Autism, alongside other tools and resources such as onsite reviews and customized recommendations to ensure the program is a long-term commitment and has a lasting impact.

“Everyone should have access and experience nature in a safe and inviting way. We’re excited to work with Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch so that all families and individuals with autism or sensory needs can have peace of mind when visiting the ranch and outdoor activities on the grounds,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman.

IBCCES created AutismTravel.com, a free online resource for families and individuals looking for travel and recreation options that lists certified destinations and travel professionals. Each destination listed on the site has met Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) requirements.

About IBCCES

Delivering The Global Standard For Training and Certification in The Field of Cognitive Disorders – IBCCES provides a series of certifications that empower professionals to be leaders in their field and improve the outcomes for the individuals they serve. These programs are recognized around the world as the leading benchmark for training and certification in the areas of autism and other cognitive disorders.