Discover Long Island earns Certified Autism Center designation

Discover Long Island received IBCCES’s Certified Autism Center designation on July 2, 2026, after staff completed autism-specific training to better serve autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors. The designation adds to Long Island’s accessibility push and connects the destination to IBCCES tools that help travelers find certified, sensory-friendly locations.

Why it matters: - The Certified Autism Center designation is meant to make travel more accessible for autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors and their families. - Discover Long Island can now use autism-specific training and standardized service protocols to improve in-destination support. - The designation adds another layer to Long Island’s tourism pitch as a welcoming destination for more travelers.

What happened: - IBCCES awarded Discover Long Island the Certified Autism Center designation on July 2, 2026. - Discover Long Island is the region’s official destination marketing and leadership organization. - The designation recognizes staff training focused on communicating with, assisting and accommodating autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals and their families. - Discover Long Island President and CEO Sharon Wyman said the training reinforces the organization’s commitment to making the destination welcoming for all. - Myron Pincomb, IBCCES CEO and board chairman, said the designation shows Discover Long Island’s dedication to a more accessible and welcoming community.

The details: - CAC training gives staff clear, standardized protocols designed to reduce hesitation, guesswork and the time needed to decide how to handle a situation. - The result is faster and more confident service, especially in high-touch visitor settings. - Discover Long Island is featured on the free IBCCES Accessibility App. - The app offers real-time guidance on certified destinations, sensory-friendly spaces and tailored recommendations. - IBCCES also offers free online resources through AccessibilityCertified.com and AutismTravel.com. - Those sites list certified locations and professionals that have met IBCCES certification requirements.

Between the lines: - The designation is part of a broader travel-industry shift toward accessibility as a service standard, not just a niche accommodation. - Discover Long Island is also positioning its team as a resource for partners, which could spread accessibility practices beyond the destination marketing organization itself. - IBCCES is using certification, app listings and online tools to create a wider ecosystem around accessible travel.

What's next: - Discover Long Island is expected to share its training knowledge with partners to expand accessibility across the destination. - Travelers with disabilities can use IBCCES tools to identify certified locations and plan trips with more confidence. - IBCCES will continue supporting certified organizations through long-term support, continuous learning, onsite reviews and renewal requirements.

The bottom line: - Discover Long Island now has a formal credential aimed at making visits easier, safer and more comfortable for autistic and sensory-sensitive travelers.