COGNiTiON Science and Discovery Center Renews Certified Autism Center™ Status

COGNiTiON Science and Discovery Center has been a Certified Autism Center™ since 2023.

TRAVERSE CITY, MI, UNITED STATES, September 17, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — COGNiTiON Science and Discovery Center renews its Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). The renewal was granted after at least 80% of the staff completed up-to-date autism and sensory training to ensure they are equipped with understanding of the best skills, practices, and resources to welcome and support every visitor who walks through the doors.

“Renewing our Certified Autism Center™ designation represents our continued commitment to making COGNiTiON a place where all children can explore, learn, and belong,” says Kimmee Miller, executive director of COGNiTiON. “This renewal reinforces our dedication to accessibility, inclusion, and meaningful engagement for every family in our community.”

“We love that COGNiTiON understands different learning needs. It’s a safe, calm, and joyful space where our child can truly be themselves,” says a parent who visited COGNiTiON with their children.

A COGNiTiON staff member shares, “The autism and sensory training helped us feel more confident and prepared to welcome every visitor. It gave our team new ways to communicate, adapt, and connect.”

Since becoming a CAC, COGNiTiON has introduced several new programs and initiatives to strengthen inclusion and accessibility for its guests, including:
⚫ Benzie Community Days — Free admission days designed to remove financial barriers and welcome all families to explore science together
⚫ Neighborhood Network Playgroups — In partnership with the Great Start Collaborative of Traverse Bay, these free play-based sessions foster early learning and social development
⚫ Sensory-Friendly Enhancements — COGNiTiON has expanded quiet zones and added sensory tools throughout the center to help all guests feel comfortable
⚫ Community Input Days — New monthly open-house events where community members share feedback and ideas to guide future exhibits and experiences
⚫ STEM Storytime & Teen STEM Nights — Inclusive programs that celebrate curiosity across age groups and abilities

“COGNiTiON Science and Discovery Center’s renewal as a Certified Autism Center™ reflects more than a designation; it represents an ongoing commitment to ensuring every guest feels welcome, understood, and supported. By continuing to prioritize specialized training and inclusive practices, COGNiTiON is creating an environment where curiosity can thrive for individuals of all abilities. Their leadership sets a powerful example for science and discovery centers around the world, demonstrating that accessibility and innovation go hand in hand,” says Myron Pincomb, IBCCES CEO & board chairman.

By completing the CAC renewal process, COGNiTiON continues to play a role in the wider movement initiated by Traverse City Tourism, which turned Traverse City into a Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) designation. The CAD designation means visitors have multiple trained and certified options to choose from when in the area, including entertainment, recreation, and lodging.

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, COGNiTiON Science and Discovery Center is 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-inclusive 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, free online tools for families that list certified locations and professionals. Each organization listed on the site has met IBCCES certification requirements.

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About COGNiTiON Science and Discovery Center
COGNiTiON Science & Discovery Center is a hands-on learning destination in Beulah, Michigan, designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence in learners of all ages. Through interactive exhibits, live animal experiences, and engaging STEM-based programming, COGNiTiON connects science, nature, and play in meaningful ways. As a Certified Autism Center, we are committed to providing inclusive, accessible experiences that ensure every guest feels welcomed, supported, and empowered to explore.

About IBCCES
Delivering the global standard for training and certification in the fields of autism, neurodiversity, and accessibility – IBCCES provides a series of certification programs that empower professionals to be industry leaders and improve the outcomes for the individuals they serve. For 25 years, IBCCES has been a global leader, setting the industry standard in autism and cognitive differences training. IBCCES works in over 111 countries and provides training in 8 languages, and its programs have been recognized around the world as the leading benchmark in training and certification.

In addition to individual certification programs, IBCCES partners with cities, destinations, and organizations on initiatives like the Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) and Autism Certified City™ (ACC), ensuring autistic and sensory-sensitive residents and visitors feel welcomed and
safe. Destinations that achieve the CAD designation have completed a specialized program that ensures a multitude of recreation, hospitality and entertainment organizations have completed an autism and sensory-sensitivity training, certification and IBCCES facilities review process. The ACC designation expands on that program and includes IBCCES training and certification for the public safety, education, healthcare and workplace sectors.

IBCCES also created the Accessibility App, AutismTravel.com, and AccessibilityCertified.com – free resources for individuals with a variety of neurodiversities and disabilities, listing certified locations and connecting individuals to other resources and each other.

Meredith Tekin
IBCCES
+1 904-508-0135
marketing@ibcces.org
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Written By: EIN Presswire