Soaring Eagle Waterpark Becomes the First Waterpark in Michigan to Earn Certified Autism Center Designation

Soaring Eagle Waterpark and Hotel, a year-round, indoor water park in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, has earned the Certified Autism Center (CAC) designation granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This certification demonstrates the park’s commitment to ongoing autism awareness training to help staff provide a welcoming environment for visitors on the autism spectrum. The park will also receive an onsite review provided by IBCCES, which includes sensory guides for rides and recommendations to ensure every guest experience is as positive as possible.

“There are many members of the autism community that would love to explore, visit, and enjoy an overnight stay or day at the waterpark. Our team recognizes the importance of servicing guests and their families on the autism spectrum,” said Bonnie Sprague, General Manager, Soaring Eagle Waterpark and Hotel. “By becoming a Certified Autism Center, we will be able to entertain our autism community in a creative, fun, and safe way. We look forward to providing sensory days with memorable experiences for all of our guests.”

For more than 20 years, IBCCES has been the industry leader in cognitive disorder training and certification for education, healthcare, and corporate professionals around the globe. IBCCES recognized that many families with children who have special needs have limited travel and recreation options. In response to this need, IBCCES created training and certification programs specifically for the attractions and destinations. IBCCES is the only credentialing organization providing this type of certification, which includes evidence-based best practices and the perspectives of individuals with autism, alongside other tools and resources to ensure the program is a long-term commitment and has a lasting impact.

“We know that training and certification is the best way for organizations to ensure they can accommodate all families,” explained Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman.  “IBCCES is proud to work with Soaring Eagle Waterpark and Hotel to help individuals have a safe and enriching experience, whether they are visiting from out of town or are local residents who can return to the park frequently, and we applaud the team for their commitment.”

IBCCES also created AutismTravel.com, a free online resource for parents that lists certified destinations and connects families to other resources and each other. 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.