SE Valley Times

In a move to foster inclusivity in Chandler communities, the City of Chandler Parks & Recreation Division has been bestowed with the Certified Autism Center designation by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).

"Becoming a Certified Autism Center is a testament to the hard work the City of Chandler staff has put forth to become a more inclusive community,” stated Becky Kuiper, recreation superintendent. “Chandler Parks & Recreation believes everyone should have the opportunity to discover, imagine, and grow within our community through accessible and adaptable parks and recreation centers and inclusive programming. This certification empowers our staff to make every interaction safe and enjoyable because, in Chandler, everyone plays!"

The certification was granted after over 500 parks and recreation staff members underwent extensive training on autism awareness, recognition, and understanding of sensory sensitivities. The certification process also included an evaluation of six Chandler facilities and recreation centers: Chandler Nature Center, Espee Park, Homestead North Park, Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center, Nozomi Aquatic Center, and Tumbleweed Recreation Center. Each evaluated facility will soon be assigned a sensory guide on the City of Chandler website. These guides provide insight into how individuals with sensory-processing sensitivities may experience these facilities.

In addition to their training accomplishment and certification achievement, Chandler Parks & Recreation offers programs designed for participants of all abilities within its division. Adaptive Recreation programs are available for people with disabilities. Participants can submit modification requests for any recreational program. Starting this summer, Chandler Aquatics will offer adaptive swim lessons and sensory swim times for individuals with sensory sensitivities seeking a quieter pool experience.

In June 2023, the City Council approved budget amendments that included $10,000 in ongoing funding for training and program development aimed at achieving the certified autism designation. This month saw the Parks & Recreation Division seek authorization from City Council to collaborate with IBCCES on a five-year agreement supporting the Certified Autism Center designation. The Parks & Recreation Division is the first in the city to undergo this credentialing process, which may be expanded to other areas as resources permit. The Certified Autism Center designation follows an approved Chandler City Council agreement from Jan. 11, 2024, to qualify the Parks & Recreation Division with the IBCCES.