Mall of America® and Nickelodeon Universe Add New Accessibility Options Renewing Commitment to Certified Autism Center Designation
BLOOMINGTON, MN— December 1, 2021
Since Mall of America (MOA) and Nickelodeon Universe earned the Certified Autism Center™ designation in 2019, the team has implemented a variety of additional options to enhance the guest experience and recently renewed their commitment to the CAC program.
“The certification has been well received and it has allowed the team to not only share personal breakthrough stories but also to be more comfortable talking about them. We think the biggest takeaway from the IBCCES certification is that employees are excited about being able to add the credentials to their resume and utilizing the insights and information beyond the walls of Mall of America and Nickelodeon Universe,” said Mayra Ferraro, Attractions Manager for Mall of America.
As part of the continued commitment to the CAC designation, MOA and Nickelodeon Universe staff have completed updated renewal training to help better understand and communicate with visitors who are autistic or have sensory needs. Nickelodeon Universe also offers sensory guides, created by IBCCES, as well as quiet areas and other options
“We’re excited to continue working with the team at Mall of America and Nickelodeon Universe to create a great experience for all visitors and help empower the teams that engage with those visitors every day," says Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman. “Our goal is to provide ongoing support to our CAC partners to ensure they continue to grow their accessibility options.”
IBCCES created the CAC designation to help provide training and other support to attractions and destinations that want to provide better experiences for visitors and commit to ongoing professional development. Many families and autistic individuals are seeking locations that have accommodations and training to ensure all visitors have options where they feel included, safe, welcomed, and understood.
PRESS CONTACT
IBCCES: Meredith Tekin, President (meredith@ibcces.org or 904.508.0135 // 904.434.1534)
ABOUT MALL OF AMERICA
At 5.6 million square feet, Mall of America is the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America with more than 520 world-class retail stores and restaurants; Nickelodeon Universe, the nation’s largest indoor theme park; SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium; FlyOver America; Crayola Experience; Hard Rock Café; The Escape Game; CMX Cinemas; and more. The Mall opened in 1992 and is located in Bloomington, Minn., minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul and adjacent to the MSP International Airport. Follow Mall of America on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Download the Mall of America app from the App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android.
ABOUT Nickelodeon Universe
Located in the center of Mall of America®, Nickelodeon Universe features seven acres of unique attractions and entertainment, including 27 rides and attractions for guests of all ages and courage levels. Themed after the No. 1 entertainment brand for kids, Nickelodeon Universe offers Nick character meet and greets, spine-tingling rides, the longest indoor zipline, unique retail shops, and more.
ABOUT IBCCES
Premier Credentialing Board dedicated to 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.
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