~ Mesa, Arizona - The City of Mesa has officially recognized April as National Autism Awareness Month, demonstrating its dedication to creating a welcoming environment for individuals of all abilities. This recognition comes after Mesa became the first city in the United States to be designated as Autism Certified in 2019 by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This achievement is the result of a year-long effort by Visit Mesa to tailor travel experiences for individuals with autism and their families.

Mayor Mark Freeman expressed his pride in Mesa's accomplishment, stating, "We are proud that Mesa is the first-ever autism-certified city. This reflects our community's commitment to accessibility, awareness, and support for individuals on the autism spectrum. Let's continue celebrating differences and creating a community that promotes understanding and acceptance for people on the spectrum."

The city has implemented practical measures across various departments to ensure that guests with autism and sensory sensitivities have a positive experience. The Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities (PRCF) Department has trained hundreds of staff members to better serve individuals of all abilities and has incorporated inclusive features throughout its programs and amenities. Sensory boxes are available at all city pools, recreation centers, and the Mesa Tennis and Pickleball Center. PRCF also offers adaptive programming with social and outdoor activities, sports, and special interest classes. Recently, they held their first Sensory Santa event.

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Mesa's libraries have also taken steps to create welcoming environments tailored to a variety of sensory needs. The Gateway Library features a Sensory Room with specialized lighting, color palettes, acoustics, and furnishings that support neurodiversity. They also offer a weekly Sensory Storytime on Mondays at 9:30 am with dim lighting, quieter music, and flexible participation options. The Mesa Express Library provides a smaller quiet space for visitors seeking a more subdued environment.

Cultural institutions throughout Mesa have also prioritized accessibility. The idea Museum offers a virtual 360 tour, sensory support backpacks, noise-reducing headphones, light sensitivity glasses, and two designated quiet spaces. They also hold an Inclusive Resource Fair during their free admission evening events to connect children and families with inclusive services, support, and resources in a welcoming environment. The Arizona Museum of Natural History offers pre-visit planning tools such as a museum preview video and sensory charts for each gallery. They also have sensitivity glasses and headphones available upon request and rest spots throughout the museum for unwinding. Additionally, their "no bad day" policy allows families to return if a visit becomes overwhelming.

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At Mesa Arts Center, guests can access sensory rooms, sensory bags, and designated quiet areas during events and festivals. They also provide additional resources such as social stories, virtual tours, and participation in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program to help visitors plan and navigate their experience. Staff across the facility are trained in best practices to ensure all guests feel welcome and supported.

Visit Mesa is encouraging local businesses and organizations to participate in autism-specific training. Since becoming an Autism Certified City, approximately 10,500 community members in Mesa and surrounding areas have completed the training. They also offer an Accessibility Travel Guide to assist families in planning visits that meet their needs while highlighting inclusive activities and real-life stories.

Mesa's commitment to creating a welcoming environment for neurodiverse individuals extends beyond just National Autism Awareness Month. The city continues to expand training programs and resources throughout the year to ensure that all residents and visitors can fully participate in community life. This dedication reflects a broader commitment to inclusivity for all individuals in Mesa.

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