Apache Junction Public Library Earns Autism Certification from IBCCES to Better Support Visitors’ Needs

APACHE JUNCTION, AZ, UNITED STATES, September 16, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Apache Junction Public Library earns the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), strengthening its commitment to creating welcoming and accessible experiences for visitors of all ages and abilities. Through its diverse programs and services, technology, and access to information, the library serves as a community resource for learning, growth, and connection. Library staff completed autism and sensory training to better understand the educational, behavioral, social, and emotional needs of autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals. The library also underwent an onsite review by IBCCES, which provided additional insights and recommendations to enhance accessibility, including creating sensory guides for library areas.

“I am thrilled the Apache Junction Library Department is becoming a Certified Autism Center™,” says Mayor Wilson of the City of Apache Junction. “Our library staff works hard every day to create a welcoming, inclusive space where autistic individuals feel valued, respected, and supported.”

“Achieving this certification comes as no surprise to me. It reflects Apache Junction’s core identity and embodies the principles that this city values, especially empathy and compassion,” says City Manager Bryant Powell. “We take pride in joining other libraries, parks and recreation facilities, public safety departments, and other organizations across the East Valley that have achieved this designation.”

Autism and sensory training gives library staff practical strategies and standardized approaches for supporting autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals. This helps reduce uncertainty when responding to individual needs, allowing staff to provide more confident and consistent service across the library’s programs, resources, and spaces.

“Libraries are important community resources where people come to learn, connect, and access information, making accessibility an important part of the experience,” says Myron Pincomb, CEO and Board Chairman of IBCCES. “Apache Junction Public Library’s decision to pursue the Certified Autism Center™ designation reflects a thoughtful investment in its team and its ability to serve the community.”

The library also offers sensory kits for both children and adults to use while visiting, providing visitors with additional tools to help them navigate their library experience.

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, Apache Junction Public Library 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-friendly 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, which are free online tools for families that list certified locations and professionals. Each organization listed on the sites has met IBCCES certification requirements.

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About Apache Junction Public Library
Apache Junction Public Library is dedicated to enriching lives through positive, impactful service and connecting our community with resources, experiences, and opportunities to learn, grow, and engage. Through welcoming spaces, diverse programs and services, technology, and access to information, the Library strives to meet the evolving needs of people of all ages and abilities. With a commitment to accessibility and inclusion, Apache Junction Public Library works to create an environment where everyone can feel welcome, supported, and connected.

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 125 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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