Autism Awareness Month: Beaches Highlights Inclusive Vacations

Beaches works to be an inclusive brand all year long. During Autism Awareness Month, the brand is highlighting some of the ways it creates welcoming places where people with autism and their families can comfortably vacation.

• IBCCES Certification: Beaches is the first resort company in the world to complete the rigorous IBCCES training and Autism Certification, offering families with children with autism and other special needs specialized service, engaging activities, custom dining options and a welcoming environment so that all families may enjoy a memorable and relaxing vacation. 

o   Beaches Buddies: Guests seeking additional support can access one-on-one Beaches Buddies, accredited by IBCCES, for personalized assistance during the entire stay or just for a few hours, available at an additional cost.

o   Special Services Team: Families can reach out to Beaches' Special Services Team, certified by IBCCES, via a dedicated toll-free hotline during the vacation planning phase, to receive tailored recommendations for experiences, suggestions suite locations to minimize sensory triggers, arrangements for specialized cleaning products to address sensitivities, and advice on the most convenient airport transportation options.

• Sensory Guides: Beaches’ sensory guides are a thoughtful tool designed for neurodivergent guests or those with cognitive disabilities, featuring resort maps with ratings on a 1-10 scale, indicating the level of sensory stimulation in public areas such as pools, dining spaces, and sports areas.
• Kids Camp: Beaches is home to the Caribbean's first autism-friendly kids camps, where staff undergo a minimum of 40 hours of autism sensitivity training. These camps, offered at no extra cost, provide specially designed toys and comfort aids for children of all ages with sensory-related conditions.
• Sesame Street: Beaches is proud to welcome Julia, a sweet and curious 4-year-old character with autism, who showcases the expressive power of art through an engaging activity called Amazing Art with Julia and other character experiences.
• Sensory-Friendly Accommodations: Across the portfolio, Beaches features various multi-bedroom accommodations with high-level amenities – like butler service, full kitchens and private pools – where guests can limit exposure to high sensory areas like restaurants.
• Scuba Program: Beaches’ all-inclusive offerings extend to their scuba diving program, which offers diving courses for people on the spectrum.
• Autism Inclusion Week: Beaches hosted its first Autism Inclusion Week at Beaches Ocho Rios in October 2023, filled with specially designed events and activities for children on the autism spectrum and their families. The event is set to return Oct. 5-10, 2025, at Beaches Turks & Caicos.

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, Beaches is giving one lucky family the chance to win an Autism-friendly all-inclusive vacation on Instagram. Clients can learn more about all the autism-inclusive amenities at www.beaches.com/all-inclusive/autism-friendly.

 

Topics From This Article to Explore