Feature: Amazement Square Becomes the First Museum in Virginia to Earn Certified Autism Center™ Designation
The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) has named Amazement Square a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC), marking the first Museum in Virginia to earn this accolade. The CAC designation is granted to organizations that have completed training and certification to better serve autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors. The training program covers various topics, including sensory awareness, environment, communication, motor and social skills, program development, and emotional awareness. IBCCES will also conduct an onsite review to provide additional ways the Museum can accommodate visitors and create detailed sensory guides for each exhibition as part of the certification process.
“Since its inception, one of the guiding principles of Amazement Square has been inclusivity and accessibility. The Museum’s Everyone is Special program reflects our commitment to and appreciation for people of all abilities and backgrounds,” shared Mort Sajadian, PHD, President/CEO of Amazement Square.
Sajadian continues, “By becoming a Certified Autism Center™, we are making Amazement Square even more accessible to audiences diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder by providing STEAM–based experiential learning with ASD sensory manipulatives and resources, virtual museum tours, identified quiet places, and outreach adaptive learning programs in schools. We are very excited to be a part of the IBCCES certification process, and we’re fully committed to enhancing Amazement Square’s experiential learning environment that is accessible to ALL.”
Additionally, Amazement Square provides materials-rich STEAM curriculum-based programs in adaptive classrooms and in Early Learning Center, which was nationally recognized with The National Medal for Museum & Library Services award in 2015. Amazement Square also created a partnership with regional schools to provide free STEAM curriculum-based programs to adaptive classrooms and continues its quest to enhance, expand, develop, and reimagine free educational programs to best address the needs of its community.
To read more of this press release at the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), click here.
To learn more about Amazement Square as well as upcoming events, visit their page on SHARE Greater Lynchburg. To watch The Mike Show interview with Dr. Mort Sajadian, President and CEO of Amazement Square and Blake Bryant, CEO/Founder of Puzzled Events, click here.
10th Anniversary Puzzled Car Show
October 21, 10am-4pm
Lower Level of Pittman Plaza (307 Alleghany Ave.)
Vendors, Cars, Raffles, Food Trucks, Silent Auction, 50/50, Children's Activities
"It started out as a hobby and it's grown into a lot more. Last year, we had over 500 cars at our event to help raise money for programs like Amazement Square. When we joined forces with Amazement Square, it was about family and love and those are the things that they showed and that's why I chose to join with them...that's what the children on the autism spectrum need more than anything. They want somebody to believe in them, they want somebody to trust in them and that's all they need, just an opportunity."
Blake Bryant, CEO/Founder of Puzzled Events
All proceeds benefit Amazement Square's Everyone Is Special program
