Emirates Set To Become The World’s First Autism Certified Airline™

Emirates has launched an inspiring journey to officially become the world’s first Autism Certified Airline™, inviting customers with autism and sensory sensitivities to experience Emirates’ seamless services and personalised hospitality, making travel more accessible for all. The inaugural designation is set to be formally awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) in the coming months, when more than 30,000 Emirates cabin crew and ground staff will have completed the initial training. Emirates also plans to roll out new standards and services that will improve the on ground and inflight travel experience for both customers on the autism spectrum and their families and companions, to be announced later in the year.

Accessible Travel for all

For many members of the global autism community, international air travel is a highly challenging experience, or something to be avoided completely, due to the high level of sensory stimuli that can be involved. A survey on AutismTravel.com revealed that 78% of families are hesitant to travel or visit new locations, and that 94% of respondents would take more vacations if they had access to places where staff are autism-trained and certified. As part of Emirates’ mission to make travel more inclusive and accessible for all, this significant step also supports Dubai’s ambition to become the most accessible destination in the world.

What is the Autism Certified Airline™ designation (ACA)?

Driven by its commitment to creating a welcoming travel experience for all customers including individuals with autism and those with sensory sensitivities, Emirates worked collaboratively with IBCCES, a leading organization in autism and neurodiversity training and certification, to conduct an onsite review and comprehensive audit.

As part of a vast research endeavour, IBCCES surveyed more than 14,000 people with a variety of disabilities, including people with autism, those with sensory sensitivities and their families and caregivers. The survey data was collated alongside numerous interviews, an International Air Transport Association (IATA) industry survey, and feedback from 1,200 industry professionals - helping develop the most beneficial standards for both passengers and airline staff. In addition to the feedback collated, IBCCES experts also conducted several Emirates flight audits on both long and short haul routes.

The collation of detailed data ensured input from key stakeholders including the lived experiences of people with autism, global thought leaders, industry professionals and healthcare experts - combined to create new industry standards that accommodate passengers with autism and sensory sensitivities during air travel. Using a data-driven approach, Emirates and IBCCES partnered to create a new blueprint for serving passengers with accessibility requirements, encompassing the entire journey – from ground services to in-flight services, and Emirates will lead the way in bringing these new standards into practice in aviation for the first time. The thorough certification process includes ensuring at least 80% of customer-facing staff complete the dedicated training, alongside a commitment to ongoing training and improvements.

Emirates’ autism and sensory-awareness training for more than 30,000 staff

As part of the designation, Emirates’ ground staff and cabin crew will undertake a new, focused training on autism and sensory awareness to equip them with the understanding and skills to address needs of travellers with autism and sensory sensitivities, along with their families. The training educates Emirates' teams on the spectrum of autism, misconceptions and challenges faced, the myriad ways to assist customers dependent on their individual needs, and potential stimulus and triggers that staff should be aware of. The new training builds on the foundations established by the Emirates ‘Introduction to Autism and Hidden Disabilities’ training, which was completed by 23,000 staff in 2023.

Emirates’ new standards and services for customers with autism

Throughout 2025 and beyond, Emirates will be introducing new standards and services for customers with autism and sensory conditions that will ensure more enjoyable and accessible travel. One such service is the introduction of ‘sensory guides’ – digital aids developed as part of the audit conducted by IBCCES in collaboration with Emirates that empower travellers to make informed decisions about the various environments encountered, and plan what suits their needs and preferences. The guides were created by conducting comprehensive facilities audits across Dubai locations and the inflight experience, measuring sensory inputs in public areas such as sound levels, lighting, and potential sights and smells. Another development expected in 2025 will be the introduction of neurodiverse sensory products, for customers on Emirates flights - sensory fidget toys or aids that can encourage focus, help to reduce self stimulatory behaviour and de-stress.

Working together for Accessible Travel: Emirates, Dubai Airports and Dubai Tourism
In April 2024, Emirates achieved a Certified Autism Center™ Designation for all four of its Dubai Check In facilities including its dedicated hub in Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB). In December 2023, Dubai Airport was celebrated as the first international airport to receive the Certified Autism Centre™ Designation. Continuing to drive the accessible travel agenda forward, Emirates’ new training programme, as well as new standards and protocols to be implemented in stages in 2025 and beyond, will enable neurodiverse customers to fly more comfortably. These achievements align with the Department of Economy and Tourism's (DET) vision of Dubai becoming the first Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) in the Eastern Hemisphere. By working closely together - Emirates, the Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Airports, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs, Dubai Police and Dubai Customs, are making significant inroads in inclusive and accessible travel.

About IBCCES

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. IBCCES partners with cities, destinations, and organizations on initiatives like the Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) program, ensuring autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors feel welcomed and safe. Becoming a CAD means tourism, hospitality, and entertainment organizations complete autism and sensory sensitivity training and certification developed and delivered by IBCCES. IBCCES also created AutismTravel.com, a free online resource for families that lists certified destinations and connects families to other resources and each other.

Sesame Place Philadelphia Paves The Way In Accessibility By Becoming First Theme Park In The United States To Join Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program

After becoming the first theme park in the world to be designated as a Certified Autism Center™, Sesame Place Philadelphia will once again pave the way as an industry leader in accessibility as the first theme park in the United States to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. The program, which helps people with non-visible disabilities, will launch at the park in early 2025.

The Sunflower, a global initiative, is a wearable tool that signals to Sesame Place Ambassadors that a guest of the park may need extra help, understanding, or time due to a disability that may not be immediately apparent. According to Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, approximately 1 in 6 people live with a disability – approximately 1.3 billion people globally. While some people experience a disability that may be visible, many have a non-visible condition or experience a combination of both visible and non-visible conditions. These invisible disabilities can be neurological, cognitive and neurodevelopmental as well as physical, visual, auditory and include sensory and processing difficulties.

The Sunflower program is completely voluntary, and guests who choose to participate are not required to disclose any personal information or a diagnosis. Guests who would like to participate will be able to pick up a complimentary Sunflower-branded identifier at designated locations around the park to discreetly signal that they may need additional support.

"We are thrilled to welcome Sesame Place as the first theme park in the United States to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. Sesame Place has committed time and passion to implement the training to ensure that Sunflower wearers are recognized by their Ambassadors to receive the additional support, understanding and kindness they may need," said Lynn Smith, Regional Sunflower Director, United States.

As a Sunflower member, Sesame Place Philadelphia will provide Ambassadors with additional accessibility training resources to increase disability awareness at the park. The introduction of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower will complement the park's existing accessibility programs, including its Ride Access Program and Special Access Pass, which guests can enroll in at the park's Welcome Center.

"Sesame Place Philadelphia is proud to be an industry leader in accessibility," said Cathy Valeriano, President of Sesame Place Philadelphia. "Our new program furthers the park's commitment to providing an inclusive environment and helps create memorable, meaningful experiences for our guests."

Sesame Place Philadelphia has established itself as a leader in inclusivity, highlighted by its industry-lead designation by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) as the as the first theme park in the world to become a Certified Autism Center (CAC) in 2018. As a CAC, Sesame Place provides comprehensive training to staff, a branded IBCCES Sensory Guide, and on-site accommodations for autistic individuals and those with sensory sensitivities. Earlier this year, Sesame Place renewed and expanded its certification, with Ambassadors completing additional training in neurodiversity. Just last week, the park announced ASL Saturdays, a new program featuring a Certified ASL Interpreter stationed at shows throughout the park on select days.

The addition of the Sunflower program complements Sesame Place's current accessibility initiatives and CAC designation while fostering an environment in which all guests, regardless of their abilities, can participate in and fully enjoy the park's offerings.

About Sesame Place

Sesame Place® Philadelphia, the only theme park on the East Coast based entirely on the award-winning show, Sesame Street®, was the first theme park in the world to become a Certified Autism Center. The park has more than 25 Sesame Street-themed attractions, entertaining character shows and parades, an interactive Sesame Street Neighborhood, and everyone's favorite furry friends. Sesame Place Philadelphia will kick off its 45th Birthday Celebration in 2025 with a park-wide birthday bash, featuring festive décor, the return of the Sesame Street Birthday Parade, and more. Celebrate family-friendly events all year long at Sesame Place including the Mardi Gras Celebration, Elmo's Eggstravaganza, Elmo's Springtacular, Sesame Summer Splash, The Count's Halloween Spooktacular, and A Very Furry Christmas. Conveniently located 30 minutes from Philadelphia and 90 minutes from NYC, Sesame Place is ideal for families with kids of all ages. For more information, visit www.SesamePlace.com/Philadelphia and follow the park on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

About the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower enables individuals to discreetly indicate that they have a non-visible disability and may need additional assistance, understanding, or more time. Since Hidden Disabilities Sunflower was established in the UK in 2016, it has been adopted globally by businesses and charities to support their colleagues and customers. The Sunflower is recognized across a broad range of sectors - ranging from retail, financial services, transport including over 220 airports, travel and tourism, education, government, as well as healthcare, emergency service and entertainment. Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is available globally and has been launched locally in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Latin America, Mauritius, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the UAE, the UK and USA. Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is part of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme Limited, a private company based in the UK. For further information please visit: https://hdsunflower.com