How Mesa, Arizona Became a Model for Autism-Friendly Travel and What It Means for Inclusive Spaces
Mesa, Arizona, made history as the first Autism-Certified City in the world, showcasing what’s possible when an entire community comes together to create a welcoming environment for neurodivergent individuals and their families. From local businesses to recreational facilities, Mesa has set a new standard for what it means to be an inclusive and accessible city.
At Valley Inclusive PlaySpace (vips), we are inspired by Mesa's commitment to inclusivity as we work towards creating sensory-friendly environments and services for neurodivergent individuals and families. While we are still in the fundraising stages and building our space, learning from cities like Mesa informs our approach and strengthens our mission to foster a community where everyone is valued and supported.
Mesa Travel Guide Attached
What Makes Mesa an Autism-Certified City?
Mesa’s journey toward becoming an autism-friendly destination was a comprehensive, community-wide effort. Achieving this status involved training local businesses, hospitality providers, and recreational facilities to better understand and serve the needs of neurodivergent individuals. Here’s a breakdown of the key initiatives that helped Mesa achieve this certification:
1. Autism-Certification Training
One of the most significant steps Mesa took was to provide autism certification training to a wide range of service providers. Hotels, restaurants, museums, parks, and other local businesses underwent training to become Autism Certified through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This program educated staff on how to create a sensory-friendly and accommodating environment, reducing anxiety for neurodivergent visitors and their families.
This initiative reflects our goals at vips, where we prioritize neurodiversity education as part of our mission. By training staff, volunteers, and community partners, we aim to ensure that our future sensory rooms and play spaces provide a welcoming and understanding environment for all who visit.
2. Sensory-Friendly Activities and Environments
Mesa introduced sensory-friendly activities and environments across its tourist attractions. For example, the city’s museums and public spaces offer “quiet hours” with dimmed lights, reduced noise, and specialized programs to cater to individuals who may feel overwhelmed by typical sensory input.
Similarly, VIPS envisions creating sensory-friendly spaces that cater to various needs. By offering areas designed with calming elements—such as soft lighting, tactile surfaces, and soothing sounds—our goal is to provide a space where neurodivergent individuals can explore and play in an environment tailored to their sensory needs.
3. Comprehensive Resources for Families
Mesa has established itself as a travel-friendly destination for neurodivergent families by providing comprehensive resources, such as sensory guides, downloadable social stories, and maps highlighting sensory-friendly attractions. These resources empower families to plan their visits with ease, knowing that their needs will be met.
This approach aligns with VIPS’s broader mission to offer resources and support for neurodivergent individuals and their caregivers. While we work towards our vision of an inclusive space, we aim to similarly create tools and educational materials that will guide families in making the most of our future facilities and programs.
The Impact of Being an Autism-Certified City
Mesa's certification as an autism-friendly city has had a profound impact on both the community and visitors. Families who previously struggled to find vacation destinations that could accommodate their neurodivergent children now have a place where they can feel understood, welcomed, and supported.
Beyond tourism, this certification has fostered greater awareness and acceptance of neurodiversity within the community. By normalizing sensory-friendly practices and prioritizing inclusivity, Mesa has set a powerful example for other cities and organizations looking to become more accessible.
At vips, we see Mesa’s success as proof of the transformative power of inclusivity. Creating environments where neurodivergent individuals feel safe, valued, and included benefits the entire community, building empathy, understanding, and a stronger sense of belonging.
How VIPS is Taking Inspiration from Mesa's Model
As we develop Valley Inclusive PlaySpace, we are inspired by Mesa’s dedication to becoming an inclusive, autism-friendly city. While VIPS is in its early stages, the principles driving Mesa’s success are central to our mission of building sensory-friendly environments that cater to neurodivergent individuals of all ages. Here’s how VIPS aims to incorporate some of Mesa’s practices into our future space:
1. Comprehensive Training for Staff and Volunteers
Just like the businesses and service providers in Mesa, we are committed to training our staff and volunteers to understand neurodiversity and foster an accommodating environment. Education is at the heart of what we do, and by ensuring that everyone involved in vips is knowledgeable and empathetic, we can create a more welcoming space for all who enter.
2. Providing Sensory-Friendly Environments
The sensory-friendly initiatives in Mesa highlight the importance of creating spaces where individuals can feel comfortable and self-regulate. At vips, our future sensory rooms and play areas will be designed with a range of sensory experiences to help neurodivergent individuals find calm and focus. Whether through soothing lights, tactile walls, or interactive elements, our goal is to make play accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
3. Offering Resources for Families
Just as Mesa provides families with resources to help plan their visits, VIPS aims to offer a suite of educational materials and guides. By creating social stories, sensory maps, and tailored programs, we will empower families to navigate our facilities confidently, ensuring that their experiences are positive and supportive.
The Broader Implications for Inclusive Travel and Spaces
Mesa's story underscores a broader trend toward creating autism-friendly destinations and environments. As more communities and organizations adopt these inclusive practices, it paves the way for greater acceptance and understanding of neurodiversity. It shows that with the right tools, training, and commitment, we can transform public spaces into welcoming havens for everyone.
For vips, this vision extends beyond just a single play space. We hope to contribute to a world where sensory-friendly environments and neurodiversity education are the norms, not the exceptions. By drawing inspiration from cities like Mesa, we are setting the foundation for a future where all individuals feel supported and valued.
How You Can Support the Mission
vips is in the fundraising stages, working diligently to build an inclusive sensory space for neurodivergent individuals and their families. Here are ways you can contribute to creating environments inspired by Mesa’s model:
Donate: Every contribution helps us move closer to our goal of opening our sensory play space.
Advocate: Spread awareness about the importance of sensory-friendly environments and advocate for more inclusive spaces in your community.
Get Involved: Join us as a volunteer or partner. Your time, expertise, and enthusiasm can make a real difference.
Mesa, Arizona, has set a remarkable example of what can be achieved when a community prioritizes inclusivity and neurodiversity. By becoming the world’s first Autism-Certified City, Mesa has opened the door for more towns, cities, and organizations to follow suit, including Valley Inclusive PlaySpace.
At vips, we are inspired by Mesa's efforts as we work to build a sensory-friendly environment for neurodivergent individuals and families in our community. By focusing on training, sensory experiences, and family resources, we hope to create a space that reflects Mesa’s spirit of acceptance and accessibility, becoming a welcoming haven for everyone.
Together, we can create a world where neurodivergent individuals are celebrated and supported, not just during travel but in every corner of our communities.