Butterfly Wonderland is the FIRST Butterfly Education Facility to Earn Certified Autism Center Designation

SCOTTSDALE, AZ – (January 28, 2020) –The International Board of Credentialing and Continued Education Standards (IBCCES) is proud to announce Butterfly Wonderland as the second attraction in Arizona—and first butterfly education facility—to become a Certified Autism Center (CAC). Sister attraction OdySea Aquarium was the first to become certified in Arizona in 2019.

The CAC designation, granted by IBCCES, means that visitors and families with children who have autism and other sensory differences can enjoy the best possible experience that caters to their needs. To achieve today’s CAC accreditation, Butterfly Wonderland completed the critical training required by IBCCES to recognize the needs of guests on the spectrum and provide necessary facility options for this demographic.

“Butterfly Wonderland has always strived to be an accessible and accepting destination, as we know families with children on the autism spectrum are often challenged to find joyful, peaceful attractions to visit,” said Butterfly Wonderland’s Executive Director Dee Mangulins. “In developing our employees through these training programs, we can continue to ensure meaningful experiences for everyone who steps through our front doors. We look forward to engaging new audiences and enabling even more people with the fun, educational and enriching rainforest experience we provide at Butterfly Wonderland.”

Prior to the CAC certification, Butterfly Wonderland became Pal certified and collaborated with PAL to feature a special video on its website for families with children with sensory disabilities. This helpful video follows a family as they travel through each area of Butterfly Wonderland, showing others exactly what to expect on a visit. Butterfly Wonderland also hosted many all-inclusive, family-focused autism events with several local Arizona organizations. Visitors of Butterfly Wonderland with special needs are encouraged to request help at Guest Relations upon arrival to find out the special ways make their visit more enjoyable. Today’s CAC certification solidifies Butterfly Wonderland’s commitment to making the facility as family friendly as possible for everyone.

For almost 20 years, IBCCES has been the leader in cognitive disorder training and certification for healthcare, education and corporate professionals around the globe. IBCCES recognized that many families with children who have special needs have limited travel and recreation options. In response to this need, IBCCES created training and certification programs specifically for the hospitality and travel industry. More families and individuals are seeking out destinations and organizations that have completed a certification program through an accredited source. IBCCES is the only credentialing organization providing this type of certification, which includes evidence-based information as well as the perspectives of individuals with autism, alongside other tools and resources such as onsite reviews and customized recommendations, as well as renewal requirements to ensure the program is a long-term commitment and has a lasting impact.

“IBCCES is excited to work with Butterfly Wonderland to ensure all families and individuals have options,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman. “It’s inspiring to see organizations like Butterfly Wonderland going above and beyond to make sure they are providing a welcoming environment for all guests!”

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About Butterfly Wonderland
Butterfly Wonderland is the largest butterfly conservatory in America. It features a magnificent indoor conservatory that brings a tropical rainforest environment to the Arizona desert where thousands of butterflies fly freely. In addition, there are interactive exhibits, a Butterfly Emergence Gallery, 3D movie theater, Spineless Giants exhibit, Butterfly Café, Butterfly Treasures Gift Shop, a Rainforest Reptile exhibit and a “bug vending machine” known as the “Edible Insect Station” that teaches visitors about entomophagy – the practice of eating insects. Butterfly Wonderland is open daily at 9 a.m. Cameras are welcome. Butterfly Wonderland is located at 9500 E. Via de Ventura in Scottsdale, AZ 85256 within the OdySea in the Desert Entertainment Destination at the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. For more information, call 480-800-3000 or visit www.butterflywonderland.com.

Facebook: facebook.com/ButterflyWonderland
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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 the only training and certification programs endorsed by the largest grassroots autism organization in the world, The Autism Society of America, and recognized around the world as the leading benchmark for training and certification in the areas of autism and other cognitive disorders.