Columbia Association Expands Inclusion Efforts with Certified Autism Center Designation for Racquet Sports and KidSpace Departments
Posted: May 11, 2026 in Other News
Columbia Association
COLUMBIA, MD – The Columbia Association (CA) Racquet Sports and KidSpace departments have been designated Certified Autism Centers (CAC) by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). To achieve this certification, at least 80% of guest-facing staff completed autism and sensory training, reflecting CA’s commitment to creating inclusive spaces and programs for autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals and their families.
The training and certification process ensures that staff from both the Racquet Sports and KidSpace departments are equipped with the knowledge, skills and best practices to better understand and welcome these community members. As part of the CAC partnership, both departments also received onsite reviews conducted by IBCCES to help develop sensory guides and provide additional accessibility recommendations.
“At Columbia Association, we believe that fun, connection and belonging should be accessible to all,” says Assistant Director of Community Programs & Services Anish Manrai. “Achieving Certified Autism Center™ status through IBCCES represents an important step forward in that journey. Through the dedication of our team and a commitment to continuous learning, we are proud to lead with purpose and create more inclusive, supportive and meaningful experiences for every member of our community.”
Training provides staff with clear, standardized protocols for interacting with guests with autism and other invisible disabilities. This reduces hesitation, guesswork and the time it takes for staff to decide how to handle a situation, leading to faster and more confident service.
CA’s 23 outdoor pools have previously received the CAC designation as well. The aquatics team has completed comprehensive training to better understand and welcome autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals and their families. Each pool is also supported by sensory guides, which help prepare children and families for their visit by outlining sensory experiences they may encounter. Sensory bags are also available and include items such as noise-canceling headphones, water sensory timers and fidget toys.
For the past 10 years, CA has partnered with the Autism Society of Maryland to provide autism awareness training for hundreds of lifeguards and managers. This ongoing collaboration has been instrumental in building a deeper understanding of the autism community and reinforcing the importance of water safety.
Macgill’s Commons Pool is also designated as a sensory-friendly pool through its partnership with the Autism Society of Maryland, designed to better accommodate children with autism who may experience challenges with transitions, stop/start activities, or similar needs. CA lifeguards also allow children with autism to remain in the pool during adult swim (with advance notice and under the supervision of an accompanying adult).
“We are proud to award Columbia Association’s Racquet Sports and KidSpace Departments the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation,” says IBCCES Board Chairman Myron Pincomb. “Their commitment to creating inclusive, engaging and supportive environments reflects a strong dedication to accessibility across both recreational and family-focused spaces. From structured programs to interactive play and sports experiences, this certification helps ensure autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals and their families can participate with greater comfort, confidence and belonging.”
For 25 years, IBCCES has been a leader in providing autism, sensory and neurodiversity training and certification for professionals worldwide, including those in healthcare, education, public safety, travel and corporate sectors. As the only credentialing board offering these programs, IBCCES provides training from subject matter experts and autistic self-advocates, along with long-term support, continuous learning, onsite reviews, and renewal requirements to ensure continued growth and lasting impact.
To further support inclusivity efforts, Columbia Association’s Racquet Sports and KidSpace departments are featured on the IBCCES Accessibility App, which is free to download. This app provides individuals with a variety of disabilities real-time guidance on certified destinations, sensory-friendly spaces, and tailored recommendations. By connecting users to accessible locations worldwide, the app helps ensure seamless, enjoyable experiences for everyone.
IBCCES also provides access to resources such as AccessibilityCertified.com and AutismTravel.com, which are free online tools for families that list certified locations and professionals. Each organization listed on the site has met IBCCES certification requirements.
