Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County Becomes Second Certified Autism Center™ in Clearwater, Florida

The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) proudly awards the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation to the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County (JWB). To become a CAC, at least 80% of staff completed autism and sensory training to empower them with the knowledge and understanding to best assist, support, and communicate with autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals. JWB went above that standard, with 94 percent of staff fulfilling the training requirements. By completing the training and certification, JWB becomes the second organization in Clearwater to earn the CAC accreditation.

“As an organization dedicated to the health and safety of children in Pinellas County, we were excited to partner with IBCCES to earn our Certified Autism Center™ credential,” said Michael Mikurak, interim CEO of the Juvenile Welfare Board. “This training gives our team the tools to better connect with children who are autistic or have sensory sensitivities, while also deepening our understanding of the unique needs of their families and caregivers. It inspires us to create experiences where every child feels valued and encouraged to reach their full potential.”

“By becoming a Certified Autism Center™, the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County is taking a powerful step toward ensuring that every child and family they serve feels understood, supported, and included,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman. “This certification reflects JWB’s dedication to building a community where neurodiversity is recognized and embraced. The impact will extend far beyond individual programs and strengthen the entire community by creating more accessible, compassionate services for the families who rely on them every day.”

JWB’s certification also complements a broader, community-led effort to explore the possibility of Clearwater becoming an Autism Certified City™ (ACC), which is being spearheaded by Learning Independence for Tomorrow (LiFT). If pursued, this designation would ensure both visitors and residents have access to a wide range of organizations that are trained and certified to better welcome and assist autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals across the healthcare, public safety, education, hospitality, entertainment, and recreation industries.

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, the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County is 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.

Read the article as originally published at https://www.florida-observer.com/article/902753752-juvenile-welfare-board-of-pinellas-county-becomes-second-certified-autism-center-in-clearwater-florida