GOAA is proud to operate Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), two of Florida’s premier air travel gateways.
ORLANDO, FL, UNITED STATES, October 8, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), which operates Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), renews its Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), reinforcing its commitment to accessible and inclusive air travel. GOAA first earned its CAC designation in 2024, becoming the first of its kind to achieve the designation.
To earn and renew the CAC designation, at least 80% of guest-facing staff complete autism and sensory training to better understand the needs of autistic and sensory-sensitive travelers. The training provides airport staff with practical strategies and standardized approaches for interacting with travelers with autism and other invisible disabilities, helping them respond with greater confidence and consistency throughout the airport experience.
“Renewing our Certified Autism Center™ designation reflects meeting a set of criteria as well as reinforcing our commitment to creating a welcoming, thoughtful, and accessible airport experience for every guest,” says Lance Lyttle, Chief Executive Officer of Orlando International Airport. “From specialized staff training to special touches that help reduce stress and support families throughout their journey, we are proud to continue making travel through Orlando International Airport more comfortable and memorable for those with autism and other sensory sensitivities.”
“Before receiving this certified training, I had no idea of some of the complexities that go into traveling with autism,” says Eric McClung, Assistant Vice President, Airport Operations.
“This training has really opened my eyes as to what I can do to help make the travel journey a little less stressful and more enjoyable for not only those with autism, but for all of our travelers with seen and unseen challenges,” says Tracy Connor Harris, Vice President, Concessions.
Following the debut of Annie’s Space, a dedicated space for visitors with sensory sensitivities, GOAA continues to expand its accessibility efforts through several additional programs and initiatives, including:
• Identifying a location for a second sensory room in Terminal C Airside, which is expected to open in early 2027.
• Procuring sensory kits, which will be available in the terminals by October 1, 2026.
• Discussing and planning the addition of sensory guides to the GOAA website and locations throughout all three terminals. This includes working with IBCCES to ensure the guides reflect the most up-to-date information following the next site visit and audit.
“The GOAA’s renewed commitment to the Certified Autism Center™ program reflects the team’s continued efforts to make air travel more accessible and inclusive,” says Myron Pincomb, IBCCES CEO & Board Chairman. “From staff training to the development of sensory-inclusive resources and spaces, the team continues to take meaningful steps to reduce barriers and create a more supportive airport experience for autistic travelers and their families.”
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, GOAA 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 sites has met IBCCES certification requirements.
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About The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority is proud to operate Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), two of Florida’s premier air travel gateways. MCO is a world-class global connector, serving nearly 58 million annual passengers across its three terminals, A, B and C. Connected to an Intermodal Terminal Facility that offers passenger rail service, Terminal C is an innovative structure that elevates the customer experience with 100% automated screening lanes at TSA checkpoints. ORL is conveniently located just miles from downtown Orlando and provides vital general aviation access to the heart of the region.
About IBCCES
Delivering the global standard for training and certification in the fields of autism, neurodiversity, and accessibility – IBCCES provides a series of certification programs that empower professionals to be industry leaders and improve the outcomes for the individuals they serve. For 25 years, IBCCES has been a global leader, setting the industry standard in autism and cognitive differences training. IBCCES works in over 125 countries and provides training in 8 languages, and its programs have been recognized around the world as the leading benchmark in training and certification.
In addition to individual certification programs, IBCCES partners with cities, destinations, and organizations on initiatives like the Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) and Autism Certified City™ (ACC), ensuring autistic and sensory-sensitive residents and visitors feel welcomed and safe. Destinations that achieve the CAD designation have completed a specialized program that ensures a multitude of recreation, hospitality, and entertainment organizations have completed an autism and sensory-sensitivity training, certification, and IBCCES facilities review process. The ACC designation expands on that program and includes IBCCES training and certification for the public safety, education, healthcare, and workplace sectors.
IBCCES also created the Accessibility App, AutismTravel.com, and AccessibilityCertified.com – free resources for individuals with a variety of neurodiversities and disabilities, listing certified locations and connecting individuals to other resources and each other.
Media Contacts
Angela Starke, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs
Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
Phone: 407-825-3399
Meredith Tekin
IBCCES
+1 904-508-0135
marketing@ibcces.org
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