The ROI of Accessibility: It’s No Longer a Nice-to-Have, It’s an Industry Must. Presented by IBCCES
1 p.m. EDT (Global)
The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) is the global leader in providing training and certification for cognitive disorders.
They will be offering their expertise, research, and insights from an autism self-advocate and industry leaders on the need to prioritize accessibility for guests, including individuals with hidden disabilities, like autism.
The fastest growing segment of travelers consists of autistic guests and those with sensory sensitivities - do you have the necessary tools and accessibility protocols in place to accommodate all guest needs? This session will discuss effective strategies and ideas on how attractions can make themselves more accessible to satisfy this rising demand.
We will also hear from IBCCES’ partners at Aquaventure Atlantis Dubai, Aventura Parks – Dubai, Water World Colorado, and The Houston Museum of Natural Science.
This webcast will be presented in English and is free for IAAPA members and non-members; however, registration is required.
Attendees are eligible to earn one continuing education unit (1 CEU) towards IAAPA recertification.
Speakers
Meredith Tekin
Meredith Tekin is the President of the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. Meredith graduated cum laude from the University of North Florida with a degree in communications and is a Board-Certified Cognitive Specialist through IBCCES. After years of working in healthcare, marketing, professional development and nonprofit spaces, she joined IBCCES to help further its mission of improving the lives of individuals with autism and cognitive disorders. She has shared the impact of IBCCES’ work at many international and domestic industry conferences and is a key liaison for IBCCES partners.
Meredith understands the purpose-driven components of autism and cognitive disorder training as well as the critical industry-specific metrics and benefits of certification. By providing training and certification to professionals in hospitality, travel, public safety, healthcare, education, and corporate spaces, the individuals and communities those professionals serve can thrive. When she’s not working, Meredith enjoys spending quality time with her husband and rescue dog in Jacksonville, FL.
Kelly Hornick
Kelly Hornick currently leads as the Head of Marketing and Communications for LEGOLAND® Florida Resort, which includes three parks and three onsite fully themed hotels. In her time at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort, Kelly has been responsible for launching new attractions, opening the third onsite hotel, and leading the opening of the World’s First Peppa Pig Theme Park. Kelly has an undergraduate degree in Mass Communications and an MBA from the University of South Florida. Prior to joining LEGOLAND® Florida Resort and Merlin Entertainments, Kelly started her career in public relations at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. She also spent more than twelve years leading teams and programs in business development, IP management, and marketing for SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment.
Eric Donovan
Eric Donovan is the Chief Operating Officer of Elmwood Park Zoo, located in Norristown, PA. Eric has been with the zoo for nearly two decades, and has been an integral part of the attendance growth to over 800,000 visitors annually. Born and raised in the community he works in today, Eric is committed to providing a world class experience for guests from across the Delaware Valley and has been part of many landmark projects, including earning the Elmwood Park Zoo’s designation as the world's first Certified Autism Center zoo. Eric is currently working with his team on a large-scale expansion, which will ultimately see the zoo triple in size, from 16 to 50 acres, over the next several years. Eric is thrilled to bring the zoo experience to a larger audience as the zoo grows, welcoming guests of all abilities for years to come.
