NMGL renews Certified Autism Center designation

Ensuring accessibility is a core part of our mission. By renewing our designation as a Certified Autism Center, we reaffirm our commitment to providing an inclusive and welcoming experience for all visitors. The Great Lakes belong to everyone, and we want to share their stories in a way that is accommodating and meaningful for all individuals and families, regardless of their needs.”

Ellen Kennedy, National Museum of the Great Lakes director of museum operations

National Museum of the Great Lakes
1701 Front St.
Toledo, OH
Phone: Toledo
View larger map

The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) has renewed The National Museum of the Great Lakes’ Certified Autism Center (CAC) designation.

This certification renewal affirms the museum’s dedication to creating a welcoming and supportive environment, equipping staff with the skills and resources to best assist and support all visitors, especially autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals.

“Ensuring accessibility is a core part of our mission,” says Ellen Kennedy, the museum’s director of museum operations. “By renewing our designation as a Certified Autism Center, we reaffirm our commitment to providing an inclusive and welcoming experience for all visitors. The Great Lakes belong to everyone, and we want to share their stories in a way that is accommodating and meaningful for all individuals and families, regardless of their needs.”

In addition to training, the museum has also implemented sensory-friendly mornings, which take place on the second Saturday of every month.

“The new expansion of the National Museum of the Great Lakes and the efforts to be inclusive and hospitable to all of us in the region is a hallmark of what makes our community outstanding,” said Cathy Carroll, member of the museum’s Admiral Society and program sponsor of Sensory Friendly Mornings, along with her husband Bill.

Sensory-friendly mornings at the National Museum of the Great Lakes include:

• Limited crowds, ensuring a peaceful and relaxed environment.
• Dimmed lighting to create a calming ambiance.
• Lowered or even eliminated exhibit sounds, reducing auditory stimulation.

By renewing their certification, the museum continues to play a role in an initiative started by Destination Toledo to turn Toledo into a Certified Autism Destination (CAD). IBCCES awards the CAD credential to communities with a multitude of trained and certified lodging, recreation and entertainment options.

To enhance the visibility of their services and accessible offerings, the National Museum of the Great Lakes is also listed on the Accessibility App directory. Through the directory, users are able to view a gallery of the museum’s location, the accommodations the museum offers and their address, contact information and hours of operation.

The IBCCES Accessibility App is free for users to download. This app provides individuals with a variety of information and resources related to certified organizations, sensory-friendly spaces, and navigating public locations.