World's First Autism-Certified City
Autism Acceptance Month
Annually, organizations like Visit Mesa celebrate Autism Acceptance Month throughout the month of April. It is an especially great time to recognize and celebrate those within the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) community. The Autism Society focuses on acceptance, as acceptance has created a solid community where those in the Autism community can feel supported and connected.
Six years ago, Mesa became the first-ever Autism Certified City in the U.S. designated by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).
In Mesa City Limitless®, thousands of community members participated in specialized autism training by IBCCES. The effort behind the designation was launched by Visit Mesa to encourage hospitality businesses to participate in specialized autism training geared toward executives and front-facing service staff. The training helps hospitality workers better recognize ASD and service the needs of travelers from the planning stages of a vacation to when they arrive in Mesa and throughout their stay.
Local Insight
As Group Sales Manager at the Sheraton Mesa Hotel at Wrigleyville West, I’ve seen firsthand how meaningful our commitment to autism acceptance truly is. From being among the first hotels to achieve Autism Certification to continually re-training our team, this isn’t a one-time initiative, it’s part of who we are. We focus on understanding every guest through both verbal and non-verbal communication, creating an environment where everyone feels seen, respected and comfortable.
Our spaces are intentionally designed to offer flexibility, whether that means vibrant community areas or quiet, calming environments for guests who need them. I’ve witnessed how something as simple as providing a private, peaceful room can make a lasting difference for families navigating emotional or sensory moments. Through tools like Marriott’s Guest Experience Program, we’re also able to anticipate needs before arrival, ensuring a more personalized and supportive stay.
At the heart of it all, we believe hospitality should feel inclusive, intuitive and human. Autism Acceptance Month is a powerful reminder of that mission, but for us, it’s a commitment we carry every day in Mesa, Arizona.
- Phil Quinn, Group Sales Manager, Sheraton Mesa Hotel at Wrigleyville West
Local Insight
As Deputy Director of the Arizona Museum of Natural History, I’ve watched our shift to an Autism Certified Center transform how we design the entire museum experience. We’ve moved away from a one-size-fits-all approach to a more inclusive, sensory-aware model that supports every guest from arrival to exit. Accessibility here is not a one-time effort, it’s an ongoing commitment grounded in empathy, flexibility, and thoughtful planning.
That commitment shows up in real ways. Guests can use sensory guides and pre-visit tools, take breaks in quiet spaces, and explore at their own pace, all supported by staff trained to meet diverse needs with care.
The impact is clear. Families often tell us it’s their first museum visit where they felt truly comfortable, while caregivers, educators, and neurodiverse volunteers continue to shape and strengthen what we do.
If you’re planning a visit, know this: you are welcome here. This is a sensory-friendly museum experience in Arizona designed to meet your family where you are, so you can explore with confidence and ease.
- Alison Stoltman, Deputy Director, Arizona Museum of Natural History