Columbia Association gets autism certification for racquet sports and KidSpace

By AI, Created 11:35 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Columbia Association’s Racquet Sports and KidSpace departments earned Certified Autism Center status from IBCCES after staff completed autism and sensory training. The designation expands the Maryland organization’s accessibility work for autistic and sensory-sensitive guests across recreation and family programs.

Why it matters: - The certification is meant to make Columbia Association’s recreation and family programs easier to navigate for autistic and sensory-sensitive guests. - IBCCES training gives staff standardized protocols, which can reduce hesitation and speed up responses during guest interactions. - The designation adds to Columbia Association’s broader accessibility push, including its 23 outdoor pools.

What happened: - IBCCES awarded Certified Autism Center™ status to Columbia Association’s Racquet Sports and KidSpace departments. - At least 80% of guest-facing staff in both departments completed autism and sensory training. - IBCCES also conducted onsite reviews for both departments. - The reviews were used to help develop sensory guides and identify additional accessibility recommendations. - Columbia Association is based in Columbia, Maryland.

The details: - Staff training covers how to interact with guests with autism and other invisible disabilities. - The training is designed to create clearer, more consistent guest service across both departments. - Columbia Association’s 23 outdoor pools previously received the Certified Autism Center designation. - The aquatics team also completed autism and sensory training. - Each pool has sensory guides that outline sensory experiences families may encounter before a visit. - Sensory bags are available and include noise-canceling headphones, water sensory timers and fidget toys. - Columbia Association has partnered with the Autism Society of Maryland for 10 years to provide autism awareness training for hundreds of lifeguards and managers. - Macgill’s Commons Pool is designated as a sensory-friendly pool through that partnership. - At Macgill’s Commons Pool, children with autism may remain in the pool during adult swim with advance notice and supervision from an accompanying adult. - IBCCES said Columbia Association’s certification reflects a commitment to inclusive environments across recreational and family-focused spaces. - Columbia Association’s Racquet Sports and KidSpace departments are listed on the free IBCCES Accessibility App. - The app provides real-time guidance on certified destinations, sensory-friendly spaces and tailored recommendations. - IBCCES also operates AccessibilityCertified.com and AutismTravel.com, which list certified locations and professionals.

Between the lines: - The certification work signals that accessibility is becoming part of Columbia Association’s operating model, not just a one-time program upgrade. - The pool-specific supports suggest Columbia Association is building a broader family experience around sensory planning, not only staff training. - IBCCES is expanding its footprint by tying certification to digital tools that help families find and evaluate accessible spaces.

What’s next: - Columbia Association will continue using IBCCES support tools, including sensory guides and accessibility recommendations, to improve guest experience. - The organization is likely to keep using autism-awareness training and sensory accommodations across more programs and facilities as part of its inclusion efforts. - Families can use the IBCCES Accessibility App and related online resources to find certified locations and plan visits.