Michener Art Museum Renews Certified Autism Center™ Status, Strengthening Inclusive Experiences for Museum Visitors

The Michener Art Museum has been a CAC since 2024.

DOYLESTOWN, PA, UNITED STATES, October 29, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Michener Art Museum renews its Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), reaffirming its commitment to creating more welcoming and accessible experiences for autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors and their families. Dedicated to preserving and celebrating the artistic heritage of Bucks County and its regional artists, the museum is home to a world-class collection of Pennsylvania Impressionist paintings and presents changing exhibitions, performances and programs for audiences of all ages. First certified in 2024, the museum continues to build on its accessibility efforts through ongoing staff training and resources.

As part of its CAC recertification, at least 80% of visitor-facing staff completed autism and sensory training, strengthening their ability to understand individual needs and provide supportive experiences throughout the museum. The museum’s CAC recertification was supported by a grant from Foundations Community Partnership.

Since becoming a CAC, Michener Art Museum has continued to build on its efforts to create more accessible and welcoming experiences for autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors. Visitors can check in with the Visitor Services desk to borrow a sensory kit, which includes noise-reducing headphones, fidgets and laminated communication boards. A dedicated quiet space, accessible by stairs or elevator, is available on the lower level. Dedicated docents are also trained to provide inclusive, engaging and thoughtful tours for visitors on the autism spectrum.

“This increases what the Michener is able to offer our visitors in terms of resources, and also expands our impact within the local community,” says Director of Learning and Engagement Casey Repasey.

Autism and sensory training provides staff with practical knowledge and strategies to better understand and support autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors. This preparation can help staff communicate more confidently, respond to individual needs and create more welcoming experiences while reducing barriers to participation.

“Renewing the Certified Autism Center™ designation demonstrates the Michener Art Museum’s continued commitment to making art and cultural experiences more accessible to autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors,” says Myron Pincomb, CEO and Board Chairman of IBCCES. “Maintaining this certification helps ensure staff continue building their knowledge and confidence in supporting different needs, while providing visitors and families with greater awareness that accessibility remains an ongoing priority.”

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, Michener Art Museum 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-inclusive 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 AutismTravel.com, and AccessibilityCertified.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 Michener Art Museum

Address: 138 South Pine Street, Doylestown PA 18901
Website: michenerartmuseum.org
Hours: Wednesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday, 12–5 p.m.

Michener Art Museum is dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting the art and cultural heritage of the Delaware Valley region. The Museum is named for Doylestown’s most famous son James A. Michener, a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer and supporter of the arts. Home to a world-class collection of Pennsylvania Impressionist paintings and a permanent collection that explores a variety of artistic expressions, the Michener has a reputation for its craft holdings, which includes the Nakashima Reading Room. The Museum is housed on the site of the 1884 Bucks County Jail and is surrounded by the original prison walls, now part of the Patricia D. Pfundt Sculpture Garden. Michener Art Museum offers wide-ranging programming that nurtures a lifelong involvement in the arts, with rotating special exhibitions, artist conversations and studio tours, gallery talks, the Putman Arts Leader Lecture series, as well as dance and music performances.

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

Brad Sanders, Marketing and Communications Director
Michener Art Museum
Phone: 215-340-9800 ext. 133
Email: bsanders@michenerartmuseum.org

Meredith Tekin
IBCCES
+1 904-508-0135
marketing@ibcces.org
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