Emirates Awarded Certification For Autism Accessibility
World Autism Awareness Day On April 2, 2024
To enhance travellers’ accessibility and coincide with World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, Emirates has secured a Certified Autism Centre Designation for all its UAE check-in facilities.
The certification, conferred by the US-based International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), underscores Emirates’ commitment to inclusivity.
This accolade encompasses Emirates City Check-in & Travel Store in DIFC, Emirates Cruise Check-In at Port Rashid and Dubai Harbour, and Emirates City Check-In in Ajman emirate, along with the dedicated hub in Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB).
By meeting the stringent criteria IBCCES sets, Emirates ensures a supportive and comfortable travel environment for neurodiverse customers. This significant achievement aligns with Dubai’s broader mission to foster accessible tourism and underscores Emirates’ dedication to serving all passengers excellently.
Granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), this certification signifies Emirates’ dedication to creating a supportive environment for neurodiverse travellers.
To earn this recognition, Emirates employees underwent specialised training in autism and sensory awareness, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to cater to the needs of autistic travellers and individuals with sensory sensitivities.
Comprehensive audits were conducted across the facilities, evaluating sensory inputs such as sound levels, lighting, and potential sensory triggers.
These audits facilitated the development of sensory guides, empowering travellers to make informed decisions based on their needs and preferences.
This milestone complements Dubai International Airport’s recent recognition as the first international airport to receive the Certified Autism Centre designation from IBCCES.
It aligns with the Department of Economy and Tourism’s vision of establishing Dubai as the first Certified Autism Destination (CAD) in the Middle East.
Emirates’ City Check-Ins offer a pre-flight experience, allowing passengers to check in up to 24 hours in advance, drop off luggage, and choose between agent-assisted, robot-assisted, or self-service check-ins.
Mohammed H. Mattar, Emirates DSVP Airport Services, said: “This initiative is a crucial step forward in our ongoing mission to make travel inclusive and accessible for all.”
Myron Pincomb, Chair of the Board for IBCCES, praised Emirates for enhancing the check-in experience, particularly for individuals with sensory challenges, acknowledging the airline’s renowned guest service.
This collaborative effort between Emirates, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Airports, and other Dubai governmental entities reflects Dubai’s dedication to becoming a top destination for travellers with diverse needs.
Featured image: The tail of an Emirates passenger aircraft is seen at Dubai World Central during Dubai Airshow 2021. Credit: Arnold Pinto
