IBCCES unveils Accessibility App in the UAE
To empower people of determination
The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) has launched its Accessibility App for people of determination/special needs in the United Arab Emirates.
The cutting-edge app is designed to improve the quality of life for people of determination in the UAE by connecting them and their caregivers with accessible businesses and public locations in the UAE and worldwide.
The app, available for download on the App Store and Google Play, was launched on October 7, 2024, at the AccessAbilities Expo at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
The app offers users reliable, easy-to-access information by providing a comprehensive directory of accessible businesses, including Certified Autism Centres (CACs) in the UAE and globally. This initiative helps to highlight accommodations and services, aiming to eliminate the barriers that people of determination frequently encounter.
Based in Florida, United States, the IBCCES is a global leader in professional autism and neurodiversity training and certification.
AccessAbilities launchpad
Addressing a news conference at AccessAbilities, Myron Pincomb, CEO and board chairman of IBCCES, said: “We are excited to introduce the Accessibility App officially; we believe this tool will make life more accessible for millions of people in the GCC.
“Our mission is to break down barriers and create opportunities for people of determination to enjoy their surroundings without limitations. The Accessibility App empowers individuals, helping them experience everyday life more fully and independently.”
The app goes beyond focusing solely on autism, featuring a section highlighting all CACs in the UAE. This aligns with Dubai’s initiative to become the first Certified Autism Destination in the GCC region, a programme supported by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism as it seeks to establish the city as a global leader in accessible and inclusive tourism.
Business perspective
From a business perspective, the Accessibility App offers opportunities to engage with a growing market by showcasing accessible services. Businesses can feature special offers, promotions, and employment opportunities targeted toward individuals with disabilities, fostering inclusivity and improving customer experiences while building long-term loyalty.
Additionally, businesses can receive valuable feedback from users, enabling them to refine their accessibility features further.
The app has key functionalities that aim to improve users’ everyday experiences. It includes a directory of accessible businesses, allowing users to find local establishments that cater to people of determination. The detailed listings highlight accommodations, special programs, and available services.
Furthermore, the app offers autism and sensory support, helping users discover travel and entertainment options certified to welcome visitors with autism or sensory sensitivities.
Additional features include locating venues equipped with hearing loops for the deaf or hard of hearing and translation services in over 133 languages to overcome communication barriers. The IBCCES Accessibility Card (IAC) simplifies accommodation requests at amusement parks and attractions, enabling seamless experiences at certified locations. Users can also access directories for healthcare and employment, connecting them with trained and accredited providers specialising in various disabilities.
IBCCES is committed to delivering global standards for training and certification in cognitive disorders. Its certifications empower professionals to lead in their fields and improve outcomes for the individuals they serve. IBCCES is recognised worldwide as the leading benchmark for training in autism and other cognitive disorders.
Featured image: (L-R) Frank Raubenheimer, Director of Operations at Aventura Parks; Myron Pincomb, CEO and board chairman of IBCCES; and Ahmed Elsandoby, Senior Beach Safety Officer, Dubai Police; at the news conference on October 7, 2024, to announce the launch of the Accessibility App in the UAE. Credit: Arnold Pinto
Last Updated on 3 months by News Desk 2
