Gotham Divers Becomes a Certified Autism Center

​​​Gotham Divers, a New York City dive center dedicated to offering the highest quality training at all levels of SCUBA has completed the process of becoming a Certified Autism Center (CAC) through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). The CAC a designation demonstrates the dive shop’s commitment to ensuring individuals and families with children who have autism have the best possible experience when taking one of their dive courses. They are the first dive shop in New York to earn this designation.

The Certified Autism Center (CAC) program requires dive instructor and staff training and certification to further their goal to be inclusive of all families and children. Individuals with autism are often drawn to water and learning to scuba dive can be beneficial, but many adults and children on the autism spectrum find new activities to be a challenge due to sensory needs and safety concerns. As a Certified Autism Center, divers can rest assured that the staff and dive instructors at Gotham Divers are prepared to welcome everyone, regardless of their needs.

Gotham Divers offers courses from most major certification agencies, with small class sizes and flexible schedules. Their skilled dive instructors are dedicated to helping people achieve their diving dreams.

“In keeping with our mission to provide the highest quality dive training, we are delighted to be the first NYC dive shop to become a Certified Autism Center,” said Tim Hughes, Owner of Gotham Divers.

For almost 20 years, IBCCES has been the industry leader in autism training for healthcare, education and corporate professionals around the globe. IBCCES recognized that many families with children have limited travel and entertainment options and created programs specifically for those industries.

“The work of IBCCES brings us closer to where understanding and support of the autism community by travel providers and destination points will become the rule rather than the exception,” said Dr. Stephen Shore, Adelphi University professor and world-class public speaker who is also on the autism spectrum.

“We are excited to add Gotham Divers to the growing list of organizations who have gone above and beyond by seeking certification that allows them provide the best possible experience for all individuals,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman. 

IBCCES also created AutismTravel.com, a free online resource for parents that lists certified destinations and connects families to other resources and each other. Each destination or attraction listed on the site has met Certified Autism Center requirements, which include extensive staff training conducted by leading autism experts.

###

About Gotham Divers

Gotham Divers is a local dive shop dedicated to offering the highest quality of training at all levels of SCUBA. We specialize in small class sizes with flexible schedules to best help people achieve their dream of becoming divers. For additional information, visit www.gothamdivers.com.

About IBCCES

Delivering The Global Standard For Training and Certification in The Field of Cognitive Disorders -
IBCCES provides a series of certifications that empower professionals to be leaders in their field and improve the outcomes for the individuals they serve. These programs are recognized around the world as the leading benchmark for training and certification in the areas of autism and other cognitive disorders. As the only training and certification program endorsed by The Autism Society of America, one of the largest grassroots autism organizations in the world, IBCCES is committed to increasing the quality of life and services provided to individuals on the spectrum.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Tim Hughes, Owner

Gotham Divers

Phone: 212-780-0879

Email: info@gothamdivers.com

Meredith Tekin, President

IBCCES

Phone: 904.508.0135 / 904.434.1534

Email: meredith@ibcces.org