Castillo De San Marcos becomes first National Park area to earn CAC designation

St. Augustine's Castillo de San Marcos National Monument has been awarded Certified Autism Center designation by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), making it the first national park area to earn CAC status. 

The St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce, along with the Castillo and IBCCES, held a ceremony on Wednesday, Jan. 15, to acknowledge and celebrate this monumental achievement. Staff from the Chamber and the Castillo, as well as officials from St. Johns County and City of St. Augustine and representatives from other certified businesses, were in attendance to mark the certification. 

[WATCH: Castillo de San Marcos - Certified Autism Center Ceremony]

Since 2023, the Chamber has led an initiative to achieve Certified Autism Destination status for St. Johns County, ensuring that the area offers multiple certified options for entertainment, recreation and lodging. 

The Chamber manages a county matching grant to support certification for St. Johns County tourism and hospitality businesses through IBCCES. The certification signifies a commitment to inclusivity for autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals and their families.

"This certification is a monumental step forward in the movement to designate St. Johns County as a Certified Autism Destination, and I hope it will be a spark for more National Park Service sites around Florida and around the country to pursue certification," said Isabelle Renault, president and CEO of the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce. "Having a National Park Service area earn the designation is a testament to the importance of certification and of the program. Our hope is that this step will inspire other St. Johns County attractions to seek certification as well to ensure our community is a welcoming place for all visitors."

Autism affects 1 in 36 children in the United States, and estimates suggest about 20 percent of the population is affected by sensory processing sensitivity. As a result, it has become increasingly vital to equip businesses and organizations with the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively engage and assist these individuals. The Certified Autism Center designation marks a significant step forward for the larger movement.

As the first national park area to earn the designation, Castillo de San Marcos staff completed a specialized training and certification process, equipping them with resources and best practices to assist visitors. IBCCES also conducted an onsite review to create sensory guides and offer additional recommendations to improve the visitor experience.

“Park staff are committed to the National Park Service's vision to provide amazing, meaningful experiences for everyone who visits these national treasures," said Gordie Wilson, superintendent of the Castillo and Fort Matanzas sites. "This initial step helps us rise to the challenge of creating a fun, equitable, and accessible environment where visitors thrive.”

Other Certified Autism Centers in St. Johns County include:

• City of St. Augustine Visitor Information Center
• First Coast Cultural Center
• Old Town Trolley Tours and associated attractions
• Ponte Vedra Visitor Information Center
• Sawgrass Marriott
• St. Augustine Sailing
• St. Johns County Cultural Council
• St. Johns County Parks & Recreation
• St. Johns County Visitors and Convention Bureau

Businesses can get more information and apply for the grant at sjcchamber.com/autism-certification-matching-grant/.