TART Trails renews autism certification for inclusive outdoor access

TART Trails has renewed its Certified Autism Center designation in Traverse City after most guest-facing staff completed updated autism and sensory-awareness training. The renewal adds to the area’s Certified Autism Destination status and supports more accessible trail experiences for visitors with disabilities.

Why it matters: - The renewal signals that TART Trails is continuing to build a more accessible outdoor network for autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors in Traverse City. - The designation can help reduce uncertainty for families and other visitors with invisible disabilities when they use trails and programs. - The move supports Traverse City’s broader Certified Autism Destination status, which depends on multiple trained and certified visitor options in the area.

What happened: - TART Trails renewed its Certified Autism Center designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. - At least 80% of guest-facing staff completed updated training to refresh communication, support and welcome practices for autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors and their families. - The renewal was announced July 10, 2026, in Traverse City, Michigan.

The details: - The training gave staff updated best practices and skills aimed at improving accessibility across the TART Trails experience. - The certification training created clear, standardized protocols for interacting with guests with autism and other invisible disabilities. - The protocols are intended to reduce hesitation and guesswork for staff. - Faster and more confident service is one expected result of the training. - Jonny Tornga, outreach director at TART Trails, said the training helped staff communicate more clearly and thoughtfully with neurodivergent volunteers. - Tornga said the training has given the team tools that make programs more inclusive and staff more confident. - TART Trails plans to add sensory ratings to event descriptions so participants can better judge which experiences fit their needs. - IBCCES said the renewed certification reflects TART Trails’ continued commitment to welcoming visitors of all abilities. - IBCCES said its training programs draw on subject matter experts and autistic self-advocates and include long-term support, continuous learning, onsite reviews and renewal requirements. - TART Trails is featured on the free IBCCES Accessibility App, which offers real-time guidance on certified destinations, sensory-friendly spaces and tailored recommendations. - IBCCES also offers the free AccessibilityCertified.com and AutismTravel.com tools, which list certified locations and professionals. - IBCCES said each organization listed on those sites has met certification requirements.

Between the lines: - The renewal is not just a badge. It appears to be part of a broader operational shift toward predictable, staff-led accessibility practices. - Adding sensory ratings could make the experience easier to plan for visitors who need more than general accessibility information. - The certification also helps reinforce Traverse City’s tourism identity around accessible recreation, not just individual trail access.

What's next: - TART Trails plans to roll out sensory ratings on event descriptions. - Visitors can use the IBCCES Accessibility App and related online resources to find certified and sensory-friendly options. - The organization is likely to keep building on staff training as part of its renewal requirements and inclusive programming goals.

The bottom line: - TART Trails is turning an autism certification renewal into a practical accessibility upgrade for trail users, staff and families in Traverse City.