BETTENDORF, Iowa — The Bettendorf Learning Campus, which includes the Bettendorf Public Library and Family Museum, has been designated a Certified Autism Center (CAC).
The library and museum were certified by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). The board also created AutismTravel.com, a resource for finding certified travel activities.
The CAC designation requires the training and certification of at least 80% of public-facing staff in autism and sensory differences. It needs to be renewed every two years.
This is the museum's second certification and the library's first.
The museum has added multiple new practices and programs as a result of their training. These include adding more Special Needs Nights, sensory kits and quiet spaces. The museum will also offer guidance to parents on where to find local resources.
The library has print and electronic resources focused on autism and other neurodivergent topics. It will soon be offering sensory kits for in-house use, as well as circulating sensory kits that can be checked out.
