news & updates
news & updates
The City of Mesa recognizes April as National Autism Awareness Month, highlighting its commitment to ensuring individuals of all abilities feel welcome. Mesa was the first city in the United States to become Autism Certified in 2019, the result of a nearly year-long effort by Visit Mesa to tailor travel experiences for individuals with autism and their families. This designation, awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), reflects a citywide effort to create accessible experiences for residents and visitors with autism and sensory sensitivities.
"We are proud Mesa is the first-ever autism-certified city. This reflects our community's commitment to accessibility, awareness and support for individuals on the autism spectrum," said Mayor Mark Freeman. "Let's continue celebrating differences and creating a community that promotes understanding and acceptance for people on the spectrum."
Across the City, departments have implemented practical measures to ensure guests with autism and sensory sensitivities have a welcoming experience. The Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities (PRCF) Department has trained hundreds of staff members to better serve individuals of all abilities and incorporates inclusive features throughout its programs and amenities. All City pools, recreation centers and the Mesa Tennis and Pickleball Center offer sensory boxes. PRCF recently held its first Sensory Santa event and the department also offers adaptive programming with social and outdoor activities, sports and special interest classes.
Mesa's Libraries provide welcoming, adaptable environments tailored to a variety of sensory needs. Gateway Library features a Sensory Room with specialized lighting, color palettes, acoustics and furnishings that support neurodiversity, along with a weekly Sensory Storytime on Mondays at 9:30 a.m. Sensory Storytime features dim lighting, quieter music and flexible participation options. Mesa Express Library offers a smaller, quiet space for visitors looking for a more subdued environment.
Cultural institutions throughout Mesa also prioritize accessibility. The idea Museum offers a virtual 360 tour, sensory support backpacks, noise-reducing headphones, light sensitivity glasses and two designated quiet spaces. The idea Museum also holds an Inclusive Resource Fair during their free admission evening events to connect children and families with inclusive services, support and resources in a welcoming environment.
The Arizona Museum of Natural History offers pre-visit planning tools, including a museum preview video and sensory charts for each gallery. Sensitivity glasses and headphones are available on request and there are rest spots throughout the museum for unwinding. Its "no bad day" policy allows families to return if a visit becomes overwhelming.
At Mesa Arts Center, guests can access sensory rooms, sensory bags and designated quiet areas during events and festivals. Additional resources such as social stories, virtual tours and participation in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program help visitors plan and navigate their experience. Staff across the facility are trained in best practices to ensure all guests feel welcome and supported.
Visit Mesa encourages local businesses and organizations to participate in autism-specific training. Since becoming an Autism Certified City, approximately 10,500 community members in Mesa and surrounding areas have completed the training. Visit Mesa also offers an Accessibility Travel Guide to help families plan visits that meet their needs and highlight inclusive activities and real-life stories.
Mesa continues to expand training, programs and resources that support neurodiverse individuals. This work reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that all residents and visitors can fully participate in community life not just in April but all year long.