Orlando airport authority renews autism-friendly certification

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority has renewed its Certified Autism Center designation for Orlando International Airport and Orlando Executive Airport, extending a push to make travel easier for autistic and sensory-sensitive passengers. The renewal comes with new sensory rooms, kits and guide materials planned across the airport system.

Why it matters: - The renewal signals that one of Florida’s busiest airport operators is continuing to build travel services around accessibility, not just compliance. - The move affects passengers with autism, sensory sensitivities and other invisible disabilities at Orlando International Airport and Orlando Executive Airport. - GOAA’s efforts could shape how other airports approach guest training, sensory spaces and wayfinding support.

What happened: - The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority renewed its Certified Autism Center designation with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. - GOAA operates Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL). - GOAA first earned the designation in 2024 and was the first airport authority of its kind to receive it. - The renewal was announced Oct. 8, 2026.

The details: - To earn and renew the designation, at least 80% of guest-facing staff must complete autism and sensory training. - The training is designed to help airport employees better understand autistic and sensory-sensitive travelers. - The training gives staff practical strategies and standardized approaches for interacting with travelers with autism and other invisible disabilities. - GOAA opened Annie’s Space, a dedicated area for visitors with sensory sensitivities. - GOAA is identifying a location for a second sensory room in Terminal C Airside. - The second sensory room is expected to open in early 2027. - GOAA plans to procure sensory kits for airport terminals by Oct. 1, 2026. - GOAA is discussing sensory guides for its website and for locations throughout all three terminals. - GOAA is working with IBCCES so the guides reflect updated information after the next site visit and audit. - GOAA 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 free online resources at AccessibilityCertified.com and AutismTravel.com for families seeking certified locations and professionals.

Between the lines: - The renewal is not just a label. It requires recurring staff training and continued program updates, which pushes accessibility work into day-to-day airport operations. - The airport’s focus on sensory rooms, kits and guides suggests a broader strategy: reduce stress points before travelers reach the gate. - IBCCES is using the certification program to build a wider network of accessible destinations and tools, with airport participation feeding into that ecosystem.

What's next: - GOAA expects the second sensory room in Terminal C Airside to open in early 2027. - Sensory kits are slated to be available in airport terminals by Oct. 1, 2026. - GOAA will continue work on sensory guides for the website and terminal locations after the next IBCCES site visit and audit. - The authority’s accessibility program will likely keep expanding as it aligns staff training with new passenger-facing resources.

The bottom line: - GOAA is turning its autism certification into an ongoing airport accessibility program, with training, spaces and tools intended to make Orlando travel easier for more passengers.