Dr. Phillips Center earns distinction for its autism programs

The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts has been designated a Certified Autism Center in recognition of its programs, classes and camps for those with autism-spectrum disorders.

The downtown Orlando arts center, one of only two in the nation to receive the designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, will announce the achievement today.

“We want everyone to enjoy coming to a performance or taking a class, and this new certification ensures that we have the training in place to serve individuals with sensory needs and engage them in all the arts center has to offer,” said arts-center president Kathy Ramsberger in the announcement.

Training is a key component of receiving the designation. At the arts center, 120 employees participated in training sessions and also worked with the University of Central Florida’s Center for Autism and Related Disabilities program. Participating staff members represented multiple areas of the arts center’s operations, the announcement said, including ushers, production, security, box office, education and leadership.

The board, based in Jacksonville and known as IBCCES, is the only credentialing organization providing this type of certification through training programs designed specifically for the hospitality and attractions industries. Locally, SeaWorld Orlando also has the designation.

“Dr. Phillips Center has clearly demonstrated its commitment and passion to serve individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman, in a statement.

The perspectives of those with autism-spectrum disorders is taken into consideration when awarding the designation, according to the announcement.

Among the arts center’s sensory-friendly shows, classes and camps have been Pilobolus@Play, a weeklong program in which middle- and high-schoolers with autism create and perform a dance with artists from modern-dance company Pilobolus.

Also, the Second City comedy troupe has presented a specialized improvisation workshop for individuals on the autism spectrum. And the center’s education program offers inclusive acting classes for students on the autism spectrum in grades 8-12.

A video on the Dr. Phillips Center website, produced in conjunction with students from Access Charter School, helps those with sensory issues prepare for seeing a show.

The most personal representation of the arts center’s commitment to those on the autism spectrum came in 2019 when it hired Henry Bass, a 24-year-old with autism, as an Arts For Every Life Ambassador. Among his duties, Bass hosts student performances and greets those attending classes.

“Our education team worked with Henry’s vocational coaches to develop a wonderful role for him at Dr. Phillips Center,” said Ramsberger. “He has a gift for engaging people and making them feel connected to the arts.”

For more information about sensory-friendly programs and classes, go to classes@drphillipscenter.org.

Find me on Twitter @matt_on_arts or email me at mpalm@orlandosentinel.com. Want more news about theater and other arts? Go to orlandosentinel.com/arts

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