In 2009, the (CARD-USF) launched the Autism Friendly Business initiative with a simple but powerful goal: to help local businesses and attractions better serve individuals with autism and their families. Over the years, the initiative has grown significantly, forging new partnerships and developing an ongoing collaboration with the City of Tampa.
CARD-USF equips businesses with the education and tools they need to accommodate individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. This includes training staff to meet sensory needs, enhancing accessibility, and creating an inclusive environment for all guests. CARD-USF also offers customized support to employees on the autism spectrum and connects businesses with students from at USF, CARD-USF鈥檚 sister program, for internship opportunities.
Liz Burke, MS, CARD-USF consultant and Autism Friendly Business initiative lead, is encouraged by the initiative's success, saying, "The growth over the past several years has been very heartening, especially since much of the Autism Friendly buzz has been through word of mouth." Burke notes that businesses benefiting from the program often recommend CARD-USF to others, further expanding the initiative's reach.
Distract Paks include noise-cancelling headphones, fidgets, and other sensory items, are available through CARD-USF's Autism Services Fund for businesses to keep and offer to guests in need.
Long-standing partners such as Glazer Children's Museum and ZooTampa at Lowry Park have led the way in prioritizing sensory-friendly environments and ongoing staff training. Many businesses have even established permanent sensory rooms, hosted sensory-friendly events, and ensured their websites offer detailed accessibility information.
Pam Hillestad, chief play and learning officer at Glazer Children鈥檚 Museum, expressed gratitude for the ongoing collaboration with CARD-USF. "Our partnership has deepened over the years, and we're fortunate to have the team as a resource," she said. Hillestad highlighted CARD-USF's support, including training museum staff, reviewing exhibits and programs for sensory needs, designing social stories, providing interns, offering feedback at camps, and co-presenting with Glazer Children's Museum's director of education at a national conference. "We feel supported in everything we do," she added.
In 2017, the collaboration between CARD-USF and the City of Tampa resulted in the launch of the . Former Mayor Bob Buckhorn announced the partnership, which included training for thousands of city employees from departments such as Parks and Recreation, Tampa Fire Rescue, and the Tampa Police Department. The effort also led to the creation of an advisory board to guide city officials on community needs related to autism and developmental disabilities.
Sensory relief zones help families attend large events that might otherwise be overwhelming due to sensory and social demands.
This partnership has continued to thrive, with CARD-USF and the City of Tampa鈥檚 ADA coordinator working together to create sensory relief zones at major public events like Gasparilla, Boom by the Bay, and Winter Village. These zones provide a safe space for families to enjoy large events that otherwise be overwhelming due to sensory and social demands.
"The City of Tampa鈥檚 ADA office has been a valuable partner in bringing autism acceptance to the entire Tampa community," said Burke. "By hosting 鈥榮ensory relief zones,鈥� together we are providing opportunities for our autistic residents that may have previously avoided these large events."
Support for the initiative comes from donations to CARD-USF's , which helps cover the cost of visual supports, Distract Paks, and other sensory accommodations for events. The Distract Paks, which include noise-canceling headphones, fidgets, and other sensory items, are available for businesses to keep and offer to guests in need.
The Autism Friendly Business initiative continues to make a positive impact on businesses, individuals with autism, and the broader community. To learn more about the initiative and find a directory of participating businesses, visit the .