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Recommendation to request City Manager to work with the Health and Human Services and Economic Development Departments, as well as the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), to provide a report back on the feasibility of Long Beach becoming an Autism Certified City (ACC) with staff trained to interact with individuals with autism and other sensory disorders positively.
DISCUSSION
In recent years Long Beach has exerted a focused effort to ensure our city is welcoming to and accessible for all residents. It is a priority that Long Beach residents and guests know that we are a city welcoming of all people and that we emphasize everyone being able to enjoy Long Beach and everything we offer. Our commitment to openness and accessibility for all is wide-ranging. We continue to be a leading voice for LGBTQ rights hosting annual events and one of the region's largest parades, and we will have the second annual Trans Pride event, further highlighting our inclusion. As a city, we invite countless cultural organizations to be recognized and celebrated at City Hall, from Hispanic Heritage, to AAPI Heritage, to Nowruz, to Black History Month, to recognizing Cambodian Genocide, to honoring Native Americans. Our desire to create a fair and enjoyable city includes translation and hearing loop services at City Council meetings, creating all abilities playgrounds, to investing in sidewalk access and curb ramps throughout the city so that everyone, regardless of mobility limitations, can make their way along our streets and business corridors, to even including beach access mats to help everyone enjoy our coastline. These are just a few ways Long Beach has led the way to being a city for everyone.
However, we need to take another big step toward becoming a city where everyone can enjoy, thrive, and feel welcomed. Becoming an Autism Certified City (ACC) will help Long Beach City Departments lead the way. The ACC designation is awar...
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