IBCCES launches Cognitive Care Zone in South Florida

IBCCES has launched its Cognitive Care Zone initiative across Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties to expand training, certification and access for people with cognitive differences and conditions. The rollout began with an event in Coral Gables and includes early participation from major local institutions and businesses.

Why it matters: - The Cognitive Care Zone initiative is meant to make South Florida more accessible for residents and visitors with cognitive differences and conditions. - The program is designed to expand training and certification in settings people use every day, including hospitals, schools, workplaces, public spaces and recreational destinations. - Early participation from major regional organizations signals broader adoption across tourism, health care and public services.

What happened: - The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards officially launched the Cognitive Care Zone initiative in South Florida. - The initiative covers Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. - IBCCES marked the launch on Monday, October 26, 2026, at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel in Coral Gables. - Regional leaders joined the event, including Coral Gables Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson, Miami-Dade Commissioner Raquel Regalado, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau Chief Operating Officer Rolando Aedo, UM Center for Autism and Related Disabilities Executive Director Dr. Michael Alessandri, Loews Coral Gables Hotel General Manager Nadim Barrage and IBCCES CEO and board chairman Myron Pincomb. - The Loews Coral Gables Hotel was honored as a Certified Autism Center at the event. - Miami-Dade Commissioner Raquel Regalado unveiled Miami-Dade County’s new Neuroinclusive Workforce Map.

The details: - The South Florida CCZ adds training and certification focused on Alzheimer’s, dementia, Down syndrome, autism, ADHD, dyslexia, mental health diagnoses, TBI and stroke effects. - IBCCES says the goal is to equip organizations to help individuals thrive. - The launch event began with a networking reception and continued with a formal presentation about the initiative. - Local businesses, health care providers and public institutions are already completing IBCCES certification as part of the rollout. - Early participants include the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces, and Carnival Cruise Line. - Carnival Cruise Line says its kids’ camp staff are trained and certified in disability awareness. - Residents across South Florida are invited to sign the Cognitive Care Zone Personal Pledge. - More information is available in the full announcement.

Between the lines: - The launch ties accessibility efforts to South Florida’s identity as a major travel and hospitality market. - The initiative also connects disability inclusion with workforce development, which suggests IBCCES is pushing cognitive care beyond customer service into broader community infrastructure. - The mix of public agencies, private companies and destination groups points to a regionwide strategy rather than a single-organization program.

What's next: - More organizations are expected to complete IBCCES certification in the months ahead. - IBCCES will continue building the Cognitive Care Zone across the region through partner participation and community engagement. - Residents can join the effort by signing the personal pledge and supporting the initiative locally.