TARTA Move Re-Certified As An Autism Center

TARTA Move’s continued focus on fostering independence and community access for passengers recently took another step forward, as the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority’s (TARTA) paratransit division recently renewed its certification as a Certified Autism Center™. 

TARTA Move remains the only transit division in Ohio to have this designation, granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). TARTA paratransit team members have undergone specific training courses to better understand and accommodate the needs of autistic and sensory-sensitive passengers. 

April is National Autism Acceptance Month. Studies conducted by Autism Speaks indicate that close to one-third of autistic individuals depend on public transportation in some form. In 2025, the Center for Disease Control & Prevention estimated that 1 in 31 children in the United States have Autism Spectrum Disorders.

“Understanding the needs of specific passengers is such an important step in being able to serve this community, so I am very proud of our TARTA Move team for stepping up and renewing its commitment,” said TARTA Deputy CEO Rick Bailey. “This is a team that continues to demonstrate extraordinary skill and compassion in serving riders who face mobility challenges, and a customer satisfaction rate in the high 90’s certainly reflects that.

“Anxiety and sensory-overload can induce stress for many paratransit clients. Adaptability, clear signage and expectation and consistency are key to lowering that stress level. As happy as we are to keep this designation, our team understands that our work isn’t done in this area, and that as the needs of our passengers evolve, it’s vital that we work to improve and evolve to meet those needs.”

TARTA’s initial certification as a Certified Autism Center™ was recognized with a Collaborative Excellence Award by the Ohio Public Transit Association in 2024.

For more than 20 years, IBCCES has been the leader in cognitive disorder training and certification for healthcare, education and corporate professionals around the globe. IBCCES also created AutismTravel.com as a free online resource for parents, listing locations that have met Certified Autism Center requirements.