iCan Dream Center earns Certified Neurodiverse Workplace designation

iCan Dream Center in Tinley Park, Illinois, received IBCCES’ Certified Neurodiverse Workplace designation on Aug. 19, 2026 after most staff completed neurodiversity training. The certification underscores the center’s effort to better recruit, support and prepare neurodivergent employees and students.

Why it matters: - The designation formalizes iCan Dream Center’s workplace practices for neurodivergent employees and job seekers. - The certification is meant to help reduce turnover, improve problem-solving and innovation, and make better use of existing talent. - The recognition also reinforces iCan Dream Center’s role as both a workforce development organization and a model for inclusive employment.

What happened: - IBCCES awarded iCan Dream Center the Certified Neurodiverse Workplace™ designation on Aug. 19, 2026, in Tinley Park, Illinois. - At least 80% of iCan Dream Center staff completed training and certification as part of the process. - The training focused on better recruiting and supporting neurodivergent employees, including people who are autistic, have ADHD or are dyslexic. - IBCCES also reviewed current workplace practices and will provide recommendations for additional inclusive practices.

The details: - iCan Dream Center places neurodivergent students and young adults in internships aligned with their interests, skills, strengths and long-term goals. - The internships are designed to build confidence, practice workplace expectations, strengthen communication skills and support independence for meaningful employment. - Inside the organization, staff practices include awareness training around neurodiversity, structured environments, strengths-based approaches, support for communication differences and a culture that pairs accountability with dignity. - iCan Dream Center works with employer partners to expand access to inclusive work-based learning opportunities. - The organization serves as a training ground and a bridge to opportunity for students and workplaces. - IBCCES board chairman Myron Pincomb said the designation reflects a commitment to an environment where neurodivergent employees are valued, supported and empowered to succeed. - IBCCES says it has spent 25 years providing autism, sensory and neurodiversity training and certification worldwide. - IBCCES says it is the only credentialing board offering these programs and provides training from subject matter experts and autistic self-advocates, along with long-term support, continuous learning, onsite reviews and renewal requirements. - iCan Dream Center is listed on the free IBCCES Accessibility App, which offers real-time guidance on certified destinations, sensory-friendly spaces and tailored recommendations. - IBCCES also operates free resources including AccessibilityCertified.com and AutismTravel.com for families seeking certified locations and professionals.

Between the lines: - The certification gives iCan Dream Center outside validation for an internal culture it already says is central to its mission. - The move also signals that accessibility and neurodiversity are becoming workplace standards, not just education or healthcare issues. - By earning the designation, iCan Dream Center can better market its approach to employer partners and strengthen its credibility in workforce development.

What's next: - IBCCES will issue recommendations for further inclusive workplace practices as part of the certification process. - iCan Dream Center is likely to keep using its internship and employer-partnership model to expand access to neurodivergent talent. - The organization’s listing on IBCCES tools may help more families, students and employers connect with its services.

The bottom line: - iCan Dream Center’s certification turns its neurodiversity-focused mission into a workplace standard with measurable training, review and support requirements.