This week I spoke with Ms. Becca Zarcone of the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Tampa. This hotel is the location of the “Autism Practice Vacation” mentioned in an earlier post. Ms. Zarcone would like to extend a personal invitation and welcome to all autism families who are interested in taking advantage of the “Practice Vacation” opportunity.
The hotel staff has received autism sensitivity training from the University of South Florida Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD). Upon arrival, a child with autism receives a child-friendly bag containing a binder, dry-erase board, markers and a coloring book. The binder contains information about autism-friendly attractions in the Tampa area. Hotel amenities include an outdoor heated pool with a secure access gate; there are cabanas where a family can take a break from the sun or to get some quiet time.
Ms. Zarcone, Group Sales Manager at the hotel, has experience with autism among family and acquaintances, and has a personal passion to expand opportunities for this community. She invites anyone interested in this opportunity to call her directly at 813-405-1185 and she will personally make arrangements for your booking. Talk about creative thinking! This program is a result of a partnership between the Tampa “Autism Fits” Business Partnership and the University of South Florida CARD to expand awareness and create opportunity for the autism community.
