HMNS Designed Certified Autism Center

The president and CEO of the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS), Joel A. Bartsch, manages and guides museum curators and staff in the development of immersive exhibits, educational programs, membership growth, and philanthropic projects. Joel A. Bartsch also spent more than a decade as a curator, director of science, and project manager at HMNS.

In 2020, HMNS was named a Certified Autism Center by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), the world's leading training and certification entity for fair treatment of people with cognitive disorders. Being awarded the designation by IBCCES means HMNS has sufficiently trained and certified staff to provide sensory guidance for visitors.

Since the designation, HMNS has continued to improve its exhibits department in disability inclusivity and sensory experiences to better serve individuals who are autistic. In this endeavor, the museum trained more staff in disability awareness. The museum also works toward more inclusive hiring practices to provide job opportunities for staff with sensory disabilities.