Tampa, FL, Oct. 12, 2011 - Mercedes-Benz of Tampa announced today that it is the firstdealership in the United States to be designated as autism-friendly by the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at the University of South Florida (CARD-USF).
The designation required each dealership employee to receive training to help understand what families with children on the autism spectrum experience during a visit to the dealership. The training sessions also provided tips such as offering families a quiet place at the store if they sense their child is getting stressed.
CARD-USF is a community-based project that provides information and consultation to individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and related disabilities. CARD-USF offers instruction and coaching to families and professionals.
"Mercedes-Benz of Tampa has demonstrated their ongoing commitment to serving the autism community by partnering with CARD-USF to become autism friendly," said Dr. Karen Berkman, executive director of CARD-USF. "We are so pleased that the dealership has become a leader in welcoming families into their business and educating others about autism."
In addition to the training from the University of South Florida, the dealership employs several adults on the autism spectrum to run Artistas Café, which provides coffee, drinks and snacks for customers, and offers educational materials on autism. For more information, visit www.mboftampabay.com or www.card-usf.fmhi.usf.edu.
About Courtesy Automotive Group
Courtesy Automotive Group has been serving the greater Tampa Bay area since 1972. Part of Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.'s family of 80 retail auto stores nationwide, Courtesy operates nine dealership locations within the Tampa area, offering the sales and servicing of new and used vehicles from prominent brands such as Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Kia, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Infiniti, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, as well as the first and only Smart Car franchise in Tampa.
AdChoices