Greater Palm Springs Is California’s First Certified Autism Destination

Southern California is working to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment for autistic and sensory-sensitive travelers. Its commitment to the cause has earned Greater Palm Springs an award as a Certified Autism Destination. This marks the first destination in southern California and the fifth around the world to achieve this designation.

How does the Certified Autism Destination designation work?

Greater Palm Springs has underscored the region’s commitment to offering an inclusive and welcoming environment for autistic and sensory-sensitive travelers. The city has worked hard to become the first Certified Autism Destination in southern California. How has the city and area earned this designation?

The award goes to destinations where a selection of hotels, entertainment venues and attractions has undergone specialized training and certification to better serve autistic visitors. Moreover, the staff members have been equipped with the resources and knowledge they need to accommodate guests with autism and sensory sensitivities.

Scott White, President and CEO of Visit Greater Palm Springs, said in a statement about the award:

We are proud to see Greater Palm Springs recognized as a Certified Autism Destination. Creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment is at the heart of our destination’s values.

This designation reaffirms our commitment to ensuring that all visitors, regardless of their unique needs, can enjoy the beauty, adventure, and relaxation that Greater Palm Springs offers.

IBCCES ‘honored to designate Greater Palm Springs’

Myron Pincomb, Chairman of the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), also made a statement about the award and achievement:

IBCCES is honored to designate Greater Palm Springs as a Certified Autism Destination, highlighting their valley-wide effort to create a community that welcomes all visitors, including autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals.

This prestigious achievement represents a significant step in accessibility, ensuring both visitors and community members alike can experience all Greater Palm Springs has to offer with confidence and ease. We look forward to seeing the impact this designation will have on the entire valley.

List of certified organizations

The following certified organizations include accommodations, activities and attractions, restaurants, community partners, and city governments:

Accommodations:

• Drift Hotel Palm Springs
• Hampton Inn Palm Desert
• JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
• Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa
• The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage

Activities and attractions

• Acrisure Arena
• Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert
• Escape Room Palm Springs
• Palm Springs Convention Center
• Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory
• Riverside County Date Festival/Pickering Events
• The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens
• The Packhouse at Aziz Farms

Restaurants and dining:

• Clandestino
• Farm
• Tac/Quila
• The Front Porch
• Frisky Business

Community Partners:

• Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs
• Caravanserai Project
• Desert Hot Springs Recreation Center
• Joslyn Center
• Variety Children’s Charity
• Visit Greater Palm Springs

City governments in southern California:

• City of Cathedral City (includes Fire and Police Depts.)
• City of Indian Wells
• City of La Quinta
• City of Palm Desert
• City of Palm Springs

Learn more about the Certified Autism Destination award on the official website of IBCCES here.

Readers can also learn more about Greater Palm Springs and all it has to offer its visitors here.