Greater Palm Springs has officially been designated a Certified Autism Destination (CAD) by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), making it the first in Southern California and the fifth globally to receive this certification.
The CAD designation is awarded to destinations where a selection of hotels, attractions, and venues have completed training to better accommodate autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors. In Greater Palm Springs, more than 20 organizations across hospitality, recreation, dining, and local government have earned Certified Autism Center (CAC) status.
“We are proud to see Greater Palm Springs recognized as a Certified Autism Destination,” said Scott White, president & CEO of Visit Greater Palm Springs. “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.”
Certified accommodations include JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage, Drift Hotel Palm Springs, Hampton Inn Palm Desert, and Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa. Attractions like The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens, Palm Springs Convention Center, Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert, and Acrisure Arena have also completed certification.
Greater Palm Springs’ certified locations are now listed on the IBCCES Accessibility App, which offers real-time information on sensory-friendly spaces and resources for individuals with disabilities. IBCCES board chairman Myron Pincomb said the designation reflects a “valley-wide effort to create a community that welcomes all visitors, including autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals.”
In a study, ISCCES noted that 78 percent of families surveyed by IBCCES expressed hesitancy when traveling due to the lack of certified autism-friendly options.
Discover more information about certified locations in Greater Palm Springs at: visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/plan/accessible-travel/certified-autism-centers
