Greater Palm Springs Becomes Southern California’s First Certified Autism Destination

Underscoring the region’s commitment to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for autistic and sensory-sensitive travelers, Greater Palm Springs has become the first destination in Southern California and the fifth worldwide to achieve the Certified Autism Destination (CAD) designation.

CAD is awarded to destinations where a selection of hotels, attractions and entertainment venues have completed specialized training and certification to better serve autistic visitors, ensuring staff members are equipped with the knowledge and resources to accommodate guests with autism and sensory sensitivities.

“We are proud to see Greater Palm Springs recognized as a Certified Autism Destination,” said Scott White, President & CEO of Visit Greater Palm Springs. 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.”

Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman added, “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."

The certified organizations include:

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 & 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:

• 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:

• 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  

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