Greater Palm Springs (which consists of Palm Springs and its surrounding communities) has joined the ranks of some of the world’s most progressive destinations. In April, the region received its designation as a Certified Autism Destination, making it the first in Southern California to accomplish this accreditation.
While there are autism-friendly cities across the globe, there are only five in the world that have received this designation through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, an organization that works with communities to bring training, education and services to communities that want to become fully accessible for those with autism or other cognitive differences. Other cities within the United States that have already undergone this lengthy process include Traverse City, Michigan; Mesa, Arizona; and High Point, North Carolina. Dubai, located in the United Arab Emirates, rounds out the list.
But what does this all mean for Greater Palm Springs and families looking to enjoy some much-needed vacation time together? It means the whole community has committed to making it a safe and accessible destination for visitors of all ages and those on the spectrum to safely enjoy iconic attractions like Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, Palm Springs Air Museum and Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert in Rancho Mirage, as well as great food, year-round sunshine and old Hollywood-style glam the destination is known for.
Attractions in Palm Springs offer sensory-friendly environments staffed with people trained to recognize special needs and accommodate them. As this newly designated Certified Autism Destination begins showing visiting families what it has to offer, other cities aim to join Palm Springs in making the world more accessible for everyone to enjoy making memories together as a family.
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