Autism Awareness Month Spotlight: Visalia leads with Certified Autism-friendly initiatives

Friday, March 29, 2024

Visalia, heralded as the first Certified Autism Destination in the nation, is embracing Autism Awareness Month this April. The city, in collaboration with Visit Visalia and its local tourism affiliates, is dedicated to promoting the ethos that “Every day is autism acceptance day in our community.” Insights from a study by Autism Travel reveal that a significant 78% of parents with autistic children are hesitant to travel, yet an overwhelming 94% would be more inclined to do so if destinations were autism certified. Visalia is at the forefront of accommodating neurodiverse visitors through specialized training and initiatives, proudly holding the title of the country’s first Certified Autism Destination.

Committed to ensuring travelers of every ability can effortlessly organize their visits and adventures to the adjacent national parks, stakeholders in Visalia’s tourism sector have completed extensive training through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), earning the distinction of Certified Autism Centers.

April in Visalia will shine a spotlight on autism awareness through various activities:

• Social Media Takeover: Partners of the Certified Autism Destination initiative will use their social media platforms to spread the word about the “Every day is autism acceptance day in our community” movement, incorporating it into posts and their profile visuals.
• Visual Displays: Venues recognized as Certified Autism Centers (CAC) along with pivotal city spots will display awareness posters.
• Visalia Rawhide Baseball Event: On April 23, Valley Strong Ballpark is set to celebrate the “Free to Be Me” event, honoring individuals with developmental disabilities, including autism. Thanks to sponsorship by Able, Inc., free tickets will be provided to those with developmental disabilities and their families or caregivers.

Expanding Opportunities

The array of entertainment, recreation, and travel choices in Visalia for those with autism or sensory sensitivities is on the rise. Certified Autism Centers in the city are staffed by individuals trained to cater to the needs of visitors, including:

• Comfort Suites Visalia
• Hampton Inn Visalia
• Visalia Marriott Hotel
• Visalia Wyndham Hotel
• Best Western Visalia
• Lamp Liter Inn
• Visalia Adventure Park
• Imagine U Children’s Museum
• Valley Oaks Golf Course
• Tulare County Museum
• Arts Visalia
• Visalia Fox Theatre
• Downtown Visalians Merchants Association
• Visit Visalia

New lodging establishments are in the process of obtaining their CAC Designation and aim to complete IBCCES Certification before the summer travel peak.

Autism Insights

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is increasingly recognized, affecting 80 million individuals globally. In the U.S. alone, approximately 1 in 36 children is identified with ASD, as reported by the CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network. It’s estimated that 1 in 6 individuals have sensory processing needs, with countless adults on the spectrum remaining undiagnosed.

Positioned near the majestic Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, Visalia is more than just a gateway to nature. Its friendly locals, a plethora of activities, and diverse culinary scene make it an attractive destination for all travelers, promising a warm welcome to everyone.

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