Visit Greater Palm Springs is the destination marketing organization for the Coachella Valley. Its Certified Autism Destination work focuses on visitors on the autism spectrum and the families traveling with them.
The approach
The work combines three things: training and certification from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), participation from local businesses, and coordination across the destination by Visit Greater Palm Springs.
Staff at participating hotels, restaurants and attractions complete IBCCES online training on the needs of autistic visitors and visitors with sensory sensitivities. Participating businesses put accessibility protocols in place and develop sensory guides. Once enough local businesses hold certification, the destination as a whole can earn the Certified Autism Destination™ designation.
By the numbers
- 3,000+ staff trained across the community
Early participants
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa and The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens were among the early participating organizations.
The people behind it
Josh Heinz leads the work locally. He is the father and stepfather of three children on the autism spectrum and has spent 19 years supporting autistic individuals and their families.