Known as a gateway to Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park, the city of Visalia, Calif., is adding another designation, as an Autism-certified destination in the United States.
Many of Visit Visalia’s frontline hospitality partners — including 42% of the city’s hotels and many family-friendly attractions — have completed a specialized Autism training program to become Certified Autism Centers. Service workers have been trained to recognize and respond to the needs of these travelers, and will also ensure that certain experiences are sensory-free.
Our Analysis: This Demographic Has a Strong Desire to Travel — When Its Needs Are Met
According to recent Autism Travel studies, 87% of parents who have a child living with Autism do not travel, but 93% say they would if there were more Autism-certified travel options available. Travel advisors have a great opportunity to step up to the plate and meet the needs of these families, and they can feel confident that their clients will be well taken care of during a trip to Visalia.
Fast Facts
- A year ago, Visit Visalia introduced a city-wide initiative urging its tourism-focused partners to participate in specialized Autism training from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), a leader in providing online training and certifications.
- IBCCES is the creator of AutismTravel.com, a complimentary resource for families who are seeking Autism-friendly travel options that have met Certified Autism Center requirements.
- The city of Mesa, Ariz., was the first Autism-certified city in the U.S., while Visalia is the first Autism-certified destination. According to IBCCES, Autism-certified cities are awarded to communities "where key stakeholders, including healthcare, education, local government, hospitality, leisure, and corporate members, are trained and certified to better serve individuals with autism and other cognitive disorders." On the other hand, Autism-certified destinations have a focus on tourism, hospitality and entertainment specifically.
- Tourism businesses across Visalia will be incorporating autism-friendly elements including sensory guides, signage, quiet spaces, low-sensory lights and more.
- Visalia’s ImagineU Children’s Museum has launched sensory-friendly nights, which take place once per month.
- The city also features the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, which offers free sunflower lanyards and bracelets to travelers living with disabilities. The jewelry then alerts trained hospitality staff that these travelers may need added accommodations or support.
- A list of Visalia’s Autism-certified offerings can be found on Visit Visalia’s website.
What They Are Saying: Visalia’s New Designation Should Inspire Other Destinations to Follow Suit
"We are truly honored to obtain the Certified Autism Destination designation," said John Oneto, board chair of Visit Visalia. "Visalia has long prided itself in being a welcoming and inviting community, and this was a collective effort by the tourism industry to make experiences sensory-friendly and remove barriers, ensuring every visitor can feel comfortable during and enjoy their stay as they explore our vibrant downtown and nearby national parks."
“Visalia’s autism certification underscores California’s commitment to welcoming all dreamers and is an inspiration to other destinations seeking to be inclusive to travelers of all abilities,” said Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California. “Visalia is featured as an ‘Autism-Friendly California Adventure’ in Visit California’s road trips guide. The city is a picturesque destination for families and the perfect base camp when experiencing the biggest trees on Earth in nearby Sequoia National Park.”
