Families settle in for a screening of “The Star” in Fresno during Maya Cinemas’ special “Maya Cares” program for kids on the autism spectrum in this 2017 file photo.

Visalia has been designated a Certified Autism Destination — the first in the nation — for offering inclusive and accessible travel options to nearby tourist destinations accommodating individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

On Thursday, the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), named Visalia a Certified Autism Destination following a year-long effort by local tourism partners to address travel needs of individuals with IDD.

 

The effort to improve tourism accessibility comes as a response to a recent study by Autism Travel, which showed that 87% of parents with autistic children did not travel. However, 93% said they would be more likely to travel if more autism-certified accommodations were presented to them.

“We are truly honored to obtain the Certified Autism Destination designation,” said Visit Visalia Board Chair John Oneto. “Visalia has long-prided itself on 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.”

To improve accessibility to visitors with IDD, Visalia’s tourism businesses have worked to provide accessibility improvements such as sensory guides, signage, quiet spaces and low-sensory nights.

Sensory-accommodating holiday events have also been made available, as well as ImagineU Children’s Museum’s creation of a sensory-friendly night once a month.

Other sensory-accommodating events and destinations can be found at Visit Visalia’s website, which includes a 6-stop autism-friendly California tour guide featuring Visalia as the second stop in a six-stop, 678-mile driving tour beginning in the Bay Area and ending in Chula Vista.

“Visalia is featured as an ‘Autism-Friendly California Adventure’ in Visit California’s Road Trips guide,” said Visit California CEO Caroline Beteta. “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.”

Created by the IBCCES to serve as a family resource site, AutismTravel.com lists locations, like Visalia, that have met Certified Autism Center requirements.

Additional information on inclusive and accessible travel options in the Visalia area can be found at visitvisalia.com/acessible-travel.