Visalia, California becomes the first certified autism destination
Visalia in California’s Central Valley has been awarded as the first Certified Autism Destination in the country.
The city aims to remove barriers that many families of children with autism face.
Having invested heavily in resources to complete specialized training, 42% of the city’s hotels and 15 family-friendly attractions are now Certified Autism Centres.
Certification is granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).
It ensures autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors have a positive experience and can be adapted to meet specific needs.
Over 80% of staff in these facilities are now trained and certified.
The gateway to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, many trails are tailored to disabled and neurodivergent visitors.
Free Sensory backpacks are available at each of the Certified Autism Centres in addition to Visalia’s official tourism centre.
Noise cancelling headphones are also available on request.
Organizations that have completed autism training include Visalia Adventure Park, Farmer Bob’s World, Imagine U Interactive Children’s Museum, and Visalia Fox Theatre.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
France prepares for a massive strike across all transports on September 18
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt