Local & Community
Visit Greater Palm Springs Aims to Make Coachella Valley More Autism Accessible
The Coachella Valley is working to become more inclusive for those with autism.
“Autism is a growing diagnosis in the United States and around the world,” said Davis Meyer, Senior Director of Community Engagement for Visit Greater Palm Springs. “We know it’s important for our destination to be open and welcoming to visitors and families that have children who are on the autism spectrum.”
For families with loved ones on the autism spectrum, traveling can be a challenge.
“Things can happen when you’re going out and about,” said Randy Corti, Founder of the Desert Autism Foundation. “Just normal routine things that families or people take completely for granted can put a child that’s on the spectrum just sensory overload and they just have a meltdown.”
Knowing how to assist in this moment can make all the difference for families. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is part of a growing number of Coachella Valley organizations that are certified autism destinations.
“We have a special program that we’ve been involved with to provide training for our staff on how they can properly accommodate people with autism so that they can also have that best day ever experience,” said Allen Monroe, President and CEO for The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.
The attraction in Palm Desert also offers tool kits for families that include resources like weighted blankets, noise canceling headphones, and fidget spinners to accommodate a guest with autism. Designated autism-friendly zones are also located throughout the park.
“The Living Desert is energy-packed, sometimes there’s lots of crowds here, and so on our map, we have special areas that are a little more calm so if someone is having sensory overload situation, there’s a place their family can take them to help restore balance to their visit here at the desert,” said Monroe.
Visit Greater Palm Springs became an Autism Certified Center in 2022 and is encouraging other businesses and nonprofits in the valley to join in on serving an important group of travelers.
“Being autism certified and making sure that our staff at hotels and attractions are aware and empathetic to the needs of visitors of the spectrum is really important,” said Meyers.
To become a certified autism center, visit mygreaterps.com or click the link here.
By: NBC Palm Springs
April 12, 2023
Latest Instagram Posts
Drop your thoughts in the comments 👇 #therogginreport #coachellavalley #localnews #explore #nbcpalmsprings
⚡️ TOP STORY: A man is recovering after he was struck by lightning. Firefighters battled a brush fire along Snow Creek Road, while another lightning strike in Chino Canyon sent a man to the hospital. If you hear thunder, stay indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last rumble. #PalmSprings #Lightning #FireSafety
🚨 Chasing that year-round “summer glow”? A social media tanning trend involving the unapproved peptide melanotan-2 is raising serious safety concerns. Dermatologists say safer sunless tanning options are available. ☀️ #YourHealthToday #SkinHealth #Melanotan2 #TanningSafety
Palm Springs firefighters responded Thursday to a report of a person struck by lightning in the Chino Canyon area. The person was transported to a hospital for medical treatment. Firefighters also responded to a palm tree fire in Chino Canyon that officials say was caused by an apparent lightning strike. NBC Palm Springs News Director David Reese is in the neighborhood tonight knocking on doors and trying to learn more about what happened. Did you see the lightning strike? Did you hear or see anything unusual? Do you know who was struck or have information that could help us understand what happened? We’d like to hear from you. Send us a DM here or contact NBC Palm Springs if you witnessed the incident or have information to share. #PalmSprings #ChinoCanyon #Lightning #PalmSpringsNews #NBCPalmSprings CoachellaValley BreakingNews
Fred Roggin’s response? Show us the receipts! #therogginreport #coachellavalley #localnews #explore #nbcpalmsprings
A $557k budget shortfall … so why do they need $11.3 million in new taxes? Are you voting Yes or No on Measure P? #therogginreport #measurep #localnews #coachellavalley #nbcpalmsprings
School board trustee wears “FAFO” shirt to court deposition. Drop your thoughts in the comments 👇🏽 #therogginreport #coachellavalley #localnews #explore #nbcpalmsprings
Estevan Figueroa of King’s Club Barbershop is giving back across the Coachella Valley — one haircut at a time. He and his team recently gave dozens of free haircuts to kids at the Boys and Girls Club in Cathedral City. Figueroa also provides clothing, essentials and encouragement to people in need. Inspired by lessons from his father, he’s now started a nonprofit to help even more people in the community. “Look good, feel good.” @barbercipactli Read the full story at NBCPalmSprings.com.
9 months. 5 deposition notices. 1 no-show. What is this official hiding under oath? Let us know what you think in the comments 👇 #therogginreport #jesusgonzalez #localnews #coachellavalley #nbcpalmsprings
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry