The Visalia Marriott at the Convention Center Visalia is now a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC), which means staff have completed an autism training and certification program to ensure the hotel can welcome visitors with a variety of needs.

The hotel also joins other local organizations, led by Visit Visalia, that are working together to achieve the Certified Autism Destination designation. These designations are granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), with the goal to provide multiple trained and certified options for visitors looking for entertainment, recreation, and hotel choices in the area.

“Working with IBCCES, a global leader in online training and certification programs, has given our team the tools and knowledge to provide better service and experiences to all our visitors,” says Carrie Groover, General Manager.” We are excited to be a part of the Visalia movement to become a more inclusive destination for autistic individuals and their families.”

IBCCES works with organizations all over the US and the world to make travel and recreation experiences more positive and accessible. IBCCES also created  AutismTravel.com to serve as a free resource for families looking for trained and certified travel and recreation options. Each organization listed on the site has met the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) requirements.

“We’re thrilled for Visalia Marriott at the Convention Center, and proud that they have joined In this community initiative that will make a huge difference for so many travelers,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman.

For more than 20 years, IBCCES has been the leader in cognitive disorder training and certification for healthcare, education, and corporate professionals around the globe. IBCCES recognized that many individuals and families with different needs have limited travel and recreation options or may find it difficult when planning trips. In response to this need, IBCCES created training and certification programs specifically for attractions, hotels, zoos, aquariums, and other recreational locations.