Palm Desert’s largest resort hotel, JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, is proud to become an autism accessible hotel, ensuring inclusive options are now available for its global visitors. This important designation marks the iconic property’s place as the first CAC-certified hotel in Greater Palm Springs as well as the first JW Marriott to gain certification.
The CAC designation is awarded to organizations that have completed autism training to better understand and welcome autistic visitors and their families. The property has worked with The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), a global leader in online training and certification programs, to be designated as a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC).
The focus on ensuring accessibility is important, especially with 1 in 36 children in the US diagnosed with autism (according to the CDC) and 1 in 6 people with sensory needs or sensitivities. Travelers with these challenges take millions of trips every year, but there are few destinations and hotels with a variety of options that have taken the extra step cohesively to better understand and enhance accommodations for these visitors.
The hotel’s staff recently completed training and certification in best practices when assisting autistic individuals. By undergoing additional autism-specific training, the goal is to be equipped to provide better service and experiences to all. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort’s General Manager, Nusrat Mirza, says:
“We are dedicated to deepening our commitment to our guests, including those with autism or sensory processing disorders. The CAC training and designation continues this initiative, in preparing our staff to best provide service, recognize areas for support and assist guests of all interests and needs, ensuring they have equal opportunities and, ultimately, an enjoyable stay.”
The hotel is now proudly aligned with Visit Greater Palm Springs who in 2022 achieved recognition as a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC), an important first step in preparing tourism and community partners to provide the best possible experience for autistic travelers and their travel companions. Visit Greater Palms Springs is spearheading this wider movement to achieve the Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) designation which means visitors would have multiple trained and certified options to choose from when in the area, including entertainment, recreation, and lodging.
With all core staff trained in sensory sensitivity awareness, the hotel aims for its guests to feel welcome and taken care of. The hotel will provide sensory maps and information packets, given out upon arrival, that describe the level and types of stimulation as well as sensory guides posted in high sensory locations throughout the hotel.
JW Marriott hopes to make traveling with an autistic family member less stressful by featuring low sensory indoor and outdoor spaces along with useful tools such as sensory bags, weighted blankets, sound machines, headphones and fidget toys. Outdoor spaces include large lawns for exercise or play as well as a mini golf course and a designated low sensory pool area. If guests are seeking indoor high sensory experiences, they can visit the 12,000 Sq.-ft, state-of-the-art JW Entertainment Zone – the largest hotel resort arcade in California, which caters to all ages – and play duck bowling, skee-ball, virtual reality games or other interactive games.
All guestrooms feature a mini refrigerator for any special foods, and the hotel’s Rockwood Grill Restaurant, as well as room service, offer special children’s meals as well as gluten free and vegetarian options.
“We at IBCCES are elated to collaborate with esteemed partners such as the JW Desert Springs Resort & Spa, who not only understand the significance of fostering inclusive and accommodating environments but also recognize the immense value it holds for millions of autistic and sensory-sensitive travelers and their families seeking suitable options,” shared Myron Pincomb, Chairman of the IBCCES Board. “The remarkable strides made in the Greater Palm Springs area are truly inspiring, and we are enthusiastic about our ongoing efforts as this community initiative flourishes.”
For more information about Certified Autism Center™ (CAC), visit: https://ibcces.org/cac-faq-travel/.
About JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio and consists of beautiful properties and distinctive resort locations around the world. These elegant hotels cater to sophisticated, self-assured travelers seeking The JW Treatment™—the brand’s philosophy that true luxury is created by people who are passionate about what they do. JW hotels offer crafted experiences that bring to life the brand’s commitment to highly choreographed, anticipatory service and modern residential design, allowing guests to pursue their passions and leave even more fulfilled than when they arrived. Today, there are 80 JW Marriott hotels in nearly 30 countries and territories. JW Marriott is proud to participate in the industry’s award-winning loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®. Members can now link accounts with Starwood Preferred Guest® at www.members.marriott.com for instant elite status matching and unlimited points transfer. Visit JW Marriott online, and on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
About IBCCES
Committed to providing The Global Standard For Training and Certification in The Field of Cognitive Disorders. For more than 20 years, IBCCES has been a leader in cognitive disorder training and certification for healthcare, education, public safety, travel, and corporate professionals around the globe. IBCCES is the only credentialing board offering travel and entertainment industry-specific programs, which include training from subject matter experts and autistic self-advocates, as well as long-term support and continuous learning, onsite reviews, and renewal requirements to ensure there is continued learning and lasting impact.
To locate more certified options and resources, IBCCES created AutismTravel.com as a free online resource for families. Each organization listed on the site has met Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) requirements.
Find Out How To Become A Certified Autism Center™
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