FARM, Tac/Quila, Front Porch and Clandestino restaurants become Certified Autism Centers™ (CAC) after receiving autism-specific training from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This designation is awarded to organizations that have proven their ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive environment for autistic individuals. To earn this credential, restaurant staff completed a comprehensive training and certification process to ensure they are better equipped with the skills and resources to accommodate the needs of autistic and sensory-sensitive patrons and provide the best experience possible for all guests.

“It is important to be sensitive to the needs of all of our customers, and the key to understanding autism is education. FARM, Tac/Quila, Front Porch and Clandestino all share a common philosophy. We believe that if we start with the best possible ingredients and provide excellent service in a pleasing environment, our guests will return again and again,” said restaurant owner, Liz Ostoich. “Part of this philosophy involves loving all people and being aware that we are not all the same. While we are all unique, our differences should never interfere with our commitment to deliver an excellent experience.”

These achievements are part of the Greater Palm Springs’ community-wide initiative to become a Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD). The CAD designation is awarded to communities with a multitude of trained and certified lodging, recreational and entertainment options that are accessible and accommodating to autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals and their families. Visit Greater Palm Springs is working with IBCCES to involve key tourism, hospitality, and recreation organizations in the community to achieve this goal in order to attract more visitors and ensure inclusive options are available.

One of the most important aspects of autism acceptance is communication. The restaurants invite guests needing special attention to email management ahead of their visit through the website.  Staff are happy to assist in providing stimulant and anti-stimulant aids where appropriate, arranging pre-paid meals to assist in streamlining your stay and alerting guests’ service team to any specific approach that can help the guests enjoy their time at the restaurants.

“FARM, Tac/Quila, Front Porch and Clandestino’s dedication to creating an accessible environment, especially for autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals, through a commitment to ongoing staff training will foster an enjoyable experience for all guests,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman. “Their efforts to enhance inclusivity for all patrons is a great step forward to helping the Greater Palm Springs area expand its accessibility offerings and reach its goal of becoming a Certified Autism Destination™.”

IBCCES has been the leader in cognitive disorder training and certification for healthcare, education, and corporate professionals around the globe for more than 20 years. IBCCES is the only global credentialing board providing travel and entertainment organizations with training and certification from subject-matter experts and autistic self-advocates, and other resources, as well as long-term support that helps them understand how to better accommodate and assist autistic or sensory-sensitive visitors and their families.

IBCCES also created AutismTravel.com, as a free online resource for parents that lists certified locations and professionals. Each organization listed on the site has met Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) requirements.

About IBCCES

Committed to providing The Global Standard For Training and Certification in The Field of Cognitive Disorders – IBCCES provides a series of certifications that empower professionals to be leaders in their field and improve the outcomes for the individuals they serve. These programs are recognized around the world as the leading benchmark for training and certification in the areas of autism and other cognitive disorders.

About Farm

FARM is a traditional Provencial-style restaurant in downtown Palm Springs in the historic Plaza, tucked away from traffic. Chef has taken care to create a menu comprised of traditional European dishes, brimming with locally sourced produce and artisanal meats. In true Provencial-style, the prix fixe dinner menu is served at a pace so you may enjoy your evening with us.

 About Tac/Quila

We love people and their stories, and nothing brings people together like a great meal in a memorable setting. Our first restaurant [ad]venture was FARM, also located in downtown Palm Springs. FARM allowed us to bring our love of the French countryside to a charming little courtyard, chock full of flowers and tucked away from the hustle and bustle. We love everything that has become FARM, but there was more to be said. So part of our life story involves food – but it also includes travel, history, and of course, tequila! Tac/Quila is our made up word for combining gourmet Jalisco style cuisine with specialty tequilas and mezcals, in an effort to transport our guests south of the border and into a culture rich in flavor, color, art, and authenticity.

About Front Porch 

The Front Porch is intimate and inviting-beautiful art inside and beautiful al fresco dining outside on the sidewalk and on our patio and that is only the beginning. At Front Porch, our guests can relax in a beautiful and friendly environment and enjoy a variety of healthy and beautifully prepared offerings while sipping one of our handcrafted cocktails or a glass of fine wine. After experiencing Front Porch we are sure it will become a “go-to” place.

About Clandestino

The best English translation we have seen for Clandestino is hidden or kept secret. True to its name, Clandestino is off the beaten path – secret if you will. Located on the Paseo behind Johnny Was at 175 North Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 160, it exudes the ethos of Old Palm Springs, itself a clandestine destination.

Clandestino opens up to the foothills of the breathtaking San Jacinto Mountains – you can experience Palm Springs at its best from either our beautiful outdoor dining space or our fully stocked cantina, which opens to the outdoors.

Whether you are enjoying our Latin cuisine, our craft cocktails, or our array of fine liquors in the restaurant, at home, or at your catered event, the experience will be the same – excellent, well-curated food and drink, beautifully presented and delivered with our love.