JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa Earns Autism Center Designation, Guest Inclusivity

PALM DESERT, CA — Palm Desert's largest resort, JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, is proud to become an autism-accessible hotel, ensuring that inclusive options are now available for global visitors. This important designation marks the iconic property's place as the first CAC-certified hotel in Greater Palm Springs and the first JW Marriott to gain certification.

The CAC designation is earned by organizations that have completed autism training to understand better, welcome and accommodate 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 a Certified Autism Center (CAC).

The focus on ensuring accessibility is essential, 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. These travelers take millions of trips, but few destinations and hotels with various options 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 an enjoyable stay."

The hotel is now proudly aligned with Visit Greater Palm Springs, which 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 broader 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 cared for. The hotel will provide sensory maps and information packets, given out upon arrival, that describe the level and types of stimulation and 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 and valuable tools such as sensory bags, weighted blankets, sound machines, headphones, and fidget toys.

Outdoor spaces include large lawns for exercise or play, a mini golf course, and a designated low-sensory pool area. Suppose guests are seeking indoor high-sensory experiences. In that case, 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, skeeball, virtual reality games, or other interactive games.

All guestrooms feature a mini refrigerator for any particular foods, and the hotel's Rockwood Grill Restaurant, as well as room service, offers unique children's meals and 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."

Find more information about Certified Autism Center (CAC)online.