Old Town Artisan Studios earns autism certification

Old Town Artisan Studios in La Quinta has been designated a Certified Autism Center after 91% of staff completed specialized autism and sensory training. The move adds the nonprofit art space to a Greater Palm Springs effort to expand autism-friendly options for visitors and residents.

Why it matters: - The certification is meant to make Old Town Artisan Studios more accessible to autistic people and sensory-sensitive visitors. - The designation also strengthens Greater Palm Springs’ broader push to offer more trained, certified destinations for families and travelers. - The nonprofit says the change supports its goal of creating an inclusive art space for people of all ages, abilities and financial backgrounds.

What happened: - The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards awarded Old Town Artisan Studios the Certified Autism Center designation in La Quinta, California. - 91% of Old Town Artisan Studios staff completed autism and sensory training, above the 80% threshold required for the certification. - IBCCES also completed an onsite review of the facility to create sensory guides and recommend accessibility improvements. - Old Town Artisan Studios joins a valley-wide initiative led by Visit Greater Palm Springs, which helped the region earn Certified Autism Destination status.

The details: - The training was designed to help staff better welcome autistic individuals, sensory-sensitive visitors and their families. - Roccie Hill, executive director of Old Town Artisan Studios, said the certification reflects the organization’s commitment to inclusivity and removing barriers. - Andy Taylor, director of community engagement, said the team is now prepared to support guests with autism and sensory needs with more confidence and care. - IBCCES says the Certified Autism Destination designation signals that visitors have multiple trained and certified options across entertainment, recreation and lodging. - Old Town Artisan Studios is listed on the free IBCCES Accessibility App, which offers real-time guidance on certified destinations, sensory-friendly spaces and tailored recommendations. - IBCCES also operates free online resources including AccessibilityCertified.com and AutismTravel.com, which list certified locations and professionals.

Between the lines: - The certification gives Old Town Artisan Studios a concrete framework for accessibility, not just a branding statement. - For destination marketers, certifications like CAC and CAD can make a region easier to navigate for families looking for predictable, sensory-aware options. - IBCCES is using destination-wide programs and consumer-facing tools to turn individual certifications into a larger accessibility network.

What's next: - Old Town Artisan Studios will continue using the certification process, sensory guides and accessibility recommendations to improve the visitor experience. - Visitors can use the IBCCES Accessibility App and free online directories to find other certified locations in the region and beyond. - IBCCES says its certification programs include ongoing support, continuous learning and renewal requirements to maintain standards.

The bottom line: - Old Town Artisan Studios has added autism training and accessibility planning to its operations as Greater Palm Springs expands its autism-friendly tourism options.