By KARA FOWLER
Staff Writer
Visalia is the first California tourism marketing organization to have a Certified Autism Center. That means the majority of the staff members have been trained in assisting those who have sensory sensitivities and those who are autistic. Having this certification helped them get into a spot for Poppy Award Finalist. The Poppy Award Finalist is held every two years to acknowledge the tourism industry.
On Visit Visalia, the city is currently on the track to being California’s first Certified Autism Destination. They have to be certified by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards.
On April 2nd, Visalia’s businesses will be lighting their areas blue in support of Autism Awareness Day. Some locations that will be lighting their offices blue will be Visalia Convention Center, Visalia Marriott Hotel, the Wyndham Hotel, and Valley Oaks Golf Course. According to the Sun-Gazette News, Valley Oaks Golf Course is the first golf course in California to be a Certified Autism Center.
If you’re wanting to participate more in Autism Awareness Month they have close outside activities. On April 23rd at 10 am in Hanford Civic Auditorium, they will be doing a run, walk, and roll 5k for Autism Awareness. All of the proceeds will benefit the UCP Parent and Me programs. Outside of Visalia on the 2nd Tulare County Museum Jamboree will be wearing blue in honor of World Autism Day. This is a free event that is placed at the museum.