April is Autism Awareness Month, a time to educate the public about autism spectrum disorder and promote acceptance and understanding for individuals with autism. This year, Visalia, a city in California’s Central Valley, is leading the charge with Certified Autism-friendly initiatives aimed at creating a more inclusive community for individuals with autism.
Visalia has taken significant steps to become a more autism-friendly city, starting with training its businesses and organizations to better serve individuals with autism. Through a partnership with the Central Valley Autism Project, over 100 businesses in Visalia have completed autism-friendly training, learning how to accommodate individuals with autism and provide a welcoming environment for them and their families.
One of the key components of Visalia’s Certified Autism-friendly initiatives is the implementation of sensory-friendly practices. Many individuals with autism are sensitive to sensory stimuli, such as loud noises, bright lights, and crowded spaces. By creating sensory-friendly environments, businesses and organizations in Visalia are able to better serve individuals with autism and make them feel comfortable and at ease.
In addition to sensory-friendly practices, Visalia has also worked to increase accessibility for individuals with autism. This includes offering visual schedules, quiet rooms, and other accommodations to help individuals with autism navigate and participate in activities and events in the community.
Visalia’s efforts to become a more autism-friendly city have not gone unnoticed. In 2020, Visalia was recognized by the Autism Society of America as a Certified Autism-friendly city, becoming the first city in California to receive this designation. This recognition is a testament to Visalia’s commitment to creating a more inclusive community for individuals with autism and their families.
As Autism Awareness Month kicks off, Visalia’s Certified Autism-friendly initiatives serve as a shining example of how communities can come together to support individuals with autism. By raising awareness, providing education, and implementing supportive practices, Visalia is leading the way in creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for individuals with autism.
In the words of Visalia Mayor Bob Link, “We are proud to be a Certified Autism-friendly city and to show our support for individuals with autism and their families. By working together, we can create a community that is welcoming and inclusive for all.”
