Visit Mesa launches accessibility travel guide to help people with autism

PHOENIX — Mesa became the country’s first autism-certified city in 2019, and it took its inclusion initiatives further by launching an accessibility travel guide on Monday.

The guide, which is available online from city marketing organization Visit Mesa, is billed as a “travel planning resource for autistic, sensory-sensitive and accessibility considerations.”

It provides visitors expectations for the impact each location could have on senses, which those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be especially affected by.

Some of the sensory-friendly attractions around the city are featured, from outdoor draws such as spring training ballparks and Usery Mountain Regional Park to indoor educational centers like the Idea Museum or the Museum of Natural History.

It also includes some nearby attractions from outside the city, such as Scottsdale’s Butterfly Wonderland and Odysea Aquarium.

The map in the guide spotlights 36 locations across the city categorized into six groups:

• Transportation
• Outdoor activities
• Agritourism
• Sports
• Family fun
• Downtown

One in 31 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with autism, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

What did city officials say about the accessibility travel guide?

“More than 32 million people in the ASD community are looking for places where they feel welcome and safe while on vacation. Mesa is proud to be one of those places,” Mayor Mark Freeman said in the guide. “We are sending a clear message to families everywhere that they are invited to visit and enjoy all we have to offer.”

Visit Mesa president and CEO Marc Garcia said accessibility is an important issue for him because he has a son who is autistic.

“We recognize the evolving needs of travelers with autism, and Mesa’s proactive commitment to creating inclusive environments aims to provide unforgettable experiences for all our visitors,” Garcia said in the guide. “Mesa is dedicated to providing a seamless and supportive experience for all families, which is why we’ve fostered a city-wide commitment to autism certification.”

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