The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) has renewed FARM, Tac/Quila, Clandestino, and The Front Porch’s Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designations. To renew these designations, at least 80% of staff at all four restaurants completed autism and sensory training to equip them with up-to-date knowledge of best practices and skills to better welcome and support autistic and sensory-sensitive restaurant guests and their families.
“Our renewal as a Certified Autism Center™ is a reaffirmation of our commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming dining experience for everyone. We believe every guest, regardless of ability, deserves to feel comfortable, supported, and valued. Through continued training and the right tools, we empower our team to provide thoughtful service that makes a real difference,” says Liz Ostoich, owner of FARM, Tac/Quila, Clandestino, and The Front Porch.
Ostoich continues, “We want to continue being a Certified Autism Center™ so we can broaden our customer base and welcome all individuals when dining in our restaurants. Our guests and their families feel comfortable and repeat their experiences because of the training we’ve had with IBCCES.”
Restaurant staff often hear from guests how meaningful it is to see that they are Certified Autism Centers™. Families with loved ones on the autism spectrum have expressed their confidence in recommending the restaurants because they know FARM, Tac/Quila, Clandestino, and The Front Porch truly care and are prepared to meet guest needs.
One patron shares about the four restaurants, “We have become loyal to all of your restaurants because your staff is equipped with the knowledge and tools to give our son a comfortable dining experience”
Guests also share the positive experiences they have had at the restaurants, with staff understanding their children’s needs and sensitivities. A guest shares, “We were seated in a cozy corner, away from the hustle of the busy restaurant. Here, we continued to get detailed service with patience.”
Another guest says, “Wow, after being seated by the hostess, my child was given a fidget toy. It was unexpected yet appreciated that the Tac/Quila team discreetly acknowledged my child’s needs.”
In addition to staff training, the restaurants also feature:
- Quiet Seating Areas: Upon request, guests can be seated in lower-stimulation zones on outer patios, away from loud noises and bright lighting.
- Sensory Toolkits: The restaurants offer a variety of sensory-friendly items, including fidget spinners, soft and hard textured toys, moldable tools, and suction-based items that can help reduce stress and improve comfort during visits.
“FARM, Tac/Quila, Clandestino and The Front Porch continue to set the standard for inclusive dining in the Greater Palm Springs area with the renewal of their Certified Autism Center™ designations,” says Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman. “These renewals are a testament to the restaurants’ ongoing commitment to creating spaces where every person feels welcome to dine.”
By renewing their CAC designations, FARM, Tac/Quila, Clandestino and The Front Porch continue to play a role in the Greater Palm Springs’ designation as a Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD), an initiative spearheaded by Visit Greater Palm Springs. The CAD designation means visitors have multiple trained and certified options to choose from when in the area, including entertainment, recreation, and lodging.
For more than two decades, IBCCES has been a leader in providing autism, sensory and neurodiversity training and certification for professionals worldwide, including those in healthcare, education, public safety, travel, and corporate sectors. As the only credentialing board offering these programs, IBCCES provides training from subject matter experts and autistic self-advocates, along with long-term support, continuous learning, onsite reviews, and renewal requirements to ensure continued growth and lasting impact.
To further support inclusivity efforts, FARM, Tac/Quila, Clandestino, and The Front Porch are featured on the IBCCES Accessibility App, which is free to download. This app provides individuals with a variety of disabilities real-time guidance on certified destinations, sensory-friendly spaces, and tailored recommendations. By connecting users to accessible locations worldwide, the app helps ensure seamless, enjoyable experiences for everyone.
IBCCES also provides access to resources such as AccessibilityCertified.com and AutismTravel.com, free online tools for families that list certified locations and professionals. Each organization listed on the site has met Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) requirements.
