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NATICK, MA (Sept. 19, 2024)

This afternoon, Autism Alliance celebrated the grand opening of a new Autism Welcoming center at Natick Mall. The 2,700-square-foot space will serve as a training center for businesses seeking Autism Welcoming certification and will also host events for families and provide a sensory-friendly calm zone for mall shoppers. 

The grand opening featured tours of the space, a sensory-friendly event for individuals with autism and their families, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony with remarks from Advocates president and CEO Diane Gould, Autism Alliance executive director Allison Daigle, and others. Local elected officials, representatives from the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce, and mall staff were also on-hand for the celebratory event. Jennifer Kearney, Senior General Manager of Natick Mall, was presented with the Jeff Keilson Autism Welcoming Community Vision Service Award for her remarkable partnership in making the space a reality.

The space for the center was donated and renovated by Natick Mall, with funding support from the Nancy Lurie Marks Family Foundation and the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services. 

Learn More about Autism Welcoming at Natick Mall