Advocates Celebrates 100th Autism Welcoming℠ Certification at Coolidge Corner Theatre

 Advocates Celebrates 100th Autism Welcoming℠ Certification at Coolidge Corner Theatre

Milestone partnership marks growing network of Massachusetts businesses and community organizations creating more inclusive, sensory-responsive spaces for individuals with autism and their families

FRAMINGHAM, MA (October 20, 2026) – Advocates Autism Alliance, is celebrating the 100th certification through its Autism Welcoming℠ program with the recent certification of Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline. This milestone marks significant growth of a statewide network of businesses and community organizations working to create more inclusive, sensory-responsive and accessible spaces for individuals with autism and their families.

Since launching in 2019, Autism Welcoming℠ has partnered with businesses and community organizations to provide staff with autism-specific training and help organizations identify practical ways to make their spaces more welcoming and accessible. Organizations certified through the program receive ongoing consultation and support, customized sensory calm-kits, visual supports and resources to welcome the autism community.

“At Advocates we believe that welcoming communities begins with listening to what they need and Autism Welcoming is exactly that belief in practice. By partnering directly with businesses to make thoughtful changes, we’ve been able to open more everyday experiences to people with autism and their families,” said Regina Marshall, president and CEO of Advocates. “This milestone shows what is possible when communities commit to understanding what people need and creating spaces where everyone can participate, connect and feel they belong.”

“Reaching 100 certified businesses means 100 more places where people with autism and their families can feel welcome, participate in everyday experiences and build greater independence,” said Allison Daigle, CTRS, executive director of Advocates Autism Alliance. “We know that everyday outings can present challenges for individuals with autism and their families. Over the last seven years, our goal with Autism Welcoming has been to show businesses that small, thoughtful changes can make a world of difference. We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with Coolidge Corner Theatre and help make the joy of going to the movies at one of New England’s most prominent theaters a more sensory-friendly experience.”

As the program’s 100th certified organization, Coolidge Corner Theatre worked closely with Autism Welcoming℠ to identify ways to make the moviegoing experience more welcoming and accessible for guests with autism and other sensory and accessibility needs.

“The magic of the movies should be an experience everyone can enjoy,” said Beth Gilligan, executive director and CEO of Coolidge Corner Theatre. “Becoming Autism Welcoming℠ certified gives us meaningful, practical ways to better support guests with autism and sensory needs. Accessibility has always been important to how we operate and partnering with Autism Alliance has helped more individuals and families feel comfortable, included and excited to experience film at the Coolidge.”

The theater hosted its first Relaxed Screening on October 4, 2026, featuring the 1985 classic film, Back to the Future. During Relaxed Screenings, house lights remain partially raised, sound levels are lowered and open captions are displayed. Guests are welcome to move around, vocalize, stretch or leave and return to the theater during the film.

Coolidge also introduced sensory calm-kits available at concessions, equipped with noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, fidgets and other sensory supports. The theater is developing a designated chillout zone, signage and feedback mechanisms as part of its ongoing accessibility efforts.

In addition to Autism Welcoming℠ supports, Coolidge Corner Theatre has existing accessibility efforts, including offering open-caption screenings, assisted listening devices, accessible seating, ramps and elevators and ADA-accessible restrooms. 

Today, the Autism Welcoming℠ network includes restaurants, retail businesses, libraries, arcades, dental practices, hair salons, museums, cultural organizations and other public-facing businesses, including a multi-use location at the Natick Mall, expanding its presence within one of the region’s major retail destinations. The program has also recently expanded with the launch of Autism Welcoming℠ for Libraries, which offers the certification process free of charge to Massachusetts libraries, through the generous support of The Nancy Lurie Marks Family Foundation.

The program also maintains an Autism Welcoming Certified Business Directory, allowing individuals and families to find participating organizations across Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

To learn more about Autism Welcoming and business certifications visit: https://autismwelcoming.org/

For a schedule of upcoming Relaxed Screenings at Coolidge Corner Theater visit: coolidge.org/programs/relaxed-screenings.