06/04/2026
Accessibility and inclusion should never be an afterthought.
At our Bright Night for Autism Gala, we wanted to create an event where more people could feel comfortable, supported, and able to fully participate. Some of the ways we worked to make the evening more accessible and inclusive included:
✨ Offering a sensory-friendly meal option.
✨ Having fidget toys available at every table.
✨ Including a dance break during our keynote speaker’s speech.
✨ Providing a sensory room for guests who needed a quieter space.
✨ Creating an AAC bar where guests could learn about AAC devices and use them to order drinks.
Accessibility looks different for everyone, and small changes can make a big difference in helping people feel welcomed, included, and able to engage in ways that work best for them.
We encourage others planning events, gatherings, and community spaces to think about ways accessibility and inclusion can be built in from the start. When we remove barriers and create spaces where people feel safe being themselves, everyone benefits.