Franklin Park Mall renews autism center certification

Franklin Park Mall in Toledo has renewed its Certified Autism Center status, expanding sensory-friendly services for autistic and sensory-sensitive shoppers and families. The move supports Destination Toledo’s push to become a Certified Autism Destination.

Why it matters: - The renewal reinforces Franklin Park Mall’s role as a more accessible shopping and leisure destination for autistic and sensory-sensitive guests. - The certification also supports Destination Toledo’s broader effort to attract more visitors while building toward Certified Autism Destination status. - Families benefit from quieter spaces, trained staff and more predictable experiences during shopping and holiday events.

What happened: - Franklin Park Mall renewed its Certified Autism Center designation, awarded by IBCCES. - The mall said the renewal reflects continued investment in autism and sensory training for staff. - The certification is part of Toledo’s larger effort to become a Certified Autism Destination. - Casey Pogan, Franklin Park Mall general manager, said the mall is expanding sensory-friendly experiences and amenities.

The details: - Franklin Park Mall has two Family Lounges designed as quieter spaces for families with young children and guests with sensory sensitivities. - Each lounge includes toys, kid-friendly programming, private nursing areas and baby changing stations. - One Family Lounge is in the JCPenney Wing near the Family Play Land. - The other is in the Food Court near Sbarro. - The mall hosts annual “Soothing Bunny” and “Soothing Santa” events. - Those events are designed to offer holiday experiences in a calmer, low-stimulation setting with reduced noise and smaller crowds. - Franklin Park Mall is exploring additional sensory-inclusive amenities, programs and enhancements. - Mackenzie Fork, marketing and business development manager, said the training changed how she thinks about events, marketing materials and guest experiences. - IBCCES said trained staff and inclusive accommodations can make everyday outings more comfortable for autistic and sensory-sensitive people and their families. - Franklin Park Mall is listed on the IBCCES Accessibility App, which provides real-time guidance on certified destinations and sensory-friendly spaces. - IBCCES also operates AccessibilityCertified.com and AutismTravel.com, which list certified locations and professionals.

Between the lines: - The renewal signals that accessibility is becoming part of the mall’s core visitor strategy, not a one-time initiative. - The mention of holiday programming and family spaces suggests Franklin Park Mall is trying to make inclusion visible in everyday experiences, not just through certification language. - Destination-wide certification efforts can matter to tourism because they give families clearer signals about where they can plan outings with fewer barriers.

What's next: - Franklin Park Mall said it will continue investing in its certification and add more sensory-friendly experiences and amenities. - Destination Toledo will keep working toward Certified Autism Destination status. - IBCCES will continue supporting the effort through training, reviews and renewal requirements. - Families can use the IBCCES Accessibility App and online resources to find more certified destinations and accessibility information.