MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The grand opening of the Xavier DeGroat Autism Foundation Museum commenced on Friday, February 4, with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The Museum is the first of its kind and features a timeline of the history of autism, a sensory friendly educational program, along with many other features.

President and CEO of Xavier DeGroat Autism Foundation, Xavier DeGroat said, “too often these days people in our community do not understand how to accept autism. Rather they always say ‘oh I know of autism,’ being aware isn’t enough, acceptance is.”

DeGroat founded the Xavier DeGroat Autism Foundation in 2018 and works to create opportunities for people with autism through advocacy, education, economic opportunities, and humanitarian efforts.

Launch Trampoline Park also participated in the grand opening of the Xavier DeGroat Autism Foundation Museum. Launch held a Xavier DeGroat Autism Awareness Fundraiser from 12-9 P.M. on February 4 during the grand opening.

Launch will be donating 25% of its proceeds made from 12-9 P.M. on February 4 to the Xavier DeGroat Autism Foundation. Launch’s goal for the fundraiser was to spread Autism awareness and acceptance.

After the ribbon cutting guests were let into the museum to look around. The event concluded with a dinner gala.

Located next to Schuler Books, the Xavier DeGroat Autism Foundation Museum is no charger to enter, but donations are accepted.