Alyssa Burnett Adult Life Center Re-Opens with a Remodeled Space and In-Person Classes

Just in time for Autism Acceptance Month, the Seattle Children’s Alyssa Burnett Adult Life Center (ABC), which offers lifelong learning for people 18+ with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities, reopened its expanded doors in late March, rolling out in-person classes for the first time since the COVID pandemic began.   

  

Not only does the expanded space allow ABC to increase the number of students served by 40%, but it also allows the center to expand the diversity of services offered. Previously, the ABC offered community-based classes in health/wellness, social skills, the performing arts and recreational activities including community outings. The expansion will allow us to increase services offered to include additional behavioral support and clinical services, pre-employment training as well as increased capacity for social skills classes , all with the goal of helping students build on their strengths, gain independence, connect with others and take part in the larger community.  

  

The local FOX13 broadcast station visited the newly remodeled space for a behind-the-scenes look at the space and to meet students experiencing in-person classes in the first weeks after reopening. Check out the segment here, which features interviews with Tammy Mitchel, director of the ABC, alongside Ben Moore, a classroom assistant and self-advocate at ABC.