Bancroft joined families, advocates, and community partners from across the Philadelphia region on August 8, 2026 for the 9th Annual Autism Play Date at Smith Memorial Playground.

This marked Bancroft’s second year participating in the free community event, which brings families together for an afternoon of fun and access to resources and support. This year’s superhero-themed event, “AusomeCon: Where Every Hero Belongs,” drew more than 1,400 registrations and featured live entertainment, games and activities, food, superhero characters, face painting, and more.

Bancroft served as a community partner and sponsor for the event, alongside Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse, Councilmember Kendra Brooks, and the Center for Autism Research at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Together, the organizations helped create a family-friendly event that combined fun and activities with access to resources for families throughout the region.

Bancroft team members were on hand throughout the afternoon, hosting a resource table where they connected with parents and families and shared information about Bancroft’s programs and services for children and adults with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Kristina Swindle, Senior Vice President at Bancroft, also participated in the event alongside Councilmember Brooks, former Councilmember Derek Green, City Commissioner Omar Sabir, and Jamiel Owens, Family Relations Coordinator at the Center for Autism Research at CHOP.

A highlight of the day was the recognition of seven “Heroes of the Disability Community,” who received Philadelphia City Council citations: Shawn Devon Aleong, Dana Jacobs, Eric Williams, Laura Sibbald McAnulty, Mary Beth Morgan, Monica Fielder, and Mary Kachline.

Bancroft was grateful to help bring the Autism Play Date to Philadelphia families for a second year and to be part of a day focused on connection, resources, and celebrating the region’s autism community.