SM Supermalls is redefining what it means to be a “Mall for All,” marking this year’s National Autism Consciousness Week with initiatives that push inclusion beyond symbolism and into everyday experience.
Through SM Cares, the company rolled out milestone programs designed to create safer, more welcoming spaces for Filipinos on the autism spectrum — anchored by the launch of the country’s first mall-based sensory facility and the expansion of sensory-friendly cinema screenings nationwide.
A first for Philippine malls
The highlight of the week was the opening of the SM Sensory Lab at SM Mall of Asia — the first dedicated calming space in a Philippine mall for individuals with sensory processing challenges.
Developed in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the National Council on Disability Affairs, and supported by the Autism Society Philippines, the facility represents a new approach to accessibility in commercial spaces.
Designed with gentle lighting, soothing interiors, and sensory-friendly elements, the lab offers a quiet refuge for children and adults who may feel overwhelmed by the typical mall environment. The space accommodates up to 10 individuals, including guardians, ensuring comfort without crowding.
Access is seamlessly integrated into the SM Malls Online app, where users can scan a QR code to enter — free of charge.
SM Supermalls president Steven Tan described the initiative as a natural progression in the company’s broader inclusion efforts, emphasizing that thoughtful design plays a key role in turning awareness into action.
Cinema without stress
In tandem with the Sensory Lab launch, SM expanded its “Lights Up, Sounds Down” screenings — special cinema events tailored for moviegoers on the autism spectrum.
Held in partnership with SM Cinema, the screenings modify traditional theater settings by lowering sound levels and keeping lights partially on. The result is a more comfortable atmosphere for families who may otherwise find standard cinemas overstimulating.
What began as a single-mall initiative has grown into a multi-site program serving more than 5,000 participants and their families across the country. This year, SM City BF Parañaque and SM City Butuan joined the roster of participating locations.
A year-round commitment
“Being an inclusive mall isn’t just a one-week observance,” Tan said. “Our efforts for this celebration are reinforced by our strengthened resolve to continually ensure every SM Supermall in the country empowers its people and surrounding communities to be accepting, appreciative and accommodating to our customers regardless of their needs.”
As malls evolve into community hubs, SM’s latest initiatives suggest a broader shift in Philippine retail where inclusion is not just advocated, but architected into the space itself.