Kate DeVane, the executive director of the Island Autism Group, will be awarded the Joseph Sattler Jr. Award later this month in recognition of her efforts to serve Islanders with autism.

With its first major structures completed, the Island Autism Group will welcome community members to an open house this Saturday to tour the West Tisbury campus that has been over a decade in the making.

The Island’s first residential center for adults with autism is nearing a major milestone, with one of its buildings potentially opening as early as next year.

Open space and affordable housing are the hallmarks of the master plan Island Autism Group unveiled in front of the Martha’s Vineyard Commission last Thursday.

Kate DeVane founded the Island Autism group 13 years ago with Marcy Bettencourt. Together they have built a nonprofit that continues to grow and adapt.

The Island Autism Group and the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank have teamed up to purchase a 17.5-acre former farm on Lambert’s Cove Road in West Tisbury for $1.2 million.