Coral Gables' Advisory Board on Disability Affairs will take up the city's pursuit of an Autism Friendly City designation from the University of Miami when it meets Oct. 7.
The designation, offered through the UM-NSU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD), has been on the board's agenda since August. CARD, headquartered on Ponce de Leon Boulevard in Coral Gables, defines "autism friendly" as providing a welcoming, compassionate and nonjudgmental environment for people with autism spectrum disorder and related disabilities. The process involves staff training, sensory-friendly spaces and social narratives, according to CARD's website. The designation is free.
Board Chair Champions Broader Inclusion
Board chair Justine Chichester, who has used a walker since a spinal cord injury left her with paraplegia at 40, has pushed for broader inclusion in the city. "The more we see people with disabilities in everyday life, the more natural disability becomes a part of our world," Chichester wrote in a March 2026 newsletter for the Disability Independence Group.
Item Has Carried Over Since August
The item first appeared as new business at the board's Aug. 5 meeting, with city staff liaison Jose Rodriguez listed as the presenter. It has carried over as old business through September and into October. Pembroke Pines has already earned the designation from CARD, and all 50 branches of the Miami-Dade Public Library System hold autism-friendly status.
October Agenda Includes Employment Events
The Oct. 7 agenda also includes a proclamation recognizing October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, set for the City Commission meeting on Oct. 13. Board member Eddy Martinez, owner of Coral Gables business Bliss Imprints, is leading an Employment Pathway Collaboration event scheduled for Oct. 23.
A director training session is planned for Oct. 9 at No Limits Coffee Shop, a Miami cafe that employs people with disabilities including Down syndrome and autism.
Meeting Details and Upcoming Dates
The board meets at 10 a.m. in the Human Resources Conference Room at 254 Minorca Ave., Suite 214. Residents can also join by Zoom. The full agenda is available on the city's website.
Upcoming dates:
- Oct. 7 — Advisory Board on Disability Affairs meeting, 10 a.m., 254 Minorca Ave., Suite 214
- Oct. 9 — Director training, No Limits Coffee Shop, Miami
- Oct. 13 — Disability Employment Awareness Month proclamation, City Commission meeting
- Oct. 23 — Employment Pathway Collaboration event
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