MIAMI CITY COMMISSIONER RALPH “RAFAEL’ ROSADO WILL CREATE AN ADVISORY BOARD TO ADVOCATE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

HE ANNOUNCED THIS GIANT STEP FORWARD WHILE UNVEILING SUPERHERO PARK – THE FIRST FULLY ADA AND AUTISM-FOCUSED SENSORY PARK IN MIAMI

Miami City Commissioner Ralph “Rafael” Rosado unveiled the city’s first 100% ADA compliant/Autism-focused park. 

⁦He shared the concept plan for Superhero Park, the city’s &county’s first ADA plus Autism-focused sensory park at 235 NW 26 Ave. in Miami City Commission District 4.

I’m proud to support longtime friend Ralph “Rafael” Rosado at today’s press conference.

I have known Rosado for 2+ decades.

It is great to see him grow as a leader/elected official who truly understands the needs of people with disabilities.

At the press conference this month, Rosado also announced he will be forming a commission on disability for the City Of Miami.

HOW TO CHOOSE A COLLEGE WITH A DISABILITY

MDA QUEST MEDIA

In addition to visiting a college campus, talking with students — especially students with similar disabilities — can give you a fuller picture of campus life.

Jonathan Lengel, who lives with congenital muscular dystrophy, (CMD) and uses a power wheelchair, is pursuing a double major in digital technologies/emerging media and music at Fordham University’s Lincoln Center campus in New York City, asked Fordham to connect him to another wheelchair user on campus.

He asked them if campus facilities have accessible entrances, if elevators are well-maintained, and whether the university does a good job of clearing ice and snow from the accessible paths of travel.

It was invaluable to get this information from a source with lived experience.

“They are the keys to the kingdom — find out how their experience has been,” he says.

 

HOW TO CHOOSE A COLLEGE WITH A DISABILITY

MDA QUEST MEDIA

“Start early.

Visit the school in your sophomore or junior year of high school. Reach out to the disability office and gauge how proactive it is.

This saved me a lot of time,” said Jonathan Lengel, who lives with congenital muscular dystrophy, (CMD) and uses a power wheelchair, is pursuing a double major in digital technologies/emerging media and music at Fordham University’s Lincoln Center campus in New York City.

…noting that he used in-person visits to weed out some campuses with old buildings that weren’t retrofitted with ramps and elevators.

However, if there are accessibility issues at a school you like, don’t write them off until you’ve asked if they will address the issues.

When Jonathan committed to Fordham, the school began modifying his on-campus residence and had it ready for his fall move-in.

“Always remember, self-advocacy is the most powerful tool,” he says.

 

HOW TO CHOOSE A COLLEGE WITH A DISABILITY

MDA QUEST MEDIA

Jonathan Lengel, who lives with congenital muscular dystrophy, (CMD) and uses a power wheelchair, is pursuing a double major in digital technologies/emerging media and music at Fordham University’s Lincoln Center campus in New York City.

In high school, Jonathan worked with Annie Tulkin, MS, CEO and Founder of Accessible College, LLC. to create a list of questions to ask disability offices about housing, transportation, and overall accessibility at the schools he was considering.

HOW TO CHOOSE A COLLEGE WITH A DISABILITY

MDA QUEST MEDIA

If you need accommodations in college, you’ll request them through your school’s disability services office, which requires disclosing information about your disability.

“It’s important to understand that the disability services office is separate from the admissions department,” says Annie Tulkin, MS, CEO and Founder of Accessible College, LLC.

“Information that a student may share with the office prior to acceptance and enrollment is not shared with the admissions department.”

Commissioner Rosado to Announce First Fully ADA and Autism-Focused Sensory Park

on World Autism Awareness Day

Commissioner Rosado to Announce First Fully ADA and Autism-Focused Sensory Park on World Autism Awareness Day

(Miami, FL – March 31, 2026)  - In recognition of World Autism Awareness Day, City of Miami Commissioner Ralph “Rafael” Rosado will host a press conference to unveil a groundbreaking initiative: the development of the city’s and county’s first fully ADA-compliant, autism-focused sensory park.

This landmark project represents a major step forward in Miami’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, equity, and inclusion for all residents. Designed to provide a safe, engaging, and supportive environment, the sensory park will feature thoughtfully curated spaces that accommodate individuals with autism and other sensory sensitivities.

The announcement will take place at Miami City Hall, bringing together community leaders, advocates, educators, and organizations dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities and their families.

Participating organizations includes Autism Speaks, The Miami Foundation, S.T.A.R.S., Spectrum Family, Easter Seals South Florida, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, and Miami-Dade County.

Members of the media and public are encouraged to attend.

 

WHO: Commissioner Ralph “Rafael” Rosado
WHAT: Announcement of Miami’s First Fully ADA and Autism-Focused Sensory Park
WHEN: Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 10:30 AM
WHERE: Miami City Hall – Commission Chambers, 3500 Pan American Drive, Miami, FL

 

CONTACT:

Jennifer Torna
Director of Communications, City of Miami, District 4
JTorna@miamigov.com

HOW TO CHOOSE A COLLEGE WITH A DISABILITY

MDA QUEST MEDIA

When choosing a college, a student with a disability should consider access to specialized care.

If you’re moving away from home, you’ll probably need to build a new team of physicians, physical therapists, and other specialists.

An isolated college campus, or one far from a neuromuscular care center, may not have appropriate providers nearby.

Most colleges have a disability services office (sometimes called an accessibility, access, or ADA office) to ensure access for students with disabilities in compliance with federal law.

Some offices go beyond compliance to serve as advocates for their students and promote inclusive campus life.