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

STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS

CHRISTINA RODRIGUEZ OF UM-NSU UCARD

ON NEURODIVERSITY FOR UMSOA STUDENTS 

We teach Universal Design to graduate and upper level undergraduate students at the University of Miami School of Architecture – a top 50 program out of more than 500 schools of architecture. 

While much of the focus is on designing for people with mobility impairments -- we also spend a great deal of time educating future architects about design that improves lives for people with visual impairments, hearing impairments and those in the neurodiversity community.

Christina Rodriguez is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst & case manager in Applied Research & Behavioral Training division at the University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities.

Prior to working at CARD, Christina was a special education teacher for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in a self-contained classroom setting for over nine years.

She has a master’s in Special Education with a specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorders & a masters in psychology with a concentration on Applied Behavior Analysis.