Pembroke Pines dubbed ‘Autism Friendly City’ by South Florida nonprofit
Pembroke Pines is celebrating an honor that’s making strides for the city’s neurodivergent population — South Florida’s latest “Autism Friendly City.”
The city’s newest title was awarded by the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD), a state-funded, nonprofit partnership program of the University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University, approximately one year after being proposed by Vice Mayor Mike Hernandez.
Accepting the honor on behalf of the city at the Wednesday, April 15, ceremony will be Ysela Heim, the Pembroke Pines mother and special education advocate who launched the initiative.
“Heim reached out to me last year and said, ‘You know, there are neighboring cities in Broward that have met this designation. ... We’re the second-most populous city in Broward,” Hernandez told the Pembroke Pines News on April 14.
“And I said, ‘Ysela, we gotta get this done then. What do you need me to do?’”
Other municipalities that have been dubbed by CARD as “autism friendly” include Cooper City, Miramar, Weston and Parkland.
So, what exactly qualifies Pembroke Pines for the designation?
According to the city, “(Demonstrating) a clear commitment to reducing barriers, improving everyday experiences, and promoting meaningful inclusion for residents with Autism Spectrum Disorder.”
What that looks like in practice: The installation of “communication boards” at 12 city parks for those with limited verbal communication, transforming Memorial Park into an ADA-inclusive playground, offering “Social Stories” — illustrated guides depicting social routines and expectations — at city facilities, and opening “quiet zones” at large Pines events.
That’s complemented by ongoing training on ASD for city officials, staff and contractors, Hernandez said.
“Before this item was brought up, the community wanted to see more planning and programming for neurodivergent children and adults,” the vice mayor said. “It’s a big deal. This is not a small undertaking. ... It really is transformational for our city.”
His hope is that local businesses join the push for autism inclusivity, bringing awareness and accommodations for neurodivergent customers or employees.
“It’s just natural for us to say, ‘Let’s take another step toward inclusivity and help the neurodivergent population and extend this as an opportunity for them to feel like Pembroke Pines is listening to them and caring for them,’” Hernandez said.
The April 15 designation ceremony starts at 6:30 p.m. and will be held at City Hall, 601 City Center Way.
For more information, check Pembroke Pines’ website or Instagram.
