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βΏ Miami-Dade Disability & Autism Newsletter π§©
Good morning, my fellow Miamians π¦©
The ADA turned 36 on Sunday and Miami Beach commemorates it Tuesday with the Karen Peterson Dancers, a dance company with performers in wheelchairs and dancers with conditions like Multiple Sclerosis.
The rest of the week doesn't slow down. Wednesday has 3 meetups across the county for toddlers to adults with IDD. Friday & Saturday the Florida Youth Council sends young leaders with disabilities ages 15-30 to Orlando, no parents in the building. Back home on Saturday the Children's Trust Family Expo takes over the Fairgrounds. Sunday has its own lineup: Shake-A-Leg on the water in the Grove, LEGO Club in the Gables, family art at ICA Miami, and a quiet Chuck E. Cheese for Sensory Sensitive Sunday at 3 locations.
If you need a reason to leave the house in this heat, the week just handed you a laundry list of reasons.
Today's Edition Includes
- This Weekβs Inclusive Events Calendar
- Back To School Events
- August's Inclusive Events Calendar
- Events Further Out to Plan Ahead For
- Ongoing (Monthly) Inclusive Events
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Victor Antunez β’ (305) 401-6224
Real Estate Professional π Autism Dadvocate
PS. If buying or selling a home has been on your mind lately, and you want to talk it through, feel free to text me anytime at (305) 401-6224.
PSS. Nothing means more than a real estate referral. If someone comes to mind, send them my way.
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π«ΆπΌ This Week's Inclusive Events
βWednesday July 29th 11am-12pm: Sensory Friendly Playtime at the Library. Sensory-friendly play for kids ages 0-5 with sensory integration challenges, caregivers welcome. North Shore Branch, 7501 Collins Ave
βWednesday 5-6pm: Ability Allies, Fun Without Limits at the Library. Inclusive social meetup for special needs teens ages 16+ and their families, sensory-friendly activities and creative play. Coral Reef Branch, 9211 Coral Reef Drive
βWednesday My Squad 6-9pm: Social club for adults with IDD at Ruth Bryan Owen Waterway Park, 3940 Granada Blvd. Search "My Squad" at playgables.comβ
βWednesdays: AMC Sensory-Friendly Screenings Adult audiences at participating locations
βThursdays: Veterans Adaptive Fishing at Shake-A-Leg Miami 2620 S Bayshore Dr, Coconut Grove
βFriday to Saturday: The Florida Youth Council's 19th Annual Youth Summit in Orlando. For young people with disabilities between the ages of 15 and 30. Sessions cover workplace preparedness, transition, post-secondary schooling, and a dance party to close things out.
βSaturdays 10am-2pm: We Can Sail at Shake-A-Leg Miami Inclusive sailing, and waterfront activities for all experience levels. 2620 S Bayshore Dr
βSaturday AMC Sensory-Friendly Screenings: At participating locations
βSaturday βFamily Expoβ 10am-3pm: Free admission & parking. Get an Uber Voucher for up to $15 each way by entering code FAMILYEXPO26 in the Uber app, valid until 4pm. Miami-Dade Fairgrounds, Arnold Hall, 10901 SW 24 St
ββSundays: Social Program at Shake-A-Leg Miami Water activities, socialization, and professional training for students & young adults with IDD in a safe and supportive environment, 2620 S Bayshore Dr, Coconut Grove
βSunday Chuck E. Cheese 9-11am: Opens early exclusively for Sensory Sensitive Sunday (Kendall, Hialeah, Aventura)
βSunday LEGO Club: All supplies provided for kids ages 5-12 with IDD at Ruth Bryan Owen Waterway Park, 3940 Granada Blvd. For info: PlayForAll@CoralGables.comβ
ββSundays: Institute of Contemporary Art Children of all abilities engage with art through activities inspired by the museumβs exhibitions. Kids Pre-K to 2nd grade, 61 NE 41 St
π Back To School Events βοΈ
βFriday 5pm: Hialeah Back-to-School Bash. Free school supplies, Kid Zone, and raffles. Stay for the National Night Out with the Hialeah Police Department. Milander Park, 4800 Palm Ave
βFriday 4-6pm: Free Backpacks at Total Wireless. Free backpacks and school supplies while they last. 12192 NW 7 Ave, North Miami
βSaturday 10am-1pm: Miami International Mall Back to School Bash. Free backpack and school supply giveaway hosted by Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez, plus a back-to-school fashion show and tax-free shopping. Center Court & Macy's Women's Court
βSaturday 12pm-3pm: Back to School Bash 2026. Free school supplies and giveaways. 1866 NW 51 Ter
βSaturday 10am-1pm: Back to School & Mission Ready! Free school supplies and family resources. Florida Blue, 13665 Biscayne Blvd, North Miami Beach
βSaturday 10am-1pm: Back to School & Mission Ready! Same free supply drive at the Hialeah center. Florida Blue, 1001 W. 49 St, Hialeah
βSaturday 10am-2pm: Join Cristina's Academy and Kinetic Students, families, and neighbors for an in-person event to celebrate the spirit of new beginnings at the Arthur & Polly Mays Conservatory of the Arts, 11700 SW 216 St
βSaturday 11am-1pm: VOUS Back to School Bash. Free supplies and family fun. Charles Hadley Park, Samuel K. Johnson Youth Center, 1350 NW 50 St
βSaturday August 1st 11am-5pm: Free Back to School Celebration. Supplies and community resources. At the Culture To Kingdom Markets, 10900 NW 7 Ave., Miami
βNow through August 20th Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday. No sales tax on clothing, footwear, and accessories priced $100 or less, and school supplies $50 or less. Miami-Dade schools open August 13
βNow through September 27th: POP AIR, Art is Inflatable at Balloon Museum. A walk-through exhibit of large-scale inflatable installations you can move through and touch. Mana Wynwood Convention Center, 318 NW 23 St. Mom Approved Miami (code MOMAPPROVED for a discount)
βNow through October 31st: Bugtopia at Zoo Miami. 13 giant animatronic insects, with bug-detective microscope stations where kids earn a junior entomologist certificate. Included with admission. 12400 SW 152 St
Days & Times May Change π¦ Confirm Before Going
π Do you know of inclusive events or sensory-friendly programs in Miami-Dade that belong here? Hit reply and I'll add them βοΈ
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August's Inclusive Events Calendar π
βWednesday August 5th 6pm-8pm: Branchesβ 2026 Back To School Bash. Networking, food, and drinks while making an impact in the lives of over 550 students. UM Newman Alumni Center, 6200 San Amaro Dr
Saturday August 8th 8am-3pm: One Year Anniversary Party at No Limits Coffee Shop. Celebrate the shop's 1st year with raffles, giveaways, live music, and great food. 13920 SW 47 St
Saturday August 8th 11am-3pm: Leaders with a Destiny Summit. Alliance Community & Employment Services (ACES) for youth, families, educators, employers, and community organizations for individuals with disabilities and underserved communities. Miami Dade College North, 11380 NW 27 Ave
βSaturday August 8th 11am-1:30pm: Back to School & After School Celebration with Miami Kids Magazine. Face painting, entertainment, and school supplies. Free eye exams and glasses from Miami Lighthouse, by appointment (305-856-9830). Sunset Place, 5701 Sunset Drive
βSaturday August 15th 10am-2pm: Love Serving Autism Tennis Workshop. Learn how to introduce tennis to individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Free for coaches, volunteers, school, rec staff, etc. No tennis ability needed. 7300 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne
Saturday August 29th 10am-3pm: Disability Resource Fair hosted by the Miami-Dade PIOD ADA Office at Fuchs Pavilion, Miami-Dade Fairgrounds, 10901 SW 24 St
Days & Times May Change π¦ Confirm Before Going
π Do you know of inclusive events or sensory-friendly programs in Miami-Dade that belong here? Hit reply and I'll add them βοΈ
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π¦ Events Further Out to Plan Ahead For
Tuesday September 8th 6:30pm: CARD Just for Moms Support Group for Moms raising children with autism and related disabilities. Must be registered with CARD. Meetings are at 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Room 502. RSVP Daniela Chaparro at dchaparro@miami.edu
βSaturday September 12th 8:30am-11:30am: Miami-Dade Countyβs Adopt-a-Tree Program provides homeowners with 2 free trees every year. Zoo Miami, 12400 SW 152 St
Tuesday September 15th 6:30pm: CARD Just for Dads Support Group for Dads raising children with autism and related disabilities. Must be registered with CARD. Meetings are at 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Room 502. RSVP Dr. Alessandri at malessandri@miami.edu
βFriday September 18th 10:45am-2pm: Celebrating the Hearts Behind the Mission, a luncheon hosted by Many Happy Hearts marking nearly 2 decades of non-profit work. Individual and table sponsorships are available. 1200 Anastasia Ave, Coral Gables
βSaturday September 19th 7pm - Midnight: VIP Gala "Night with Purpose" an unforgettable evening dedicated to empowering youth, supporting individuals with special needs, and creating meaningful impact. Ages 15+ accompanied by an adult over 21. Trump National Doral Miami, 4400 NW 87 Ave
βMonday & Tuesday September 21-22nd 8am - 5pm: FIU Embrace Disability Conference: From Evidence To Action, Turning Knowledge Into Systems Change. 11200 SW 8 St, GC Ballrooms G140/150
βSaturday September 26th 6:30pm: Bellaβs Ball 630pm at Trump National Doral Miami, 4400 NW 87 Ave
βSunday October 4th 1pm-5pm: Not So Scary Halloween Bash. Put on your best costume and get ready to trick or treat throughout Miami Children's Museum. Activities: pumpkin decorating, spooky arts & crafts, lunch, and character meet & greets.
Tuesday October 13th 6:30pm: CARD Just for Moms Support Group for Moms raising children with autism and related disabilities. Must be registered with CARD. Meetings are at 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Room 502. RSVP Daniela Chaparro at dchaparro@miami.edu
βSunday October 18th 9am: Superblue Sensory-Friendly Session welcomes guests who are neurodiverse or other disabilities. 1101 NW 23 Street
Tuesday October 20th 6:30pm: CARD Just for Dads Support Group for Dads raising children with autism and related disabilities. Must be registered with CARD. Meetings are at 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Room 502. RSVP Dr. Alessandri at malessandri@miami.edu
βFriday October 23rd - Saturday March 20, 2027: Partners in Policymaking Leadership and Advocacy Training Program teaches individuals with developmental disabilities and caregivers to become community leaders and catalysts for systems change
βSunday November 1st: Autism Society of Miami-Dade Annual 5K Run/Walk at Zoo Miami check-in opens at 6:30am, race begins at 8am
βSaturday November 7th 8pm β 1am: Amigos Night 2026 Supporting programs empowering families through after-school enrichment, parent education, and wrap-around support. The Hangar at Regatta Harbour, 3385 Pan American Drive
Tuesday November 10th 6:30pm: CARD Just for Moms Support Group for Moms raising children with autism and related disabilities. Must be registered with CARD. Meetings are at 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Room 502. RSVP Daniela Chaparro at dchaparro@miami.edu
Tuesday November 17th 6:30pm: CARD Just for Dads Support Group for Dads raising children with autism and related disabilities. Must be registered with CARD. Meetings are at 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Room 502. RSVP Dr. Alessandri at malessandri@miami.edu
Tuesday December 8th 6:30pm: CARD Just for Moms Support Group for Moms raising children with autism and related disabilities. Must be registered with CARD. Meetings are at 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Room 502. RSVP Daniela Chaparro at dchaparro@miami.edu
Tuesday December 15th 6:30pm: CARD Just for Dads Support Group for Dads raising children with autism and related disabilities. Must be registered with CARD. Meetings are at 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Room 502. RSVP Dr. Alessandri at malessandri@miami.edu
Days & Times May Change π¦ Confirm Before Going
π Do you know of inclusive events or sensory-friendly programs in Miami-Dade that belong here? Hit reply and I'll add them βοΈ
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Ongoing Inclusive Events βοΈ
Last Wednesday
βMy Squad 6-9pm: Social club for adults with IDD at Ruth Bryan Owen Waterway Park, 3940 Granada Blvd. Search "My Squad" at playgables.comβ
3rd Thursday
βThe Bass Museum 6-9pm: FREE Admission, 2100 Collins Ave, Miami Beach
1st Friday
βCoral Gables Museum Gallery Night 6-9pm: FREE, 285 Aragon Ave
1st Saturday
βGold Coast Railroad Museum: FREE, at the entrance to Zoo Miami
βThe Home Depot Kids Workshop 9am: FREE activities & crafts
2nd Saturday
βAMC Sensory-Friendly Screenings: At participating locations
βMiami Childrenβs Museum 9-11am: FREE with RSVP, Sensory Friendly Activities for Kids, 980 MacArthur Cswy
βMuseum of Miami 12-5pm: FREE Family Fun Day, 101 W Flagler Street
βParadox Museum Miami Sensory Friendly Saturday 9 - 11am: $10 per person with 50% of proceeds benefiting the Dan Marino Foundation, 2301 N Miami Ave
βPerez Art Museum (PAMM) 11am-3pm: FREE, activities for children and adults, guided tours, guest artists, films, and performances. 1103 Biscayne Blvd
βThe Sensory Lab: FREE, ages 3-12, for details text Elton: 305.878.9654, 5825 SW 68 Street, Suite 2
3rd Saturday
βCoral Gables Museum Family Day 10am-6pm: FREE Family Day, 285 Aragon Ave
βFrost Museum of Science 'JUST FOR ME' β10am-1130am: Sensory-friendly experience for kids with disabilities, 1101 Biscayne Blvd (limited number of FREE admissions)
βMiami-Dade Tax Collector Neuro-Inclusive Service Day 8:30am - 4:30pm: Connect with county services: handicap & autism decal, Florida ID cards, voter registration, disability tax exemption assistance, and disabilities sunflower lanyards, 200 NW 2 Ave
4th Saturday
βAMC Sensory-Friendly Screenings: At participating locations
1st Sunday
βChuck E. Cheese: opens early 9 - 11am exclusively for Sensory Sensitive Sunday (Kendall, Hialeah, Aventura)
βLEGO Club: All supplies provided. Designed for kids ages 5-12 with IDD at Ruth Bryan Owen Waterway Park: 3940 Granada Blvd. For info email: PlayForAll@CoralGables.comβ
Last Sunday
βThe Bass Museum Family Day FREE Admission and Art Activities: 12-5pm. 2100 Collins Ave, Miami Beach
Monthly, Dates Vary
βMiami-Dade Public Library Inclusive Programs: For kids & teens with intellectual or developmental disabilities, featuring movies, crafts, and gaming in an environment where jumping, dancing, singing, and shouting are welcome, plus inclusive social meetup groups for special needs children and teens with their families.
βSUPERBLUE: Sensory-friendly sessions from 9am-10am, Tickets $5 - $15
Days & Times May Change π¦ Confirm Before Going
π Do you know of inclusive events or sensory-friendly programs in Miami-Dade that belong here? Hit reply and I'll add them βοΈ
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Have a great Miami day 𦩠Iβll see you out there
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Share This Newsletter With A Friend Who Needs It π«ΆπΌ
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