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βΏ Miami-Dade Disability & Autism Newsletter π§©
Good morning, my fellow Miamians π¦©
Week 2 of the school year and Miami is already asking about next year. The big schools fair that kicks off admissions season just went on the calendar, and if you've ever spent a fall making 20 phone calls to 20 schools you'll know why one room with all of them in it is a gift.
Closer to home, the week has my favorite kind of range. Wednesday night in Coral Gables, adults with IDD make pasta from scratch and then hunt eggs by flashlight, and nobody asks why. Saturday, the county fills a pavilion at the Fairgrounds with every disability resource in the county, plus a sensory play area for the little ones. Bring your questions.
Today's Edition Includes
- Miami Schools Fair & Conference: The official kick-off of Miami's 2026 school admissions season
- New bill builds on the legacy of the ADA for autistic workers
- This Weekβs Events Calendar
- September's Events Calendar
- Ongoing Weekly & Monthly Events Calendar
- Events Further Out to Plan Ahead For
* * *
Victor Antunez β’ (305) 401-6224
Real Estate Professional π Autism Dadvocate
PS. If buying or selling a home is on your mind, and you want to talk it through, text or call me at (305) 401-6224
PSS. Nothing means more than a real estate referral. If someone comes to mind, please send them my way.
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Miami Schools Fair & Conference: The official kick-off of Miami's 2026 school admissions season.
Pre-K through high school parents can explore schools, engage in live conversations with school representatives, and discover innovative programs shaping education. Friday September 18th, 9am-12pm, registration opens at 8:45am. University of Miami, 1320 S Dixie Hwy
π Limited Seats Available - Get your tickets ποΈ
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π«ΆπΌ This Week's Events
WEDNESDAY
βMy Squad, 6-9pm: Social club for adults 18+ with IDD and/or autism. Pizza dinner, pasta from scratch, and a flashlight egg hunt. $5 per participant. Ruth Bryan Owen Waterway Park, 3940 Granada Blvd
SATURDAY
βDisability Resource Fair, 10am-3pm, FREE: Over 175 resources for individuals with disabilities, plus games, a sensory play area, and door prizes. Hosted by the Miami-Dade PIOD ADA Office. Miami-Dade Fairgrounds, Fuchs Pavilion, 10901 SW 24 St
SATURDAY & SUNDAY
βSay Yes to the Mess! at Miami Children's Museum: Bubble foam party, slime, and frozen paint popsicles on the mural. Bring a towel and a change of clothes. 980 MacArthur Cswy
SUNDAY
βThe Bass Museum Family Day, 12-5pm, FREE: Hands-on art making in the Creativity Center from 2-4pm, and scavenger-hunt art explorer guide through the galleries. 2100 Collins Ave, Miami Beach
ββNow through September 27th, Pop Air - Art is Inflatable at Balloon Museum, 10am - 8pm: Large inflatable installations you can walk through and touch. Mana Wynwood Convention Center, 318 NW 23 St
βNow through October 31st, Bugtopia at Zoo Miami: 13 giant animatronic insects, with bug-detective microscope stations where kids earn a junior entomologist certificate.
Days & Times May Change π¦ Confirm Before Going
π Do you know of events or programs in Miami-Dade that belong here? Hit reply and I'll add them βοΈ
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π September's Events Calendar
βMonday September 7th, Doral Water Park Labor Day BOGO Splash, 10am-6pm: Buy one admission get one FREE. Doral Central Park Water Park, 3005 NW 92nd Ave
Tuesday September 8th, CARD Just for Moms Support Group, 6:30pm: 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, Swim with a Mermaid, 1:30 - 3:30pm: Swim with a mermaid in the shallow water grotto. For neurodiverse families across the lifespan. $15 per vehicle. Ruth Bryan Owen Waterway Park, 3940 Granada Blvd
βSaturday September 12th, Miami-Dade Countyβs Adopt-a-Tree Program, 8:30am-11:30am: Provides homeowners with 2 free trees every year. Zoo Miami, 12400 SW 152 St
Sunday September 13th, Karen Peterson and Dancers Audition in Pinecrest, 12 noon: For individuals with and without disabilities for the 2026-2027 dance season. Includes paid rehearsal, performance, and teaching opportunities in the Miami-Dade Schools. For more info call Karen: 305-298-5879. 11760 SW 72 Ave
Tuesday September 15th, CARD Just for Dads Support Group, 6:30pm: 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
βThursday September 17th, Adaptive Cook and Create, 6pm: Teens 13-17 follow a recipe, prepare a meal, and make a craft while dinner cooks. War Memorial Youth Center, 405 University Drive. Questions: PlayForAll@CoralGables.comβ
βFriday September 18th, Celebrating the Hearts Behind the Mission, 10:45am-2pm: 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
βFriday September 18th, Miami Schools Fair & Conference, 9am-12pm: Pre-K through high school parents explore schools, meet school representatives, and preview programs. Registration opens at 8:45am. University of Miami, 1320 S Dixie Hwy
βSaturday September 19th, VIP 305 Gala "Night with Purpose," 7pm - Midnight: 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
βSaturday September 19th, Book Bash at Christopher Columbus High School, 10am - 1pm: Inclusive event celebrating literacy with free books, arts and crafts, games, prizes, and raffle. 3000 SW 87 Ave, L Building Lobby
βSunday September 20th, Chase a Cop 5K Run/Walk at Haulover Park, 7:05am: Proceeds benefit Florida law enforcement families through Bleeding Blue non-profit. $35 registration includes a race t-shirt, and every finisher receives a medal. Registration opens 5:30am; national anthem 7am; race start 7:05am; awards ceremony 8:30am. 10800 Collins Ave
βMonday & Tuesday September 21-22nd, FIU Embrace Disability Conference, 8am - 5pm: From Evidence To Action - Turning Knowledge Into Systems Change. 11200 SW 8 St, Graham Center Ballrooms G140/150
βSaturday September 26th, Bellaβs Ball,β 6:30pmβ: At Trump National Doral Miami, 4400 NW 87 Ave
βSunday September 27th, Miami Beach Cancer Walk, 9am-12pm: Uniting the community in the fight against cancer. Beach wheelchairs available. $30 donation includes the walk, an event t-shirt, and refreshments. Proceeds benefit Mount Sinai Cancer Medical Center. Altos Del Mar Park, 7600 Collins Ave
Days & Times May Change π¦ Confirm Before Going
π Do you know of events or programs in Miami-Dade that belong here? Hit reply and I'll add them βοΈ
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Ongoing Weekly & Monthly Events βοΈ
Every Wednesday
βAbility Allies: Fun Without Limits, 5-6pm: Inclusive social meetup for special needs teens ages 16+ and their families, with sensory-friendly activities and creative play. Caregiver participation encouraged. Coral Reef Branch Library, 9211 Coral Reef Dr
2nd & 4th Wednesday
βAMC Sensory-Friendly Screenings: Adult audiences at participating locations
Every Thursday
βVeterans Adaptive Fishing at Shake-A-Leg Miami: 2620 S Bayshore Dr, Coconut Grove
3rd Thursday
βFREE, The Bass Museum, 6-9pm: 2100 Collins Ave, Miami Beach
1st Friday
βFREE, Coral Gables Museum Gallery Night 6-9pm: 285 Aragon Ave
Every Saturday
βWe Can Sail at Shake-A-Leg Miami, 10am-2pm: Ages 6-22, inclusive sailing and waterfront activities. No experience needed. $50 per session. 2620 S Bayshore Dr
1st Saturday
βGold Coast Railroad Museum, 10am-4pm: Free admission with train rides available for purchase. 12450 SW 152 St, next to Zoo Miami
βFREE, The Home Depot Kids Workshop 9am: Activities & crafts
2nd Saturday
βAMC Sensory-Friendly Screenings: At participating locations
βFREE with RSVP, Miami Childrenβs Museum, 9-11am: Sensory Friendly Activities for Kids, 980 MacArthur Cswy
βMuseum of Miami 12-5pm: FREE Family Fun Day, 101 W Flagler Street
βFREE, Perez Art Museum (PAMM) 11am-3pm: Activities for children and adults, guided tours, guest artists, films, and performances. 1103 Biscayne Blvd
βFREE, The Sensory Lab: Ages 3-12, for details text Elton: 305.878.9654, 5825 SW 68 Street, Suite 2
3rd Saturday
βFREE, Coral Gables Museum Family Day 10am-6pm: Family Day, 285 Aragon Ave
βFREE, Frost Museum of Science 'JUST FOR ME' β10am-11:30am: 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: disability parking permit and autism decal, Florida ID cards, voter registration, disability tax exemption assistance, and disabilities sunflower lanyards, 200 NW 2 Ave
βParadox Museum Sensory Friendly Sessions, 9 - 11am: $10 per person with 50% of proceeds benefiting The Dan Marino Foundation, 2301 N Miami Ave
4th Saturday
βAMC Sensory-Friendly Screenings: At participating locations
Every Sunday
ββSocial Program at Shake-A-Leg Miami, 10am - 2pm: Water activities, socialization, and professional training for students & young adults with IDD in a safe and supportive environment, 2620 S Bayshore Dr
1st Sunday
βChuck E. Cheese, 9-11am: Opens early exclusively for Sensory Sensitive Sunday (Kendall, Hialeah, Aventura)
βLEGO Club, 10am: All supplies provided. Designed for people with disabilities, all welcome. Ruth Bryan Owen Waterway Park, 3940 Granada Blvd
Last Sunday
βThe Bass Museum Family Day, 12-5pm, FREE: Hands-on art making from 2-4pm, a scavenger-hunt art explorer guide through the galleries. 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 Miami, Sensory-friendly sessions, 9am-10am: 1101 NW 23 St, tickets $5 - $15
Days & Times May Change π¦ Confirm Before Going
π Do you know of events or programs in Miami-Dade that belong here? Hit reply and I'll add them βοΈ
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β³ Events Further Out to Plan Ahead For
Saturday October 3rd, Key Biscayne Inclusion & Disability Symposium, 9am-3pm: A full day for families raising children with disabilities, from early intervention and school supports to planning for adulthood and long-term security. Key Biscayne Community Center, 10 Green Way
βSaturday October 3rd, Fresh A.I.R. Messy Paint: Monthly series for neurodiverse families to explore accessibility in nature. Ruth Bryan Owen Waterway Park, 3940 Granada Blvd. Questions: PlayForAll@CoralGables.com
βSunday October 4th, Not So Scary Halloween Bash, 1pm - 5pm: Put on your best costume and get ready to trick or treat at Miami Children's Museum. Activities include pumpkin decorating, spooky arts & crafts, lunch, and character meet & greets.
Tuesday October 13th, CARD Just for Moms Support Group, 6:30pm: 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
βFriday October 16th - Saturday October 17th, Best Buddies Family Forever Conference: For parents and caregivers of individuals with IDD. Workshops, wellness sessions, expo, and a welcome reception to help families connect, learn, and recharge. $249 registration covers meals, workshops, and materials. Columbus, Ohio
βSunday October 18th, Superblue Sensory-Friendly Session, 9am: For guests who are neurodiverse or have other disabilities. 1101 NW 23 Street
Tuesday October 20th, CARD Just for Dads Support Group, 6:30pm: 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
βSaturday October 31, Parkinson's Moving Day Miami, 8:30am - 12 noon: The Parkinson's Foundation's FREE annual fundraising walk brings together people living with Parkinson's disease, their care partners, and loved ones for a family-friendly 1-mile walk course. Registration required. 7900 SW 40th St
βSunday November 1st, Autism Society of Miami-Dade 5K Run/Walk at Zoo Miami: Check-in opens at 6:30am, race begins at 8am
βSaturday November 7th, A Night in Paradise 2026 Journey of Dreams Gala, β7pm: Hosted by Parent to Parent of Miami at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami, fundraiser supporting families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. 255 Biscayne Blvd Way
βSaturday November 7th, Amigos Night 2026, 8pm-1am: 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, CARD Just for Moms Support Group, 6:30pm: 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 November 14th, Fresh A.I.R. Slime, 3 - 5pm: Monthly series for neurodiverse families to explore nature. Ruth Bryan Owen Waterway Park, 3940 Granada Blvd. Questions: PlayForAll@CoralGables.com
Tuesday November 17th, CARD Just for Dads Support Group, 6:30pm: 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
βThursday November 19th, Give Miami Day: The Miami Foundation's largest annual initiative, a 24-hour online fundraising event powering over 1,400 nonprofits across Miami-Dade. Early Giving opens November 14.
βFriday November 20th, Love Serving Autism's 5th Annual Match Point Gala at Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club in Boca Raton, 6-9pm: Proceeds support tennis instruction and life skills programs for individuals with IDD. 2425 W Maya Palm Dr, Boca Raton
βSaturday December 5th, Spectrum Stars Autism Talent Show, 3pm: FREE all-ages autism talent show. Cash prizes and every performer receives a trophy. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach
Tuesday December 8th, CARD Just for Moms Support Group, 6:30pm: 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 December 12th, Fresh A.I.R. Snow Magical, 2 - 4pm: Monthly series for neurodiverse families to explore nature. Ruth Bryan Owen Waterway Park, 3940 Granada Blvd. Questions: PlayForAll@CoralGables.com
Tuesday December 15th, CARD Just for Dads Support Group, 6:30pm: 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 events or 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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