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♿ Miami-Dade Disability & Autism Newsletter 🧩

Good morning, my fellow Miamians 🦩

The first full week of school has a particular sound: an alarm going off before the sun, then a long silence while everyone remembers how mornings work. The cheap summer movies are down to their last week, and what's on the calendar now only happens because it's late August. A mud pit built on purpose for neurodiverse families in Coral Gables. A city turning 100 with carnival rides on The Circle. A museum downtown that lowers the lights and the volume on Sunday so a child can take the galleries at their own speed.

The tax holiday ends Thursday, so if there's still a backpack on the list, this is the week. And there's a free autism talent show in December that I'd make the drive to West Palm for.

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Today's Edition Includes

1. Spectrum Stars Autism Talent Show
2. As the school year starts, it's a good time to get reacquainted with CARD​
3. This Week’s Inclusive events calendar
4. August's Inclusive events calendar
5. Ongoing Monthly inclusive events
6. Events Further Out to plan ahead for

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Victor Antunez • (305) 401-6224

Real Estate Professional 🔑 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.

📚 FREE BOOK DOWNLOADS​​

1. ​Future-Proofing Your Special Needs Child: Essential Legal, Financial, and Life Strategies for Florida Families​
2. ​​​Miami-Dade Special Needs Resource Directory​
3. ​The Ultimate Home Buying Guide: For Families with Special Needs​

Spectrum Stars Autism Talent Show

I usually keep this to what's happening right here in Miami-Dade, but every so often something comes along that's worth the drive, and this looks like one of them.

As the school year starts, it's a good time to get reacquainted with CARD

Part 1

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Part 2

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🫶🏼 This Week's Inclusive Events

WEDNESDAY

​Paragon Theaters $2 Kids' Movies, 10am: Discounted kids' films

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THURSDAY

​Adaptive Cook & Create for Teens, 6-8:30pm: Teens 13-17 follow a recipe, cook a meal, and make a craft. $15 per person. Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center Teaching Kitchen, 405 University Drive

​Paragon Theaters $2 Kids' Movies, 10am: Discounted kids' films.

​Autism Moms' Night Off, hosted by Inclusive Mamas Connect at The Break Room, ​7pm: Private room experience with protective gear and equipment provided, plus light bites and refreshments. Advance registration required. 1912 NW 20 Street

​Nurturing Parenting Program for Children with Special Needs, 9:30am-12:30pm: 12-week program for parents and caregivers of children ages 0-5 with special needs and health challenges: discipline strategies, behavior encouragement, and caregiver self-care. Registration required. Coral Reef Branch Library, 9211 Coral Reef Dr

​Mini Picassos, 3-5pm: Sensory-friendly open art session for ages 6-12, materials provided. Main Library Children's Department, 101 W Flagler St

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FRIDAY

​Vizcaya Educator Appreciation, 6:30-9:30pm: Music and hands-on activities, honoring Miami teachers. $15 adults, $5 kids 6-12, free under 6, free for educators. 3251 S Miami Ave

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SATURDAY

​Mud Day, 11am-2:30pm: Mud pools, mud-ball targets, and dinosaur digs, with an open-air shower and changing tents onsite. For neurodiverse families across the lifespan. $10 per vehicle. Ruth Bryan Owen Waterway Park, 3940 Granada Blvd

​AMC Sensory-Friendly Screenings: At participating locations

​Miami Springs Centennial Day, 3-11pm: The city turns 100 with live music, carnival rides, food trucks, and family activities at The Circle, 100 Curtiss Parkway. Residents free with wristband; non-residents $40 per wristband.

​Inclusive Playdate at loanDepot park, hosted by Inclusive Mamas Connect, ​4:10pm: Complimentary family 4-pack to watch the Marlins take on the Washington Nationals. 501 Marlins Way

​Storytime Extravaganza Back to School Celebration, 10am - 12pm: Early literacy with musical storytime, multi-sensory storywalk with Braille and audio, bean bag toss game, and crafts. Ages 0 - 11. For more information: 305-375-4116, Westchester Regional Library, 9445 Coral Way

​All The World's A Stage! Weekend at Miami Children's Museum, Saturday and Sunday: Improv, musical theatre, costume design, and puppetry workshops with the museum's Theater Troupe. 980 MacArthur Cswy

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SUNDAY

​Sensory Sunday at Museum of Miami, 10am-1pm: Explore the galleries at your own pace, plus a sensory-inclusive room and building-blocks area, designed for families of neurodiverse children and young adults. FREE with required registration. 101 W Flagler St

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​Now through August 20th Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday​

​​Now 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

​Now through October 31st, Bugtopia at Zoo Miami: 13 giant animatronic insects, with bug-detective microscope stations where kids earn a junior entomologist certificate.

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Days & Times May Change 🔦 Confirm Before Going

📌 Do you know of events or programs in Miami-Dade that belong here? Hit reply and I'll add them ✏️

August's Inclusive Events Calendar 🗓

​Wednesday August 26th, My 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 August 29th, Disability Resource Fair, 10am-3pm: Hosted by the Miami-Dade PIOD ADA Office. Miami-Dade Fairgrounds, Fuchs Pavilion, 10901 SW 24 St

​Saturday August 29th - Sunday August 30th, Say 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

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Days & Times May Change 🔦 Confirm Before Going

📌 Do you know of events or programs in Miami-Dade that belong here? Hit reply and I'll add them ✏️

Ongoing Inclusive Events ✈️

Every Wednesday

​Every Wednesday, Ability 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

​Every Wednesday: AMC Sensory-Friendly Screenings: Adult audiences at participating locations

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Every Thursday

​Every Thursday, Veterans Adaptive Fishing at Shake-A-Leg Miami: 2620 S Bayshore Dr, Coconut Grove

3rd Thursday

​FREE, The Bass Museum, 6-9pm: 2100 Collins Ave, Miami Beach

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1st Friday

​FREE, Coral Gables Museum Gallery Night 6-9pm: 285 Aragon Ave

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Every Saturday

​Every Saturday, We Can Sail at Shake-A-Leg Miami, ​10am-2pm: Inclusive sailing, and waterfront activities for all experience levels. 2620 S Bayshore Dr

1st Saturday

​FREE, Gold Coast Railroad Museum 10am-4pm: At the entrance to Zoo Miami

​FREE, The Home Depot Kids Workshop 9am: Activities & crafts

2nd Saturday

​AMC Sensory-Friendly Screenings: At participating locations

​FREE with RSVP, Miami Children’s Museum, 9-11am: Sensory Friendly Activities for Kids, 980 MacArthur Cswy

​Museum of Miami 12-5pm: FREE Family Fun Day, 101 W Flagler Street

​FREE, Perez Art Museum (PAMM) 11am-3pm: Activities for children and adults, guided tours, guest artists, films, and performances. 1103 Biscayne Blvd

​FREE, The Sensory Lab: Ages 3-12, for details text Elton: 305.878.9654, 5825 SW 68 Street, Suite 2

3rd Saturday

​FREE, Coral Gables Museum Family Day 10am-6pm: Family Day, 285 Aragon Ave

​FREE, Frost Museum of Science 'JUST FOR ME' ​10am-11:30am: Sensory-friendly experience for kids with disabilities, 1101 Biscayne Blvd (limited number of FREE admissions)

​Miami-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

​Paradox Museum Sensory Friendly Sessions, 9 - 11am: $10 per person with 50% of proceeds benefiting The Dan Marino Foundation, 2301 N Miami Ave

4th Saturday

​AMC Sensory-Friendly Screenings: At participating locations

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Every Sunday

​​Every Sunday, Social 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

​Chuck E. Cheese, 9-11am: Opens early exclusively for Sensory Sensitive Sunday (Kendall, Hialeah, Aventura)

​LEGO Club, 10am: All supplies provided. Designed for people with disabilities, all welcome. Ruth Bryan Owen Waterway Park, 3940 Granada Blvd

Last Sunday

​FREE, The Bass Museum Family Day and Art Activities, 12-5pm: 2100 Collins Ave, Miami Beach

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Monthly, Dates Vary

​My Squad, 6-9pm: Social club for adults with IDD at Ruth Bryan Owen Waterway Park, 3940 Granada Blvd.

​Miami-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.

​SUPERBLUE Miami, Sensory-friendly sessions, 9am-10am: 1101 NW 23 St, tickets $5 - $15

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Days & Times May Change 🔦 Confirm Before Going

📌 Do you know of events or programs in Miami-Dade that belong here? Hit reply and I'll add them ✏️

⏳ Events Further Out to Plan Ahead For

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

​Saturday September 12th, Swim with a Mermaid, 1 - 3pm: Swim with a mermaid in the shallow water grotto, mermaid in the water 1:30-2:30. For neurodiverse families across the lifespan. $15 per vehicle. Ruth Bryan Owen Waterway Park, 3940 Granada Blvd

​Saturday September 12th, Miami-Dade County’s 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

​Thursday 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.com​

​Friday 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

​Saturday September 19th, VIP 305 Gala "Night with Purpose, 7pm - Midnight: Gala 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

​Saturday 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

​Monday & 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

​Saturday September 26th, Bella’s Ball,​ 6:30pm​: At Trump National Doral Miami, 4400 NW 87 Ave

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

​Saturday 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

​Sunday 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

​Sunday October 18th 9am: Superblue Sensory-Friendly Session: Sessions for guests who are neurodiverse or 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

​Saturday 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

​Sunday November 1st, Autism Society of Miami-Dade 5K Run/Walk at Zoo Miami: Check-in opens at 6:30am, race begins at 8am

​Saturday November 7th, A Night in Paradise 2026 Journey of Dreams Gala, ​7pm: 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

​Saturday November 7th, Amigos Night 2026, ​8pm – 1am: 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, 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

​Saturday 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

​Thursday 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.

​Friday 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

​Saturday 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

​Saturday 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

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Days & Times May Change 🔦 Confirm Before Going

📌 Do you know of events or programs in Miami-Dade that belong here? Hit reply and I'll add them ✏️

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