Miramar, NSU launch pilot program to support autism community
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Key Points(5)
- The City of Miramar and Nova Southeastern University (NSU) have launched a pilot initiative to improve support, access to services and social inclusion for individuals with autism and related developmental disabilities and their families.
- The Miramar Autism Community Initiative (MACI) will focus on training community service providers, helping families navigate available resources and creating more opportunities for social connection across the South Florida city.
- The initiative follows focus group discussions conducted jointly by the city and NSU to identify residents’ needs.
- Four priorities emerged: training for people and organizations serving individuals with autism; transition planning and employment opportunities; access to information and services; and social connection and belonging.
- City leaders, NSU representatives and the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) met on October 26 to discuss the initiative’s next steps.
The City of Miramar and Nova Southeastern University (NSU) have launched a pilot initiative to improve support, access to services and social inclusion for individuals with autism and related developmental disabilities and their families.
The Miramar Autism Community Initiative (MACI) will focus on training community service providers, helping families navigate available resources and creating more opportunities for social connection across the South Florida city.
The initiative follows focus group discussions conducted jointly by the city and NSU to identify residents’ needs. Four priorities emerged: training for people and organizations serving individuals with autism; transition planning and employment opportunities; access to information and services; and social connection and belonging.
City leaders, NSU representatives and the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) met on October 26 to discuss the initiative’s next steps. The meeting included Commissioner Maxwell B. Chambers, who is supporting the program, and City Manager Dr. Roy Virgin, along with city staff and representatives from NSU and CARD.
“Families in Miramar told us what they need, and we listened. This initiative is about making sure every resident, regardless of ability, feels understood and supported in our city,” Chambers said.
MACI will pursue two main areas of work. The first involves developing a training framework for municipal employees, community organizations, local businesses, educators, health care professionals and families.
Potential training topics include autism awareness and acceptance, communication strategies, de-escalation techniques, sensory-friendly practices, inclusive recreation programming and customer service. Specialized training may also be developed for first responders, parks and recreation employees, library staff and after-school program providers.
The second area will focus on social connections and community engagement. The city and NSU plan to create more opportunities for individuals with autism and their families to participate in Miramar’s social, cultural, recreational and civic activities, with the goal of reducing isolation and strengthening peer networks and family support systems.
The partners expect the initiative to improve awareness among city employees and community organizations, make municipal programs and services more accessible, and help families feel more confident navigating available resources.
“NSU shares the City of Miramar’s steadfast commitment to improving the lives of individuals with autism and their families. Together, we will continue to build a more inclusive and welcoming community for all residents of Miramar,” said Dr. Carmen Session, associate dean of NSU’s Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice.
As a pilot program, MACI will allow the city and its partners to assess which approaches work best and use those findings to shape future community support efforts.
Residents seeking more information can contact Dr. Ann Marie McSwain, the City of Miramar’s chief operating officer for health and education, at aemcswain@miramarfl.gov.
