The Pembroke Pines City Commission voted unanimously on Aug. 20 to support the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) initiative to make Pembroke Pines an "autism friendly city."

The vote came after a presentation from community volunteers and staff highlighting existing programs and proposed steps for formal recognition. Vice Mayor Michael Hernandez introduced the item and moved adoption; Commissioner Schwartz seconded the motion and the commission approved it unanimously.

The designation is intended to combine and publicize existing services — such as sensory-friendly recreation events, special-needs summer camps, partnerships with the YMCA, and staff training in police and fire departments — and to provide CARD-led training at no cost to the city. Michelle O'Haim, who said she serves on CARD’s board for the University of Miami office, described CARD as a free resource that partners with local service providers, schools and public safety staff to create inclusive programming and workplace opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.

Assistant City Manager Christina Goulding reviewed programs the city already runs that CARD would build on, including "Sensory Saturdays" and special-needs summer camp at the Frank; a special needs partnership with the YMCA; a program at the senior center for young adults with different abilities; fire-department sensory kits; and autism-specific programs at charter schools. Chief Jose Vargas of the Pembroke Pines Police Department spoke in support of the effort and thanked SROs and public-safety staff for their training and work with students.

Commissioners praised the proposal for formalizing steps the city already takes and for helping families and adults with developmental disabilities find employment and participate in community life. Commissioner Rodriguez called it "another step" in the city’s ongoing efforts to be welcoming and inclusive; Commissioner Goode and Mayor Castillo also voiced full support.

The commission returned the item to staff for implementation planning and authorized city cooperation with CARD on training, public information and partner recognition. The vote was recorded as unanimous; commissioners present voted in favor.

The city will work with CARD and community partners on next steps, including staff training, outreach and listing the city as an autism-friendly partner on CARD’s statewide directory.