Special Needs Advisory Board approves up to $700 for Fourth of July sensory‑room supplies, discusses volunteers and storage

The Miami Lakes Special Needs Advisory Board on June 4 approved spending up to $700 to buy supplies for a sensory room at the town’s Fourth of July celebration and discussed staffing and storage logistics for the event.

Board members voted to authorize purchases from the board’s social and recreation budget to replenish items such as headphones, backpacks and sensory toys, and to buy small supplies (crayons, activity materials) needed onsite. The board noted an existing inventory of 12 headphones and a partial supply of backpacks and fidget items, and discussed whether to order additional sets for larger events.

The board reserved the sensory room for the event from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., with the public hours expected from about 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Members set a volunteer target of three people to staff the room and discussed backup options, including hiring short‑term support if volunteers are unavailable. One member offered to coordinate volunteers and to confirm who could be on site for setup and supervision.

Board members also discussed storage and labeling for the equipment to reduce loss and damage. Members suggested storing items in town storage or a labeled bin to keep an inventory and avoid repeated purchases.

The board did not set a formal capacity limit for the sensory room but agreed members and volunteers must supervise participants. They also discussed using photos and prior event footage for promotional material.

The motion to spend up to $700 passed by voice vote.