Nonprofit and local providers ask Miami Lakes advisory board for space to run after-school, summer programs for children with disabilities

At a Miami Lakes Special Needs Advisory Board meeting, representatives from Angel's Reach Foundation and a group of local clinicians and students asked the board to help secure space and partnership for after‑school and summer programs for children with more intensive autism and behavioral needs.

The request focused on creating multi‑day, therapist‑staffed programming that combines academic remediation, social skills and sensory supports for children who cannot be served by the town’s existing recreational camps. "We're just requesting this space," the speaker representing Angel's Reach Foundation said, describing a proposal to run programs staffed by educators, behavior analysts and integrated therapists.

The presenters said Miami Lakes has many after‑school and summer options but that those programs typically accept only children who are more…