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ABA provider pitches quick-access services; board hears plans for expo, resource fairs and sensory-park features
Summary
At the March 5 Miami Lakes Special Needs Advisory Board meeting, an ABA provider described rapid-access services and the board discussed a proposed September expo, April resource fair dates, bike ride participation and sensory-park design presentations.
Christina Gitalon, director of operations for ABA SimpliVille Florida, told the Miami Lakes Special Needs Advisory Board on March 5 that her organization aims to minimize waitlists for applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy by quickly scheduling evaluations and observations and by offering services in homes, schools and community settings.
Gitalon said the company uses registered behavior technicians supervised by board-certified behavior analysts and an overall clinical director, and that each client receives an individualized treatment plan. She described community engagement activities the organization sponsors, including sensory rooms at several South Florida venues, and said clinic locations are in development.
During public comment, resident Stephanie Cruz outlined a proposal to hold a local “expo” for businesses and service providers that support children and families with special needs. Cruz proposed a tentative date in September and asked the board to reserve facility space and help recruit presenters and vendors. She also proposed smaller workshops in May and July and offered to coordinate speakers on legal and family-planning topics such as guardianship and special-needs trusts.
Board members discussed several upcoming community events: a resource fair and autism-related activities on April 5 (resource fair and a bike ride were both referenced), a Miami-area autism-awareness resource fair on April 19 at the Doral Yard that offered vendor tables, and a larger September expo the board hopes to host. Dates referenced in discussion were tentative; several presenters and vendors must still complete town vendor registration and provide certificates of insurance.
The board received an update that town staff and park consultants will present design options for sensory-park features at the April meeting; the consultant estimated each feature could cost about $5,000. Board members discussed prioritizing installations at parks already used by special-needs programs.
Separately, the board debated a previously proposed vehicle wrap donation and concluded the effort should be tabled pending procurement of new town vehicles and further confirmation from the donor.
Why it matters: community providers seeking referrals and families seeking services may find faster access if local partners follow up on the connections discussed at the meeting. The expo and resource fair proposals would gather multiple vendors and speakers in one day to provide information on waivers, therapy, extracurriculars and legal planning.
What’s next: presenters were invited to return with formal proposals and pricing. Staff was asked to reserve rooms and confirm vendor registration requirements and to obtain quotes for catering and rentals if needed.
