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Commissioners mark Autism Acceptance Month and celebrate new Friendship Campus in South Dade
Summary
Commissioner Rebeca Sosa and Rabbi Harlig highlighted Autism Acceptance Month and the opening of the Friendship Campus in South Dade, urging county support for services and inclusion.
Miami‑Dade County commissioners recognized April as Autism Acceptance Month during the joint meeting, and Rabbi Harlig and Commissioner Rebeca Regalado (regalado referred to as "Commissioner Regalado" in the transcript) described a new Friendship Campus for the Friendship Circle in South Dade.
Commissioner Rebeca Regalado explained why she was wearing pink and recounted a two‑decade personal journey to obtain an autism diagnosis for her daughter, saying the experience led her to advocate for greater understanding of neurodiversity. "Autism does not know race. It does not know gender," Regalado said, and she noted that today the framing has shifted from "autism awareness" to "autism acceptance."
Rabbi Harlig described the Friendship Campus as a facility in South Dade that will offer life‑skills programming, social supports and integration opportunities for people with autism and developmental challenges. "This campus is a shining example of what happens when we, as a community, invest in the future of individuals with autism," the rabbi said, and he thanked local leaders, including the county mayor and commissioners, for their support.
Commissioner Regalado told the chamber about a press conference and encouraged attendees to wear pink the following day in recognition of International Autism Acceptance Day. She said the commission and constitutional officers will roll out programming tied to that observance.
The remarks were ceremonial and informational; commissioners did not take formal action on funding or approvals for the Friendship Campus during the session. The speakers asked the county to continue supporting services, inclusive policies, and access to necessary resources for the neurodiverse community.
Ending: Commissioners acknowledged the campus and Autism Acceptance Month; Rabbi Harlig and Commissioner Regalado thanked the board for support and asked the county to sustain advocacy and services to persons with autism.
