Commissioner outlines NeuroInclusion Toolkit and countywide training program

Commissioner Raquel Regalado of District 7 told the Miami Springs City Council on June 8 that a Florida "NeuroInclusion Toolkit," launched in April, compiles a decade of county programs into a step‑by‑step resource cities can use to make services more accessible to people with neurological differences.

Regalado said the toolkit bundles training, advisory boards, voluntary registries and practical accommodations. "Training is so important because usually when people interact with government it's at a conflict point," she said, adding Miami‑Dade has trained 4,290 first responders and has sensory kits and social stories in all 50 county libraries.

The presentation outlined several program elements that local governments could implement: voluntary decals and vehicle registrations that notify 911 and first responders of a resident’s special needs; sensory‑friendly hours and maps at parks and libraries; transit and airport dress‑rehearsal programs that simulate the passenger experience; and guidance on issuing state IDs that can include disability information and emergency contacts.

Regalado framed the toolkit as broadly useful for "neurodiversity," a category she said covers autism, ADHD, epilepsy, dementia and other conditions. She urged Miami Springs to consider training, advisory groups and sensory‑inclusive public events, and offered the county’s data and templates to reduce the need for outside consultants.

Council members thanked Regalado and discussed next steps, including city staff coordination and potential partnership with county programs. There were no formal votes tied to the presentation.

Looking ahead, Regalado said she will update the toolkit frequently and is available to help municipalities apply the materials to parks, events and municipal services.