By Sharon Aron Baron
In a move towards inclusivity, the City of Tamarac has launched a campaign to become an Autism Friendly City.
This initiative, announced by the city on November 14, is a collaborative effort with Neuro Consulting Solutions (NCS) and Helping Adults with Autism Perform & Excel (HAAPE).
This announcement comes on the heels of a unanimous decision by the commission, made during their September 12 workshop, to pursue the designation.
The Autism Friendly designation, awarded by NCS, recognizes organizations that successfully complete specialized training to address the needs of individuals with autism and related disabilities.
The partnership with HAAPE and NCS will involve comprehensive training for Tamarac’s elected leaders, staff, and first responders.
This training is designed to foster an understanding of autism and equip individuals to identify signs of autism, especially in high-pressure situations.
Additionally, HAAPE and NCS will assist in developing strategies for Tamarac Parks and Recreation personnel to enhance their programs, making them more accessible to community members with autism.
“With 12 great parks and wonderful recreational programming, it warms my heart that we are implementing ways to extend our parks to be more inclusive for our residents with special needs,” said Mayor Michelle Gomez.
As part of the initiative, the Broward Sheriff’s Office-Tamarac District will feature a patrol vehicle adorned with colorful puzzle pieces, symbolizing the recognition of individuals with autism and their families.
Achieving the Autism Friendly designation comes on the heels of Cooper City, Parkland, and Weston, marking it the fourth Autism Friendly City in Broward County.
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