Special Needs Advisory Board

The mission of the Special Needs Advisory Board is to create a model town for inclusion, by identifying specific Miami Lakes families with an interest in matters pertaining to individuals with special needs; connecting them to existing programs, services and events; and, serving the Town Council in an advisory capacity to identify unmet needs and assist with the discovery of possible solutions.

Board Details

MEETING SCHEDULE: The Special Needs Advisory Board meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 5:30 p.m., subject to change. Meetings are held in Town Hall (6601 Main Street) in the Community Conference Room, Room 106. Special meetings are called as needed.

MEMBERSHIP: The Special Needs Advisory Board shall be comprised of seven (7) members, in which each member of the Town Council shall nominate and appoint one (1) individual.


Vacancies: 0 Current Vacancies

Staff Liaison: Gabriella Escobar, Gabriella Escobar, Accounts Payable Specialist

Liaison Contact: escobarg@miamilakes-fl.gov • (305)364-6100 Ext. 1146

Legislative History: Resolution 11-888, Resolution 18-1523

Member Roster
memberrole
John RoggerChair
Vivian LevyVice Chair
Francisco TollincheSecretary
Jesenia OrellanaMember
Clarimar ZeledonMember
Madelin SantanaMember
Julie PadronMember
Special Needs Safety Program & Resources

Special Needs Safety Program

The Town of Miami Lakes has implemented the Special Needs Safety Program, a voluntary program open to Miami Lakes residents with special needs. The Special Needs Safety Program is a collaboration between the Town of Miami Lakes, its Special Needs Advisory Board, and the Miami Dade County Police Department’s Miami Lakes Division.

To register for the program, residents will be asked to provide relevant information. Law enforcement will use this information for emergency purposes or during encounters with law enforcement.

Participants will receive window decals to display prominently on their front doors. These decals indicate that someone in the residence has special needs, and law enforcement officers should respond accordingly.

Download Special Needs Safety Program Application.

VIDEO: Miami Lakes introduces Special Needs Safety Program

Resources

Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD)

Access Miami

Parent to Parent of Miami

MDCPS Department of Exceptional Student Education

UM CARD Center for Autism & Related Disabilities

Early Steps

Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System

Easterseals South Florida

Disability Rights Florida

United Cerebral Palsy

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Vocational Rehabilitation

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

McKay Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program

Gardiner Scholarship

Special Transportation Service

Voters with Special Needs

Arc of South Florida

Family Network on Disabilities

Department of Financial Services

Ticket to Work

Center for Independent Living (CIL) 

Events & Initiative

The Special Needs Advisory Board with the support of the Miami Lakes Town Council sponsors the following programs:

  • Mayor’s Gala to benefit the Special Needs Advisory Board
  • Workshops & Seminars
  • Arts for Autism Dance Class
  • Painting with a Twist
  • Resource Fair
  • Karate DOJO Program
  • Miami Lakes Sensory Friendly Movie
  • Independence Day sensory friendly space

For a complete list of upcoming events visit the Town Calendar. To reserve a spot at an upcoming event visit Eventbrite.

Videos:

Matthew Palacios Boundless Playground