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.
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 | role |
|---|---|
| John Rogger | Chair |
| Vivian Levy | Vice Chair |
| Francisco Tollinche | Secretary |
| Jesenia Orellana | Member |
| Clarimar Zeledon | Member |
| Madelin Santana | Member |
| Paula Gonzalez | Member |
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)
MDCPS Department of Exceptional Student Education
UM CARD Center for Autism & Related Disabilities
Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
McKay Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program
Special Transportation Service
Family Network on Disabilities
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: