City of Pembroke Pines receives Autism Friendly Partner designation to expand support for residents with autism and related disabilities

Pembroke Pines, Florida – The City of Pembroke Pines is taking a major step forward in supporting residents of all abilities. On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, during the City Commission Meeting at 6:30 p.m., the city will be formally recognized as an Autism Friendly Partner by the University of Miami Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD). This designation marks a significant milestone in Pembroke Pines’ ongoing commitment to creating inclusive environments and accessible programs for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related disabilities.

“The City of Pembroke Pines is honored to be recognized as an Autism Friendly Partner, and we are grateful for the opportunity to continue expanding how we serve individuals with autism and related disabilities in our community,” said Vice Mayor Michael Hernandez. “This designation reflects our commitment to creating welcoming, inclusive spaces where all residents feel supported and valued. We look forward to building on this partnership and continuing to enhance accessibility, awareness, and engagement for everyone.”

The city’s journey toward this recognition began in October 2025, when it partnered with CARD to enhance existing programs and develop new initiatives aimed at increasing accessibility and support for residents with ASD. Over the past several months, Pembroke Pines has expanded its efforts to provide meaningful, inclusive experiences across education, recreation, and public services.

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Existing programs have laid a strong foundation for this achievement. The city offers inclusive recreation programming, adaptive sports in partnership with the YMCA of South Florida, and specialized academic opportunities through its Charter FSU elementary school. Memorial Park features an ADA-inclusive playground, while the Special Population Summer Camp provides tailored experiences for children of all abilities. In addition, police and fire personnel receive specialized workforce training to ensure they can effectively and empathetically interact with residents on the spectrum. Cultural programming has also been adapted, with events such as “Sensory Saturdays” providing low-stress, engaging experiences for families.

Pembroke Pines is not stopping with past achievements. New initiatives are underway to make inclusion a core part of city planning and public spaces. Autism-friendly design elements will be incorporated into future playgrounds, starting with Silver Lakes North Park, creating play areas that are intentionally welcoming to children of all abilities. Additionally, 12 communication boards will be installed across city parks, sponsored by Baptist Health. These boards aim to support non-verbal or minimally verbal residents, helping them communicate needs, engage socially, and navigate spaces with greater independence.

To further empower families and individuals, the city will launch a dedicated Autism Friendly webpage, serving as a central hub for information, resources, and program updates. Complementing the online resources, social stories—visual and narrative guides—will help residents prepare for and navigate city events, facilities, and services with confidence. The city also plans to introduce designated “Quiet Zones” at major events, providing low-sensory areas for individuals who may feel overwhelmed.

City staff across all departments are receiving expanded autism awareness and sensory sensitivity training to ensure interactions are consistent, informed, and supportive. This approach emphasizes that accessibility is not limited to specific programs, but rather is embedded throughout every aspect of city services and community life.

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The Autism Friendly Partner designation reflects Pembroke Pines’ broader vision of promoting inclusion, accessibility, and belonging. By ensuring individuals of all ages and abilities can fully participate in community life, the city aims to foster a culture of respect, understanding, and support for every resident.

For residents and families interested in learning more about the Autism Friendly designation, available programs, and upcoming initiatives, information can be found online at: www.ppines.com/autismfriendly.

With this recognition, Pembroke Pines continues to set an example for cities across Florida, showing that thoughtful planning, collaboration, and dedication can create a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.