HomeMy WebLinkAboutLegislationCity of Miami
Legislation
Resolution
City Hall
3500 Pan American
Drive
Miami, FL 33133
www.miamigov.com
File Number: 16-00672
Final Action Date:
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION EXPRESSING ITS
COMMITMENT TO THE PRINCIPLES OF INCLUSION FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH
AUTISM AND OTHER SPECIAL NEEDS, AND URGING ACTION BY NATIONAL,
STATE, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, BUSINESSES, AND RESIDENTIAL
COMMUNITIES CONSISTENT WITH THESE PRINCIPLES; DIRECTING THE CITY
CLERK TO TRANSMIT A COPY OF THIS RESOLUTION TO THE AGENCIES
NAMED HEREIN.
WHEREAS, April was National Autism Awareness Month, which provided an opportunity to reflect
on the inherent dignity of all human beings, and the importance of including and accommodating
children and adults on the autism spectrum, as well as children and adults with other special needs
and disabilities in all aspects of daily life; and
WHEREAS, approximately one (1) in sixty-eight (68) children has an autism spectrum disorder
according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Autism and Developmental Disabilities
Monitoring Network, and approximately one (1) in five (5) individuals has a disability according to the
2010 United States Census; and
WHEREAS, the United States of America is a signatory of the United Nations Convention on the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities ("Convention"), which supports inclusion and accommodation of
children and adults with special needs and disabilities; and
WHEREAS, the Convention has identified the following core principles of inclusion:
a. Respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the freedom to make one's own
choices, and independence of persons;
b. Non-discrimination;
c. Full and effective participation and inclusion in society;
d. Respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human
diversity and humanity;
e. Equality of opportunity;
f. Accessibility;
g. Equality between men and women; and
h. Respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of
children with disabilities to preserve their identities; and
WHEREAS, inclusion is an attitude, an approach, and a mindset, which welcomes and facilitates
participation by those with disabilities and special needs, and encourages accommodations beyond
those required by law; and
WHEREAS, the City of Miami ("City") is committed to the principle of inclusion as demonstrated
through the Sandra DeLucca Developmental Center, a division of the City's Department of Parks and
Recreation, which provides recreational, leisure, and daily living skills programs for children and adults
with a variety of disabilities such as the Adult Day Training Program, Getting Exercise Through
City of Miami Page 1 of 3 File Ill: 16-00672 (Version: 1) Printed On: 5/3/2016
File Number: 16-00672
Friendship, Involvement and Training (G.E.T. F.I.T.) summer camp, and Miami's Accessible Guide to
Inclusion in Our Community (M.A.G.I.C.); and
WHEREAS, the City further demonstrates its commitment to the principle of inclusion through the
City's collaboration with Miami -Dade County Public Schools, Vocational Rehabilitation, and other
agencies in the operation of Project SEARCH Miami, which is a one-year School -To -Work Transition
Program designed for students with disabilities who are in their last year of high school and are
pursuing a Special Diploma with the goal of helping students develop the tools necessary for
employment as well as the skills needed for self-determination, self -management, and self -advocacy;
and
WHEREAS, the City further demonstrates its commitment to the principle of inclusion through the
collaboration of the City's Education Initiative division with The Children's Trust in the development of
the Miami Learning Zone Program, which is an after -school program that services up to ninety (90)
children in addition to ten (10) children with learning, mental, and/or emotional disabilities ranging in
age from six (6) through twelve (12) and offers activities for the children in literacy, physical fitness,
social skills, homework assistance, art, music, and dance;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA:
Section 1. The recitals and findings contained in the Preamble to this Resolution are adopted by
reference and incorporated as if fully set forth in this Section.
Section 2. The City expresses its commitment to the principle of inclusion of children and adults
with special needs and disabilities in all aspects of its governance and services, and seeks to welcome
and facilitate such participation.
Section 3. The City urges businesses to express their commitment to the principle of inclusion in
both employment and commerce.
Section 4. The City urges developers, homeowner associations, and condominium associations to
adopt policies supporting the principle of inclusion in residential communities.
Section 5. The City urges universities and other places of learning to prioritize programs
supporting inclusion of individuals with special needs and disabilities.
Section 6. The City urges national, state, and local governments to express their commitment to
the principle of inclusion as well, and to continue expanding services to children and adults with special
needs and disabilities.
Section 7. The City's Administration, Departments, and Staff are commended for their excellent
work in promoting the principle of inclusion, and the City Manager is directed to continue pursuing
initiatives and collaborations that promote the principle of inclusion.
Section 8. The City Clerk is directed to send a copy of this resolution to the National League of
Cities, National Association of Counties, Florida League of Cities, Florida Association of Counties,
Miami -Dade County League of Cities, Miami -Dade County, Miami -Dade Public Schools, and all
municipalities in Miami -Dade County.
City of Miami Page 2 of 3 File Id: 16-00672 (Version: 1) Printed On: 5/3/2016
File Number: 16-00672
Section 9. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption and signature of
the Mayor. {1 }
APPROVED A5--T F AND CORRECTNESS:
L00RIA MENDEZ
CITY ATTORN
y
Footnotes:
{1} If the Mayor does not sign this Resolution, it shall become effective at the end of ten (10) calendar
days from the date it was passed and adopted. If the Mayor vetoes this Resolution, it shall become
effective immediately upon override of the veto by the City Commission.
City of Miami
Page 3 of 3 File Id: 16-00672 (Version: 1) Printed On: 5/3/2016