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RESOLUTION NO.2021 � IqO <br />A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SUNNY <br />ISLES BEACH, FLORIDA, DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER OR <br />DESIGNEE TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT OR AGREEMENTS <br />WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI-NOVA SOUTHEASTERN <br />UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR AUTISM AND RELATED DISABILITIES <br />FOR A CITYWIDE AUTISM AND NEURODIVERSE INCLUSION <br />PROGRAM AT NO COST TO THE CITY; REQUIRING A REPORT; <br />PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. <br />WHEREAS, in 2020, the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention <br />announced that the prevalence rate for autism spectrum disorder ("ASD") is currently 1:54 for 8- <br />year-old children; and <br />WHEREAS, according to the advocacy organization, Autism Speaks, more than 500,000 <br />young adults with autism will age out of guaranteed services in the next decade; and <br />WHEREAS, there are 7,500 individuals with autism registered with the University of <br />Miami -Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities ("CARD"), and <br />CARD estimates that there may be as many as 50,000 individuals with ASD in Miami -Dade <br />County; and <br />WHEREAS, CARD provides services throughout the County for children and adults who <br />have ASD, in addition to other disorders that may co -exist with autism; and <br />WHEREAS, CARD's primary services include client and family support services, <br />programmatic technical assistance and consultation, and public education and awareness activities; <br />and <br />WHEREAS, CARD has expressed an interest in collaborating with the City to establish a <br />Citywide program focused on ASD and neurodiverse inclusion; and <br />WHEREAS, a collaboration between the City and CARD should include a training <br />program for City staff that interact with the public so that staff has a greater understanding of the <br />special needs of individuals with ASD; and <br />WHEREAS, the City's Cultural & Community Services Department, which includes the <br />City's park and transit staff, could benefit from an inclusion program; and <br />WHEREAS, CARD can develop social learning tools that assist individuals with ASD to <br />understand their environment and help in reducing anxiety in new places and interactions; and <br />WHEREAS, some learning tools can be provided to caregivers prior to visiting public <br />spaces; and <br />WHEREAS, CARD has expertise related to ASD and what resources are available to <br />individuals with ASD and their families, including resources by age group, resources for educators, <br />@BCL@B40D21BF.docx Page 1 of 3 <br />