March 14, 2023
The University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism & Related Disabilities and HistoryMiami Museum are proud to announce HistoryMiami as the first museum in Miami-Dade County to earn the UM-NSU CARD Autism Friendly Designation. The program acknowledges businesses aimed at creating welcoming places and spaces in our community for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and related disabilities and their family members.
As part of this commitment, HistoryMiami Museum launched its Sensory Sunday program series last fall in collaboration with UM-NSU CARD. Sensory Sundays are designed for families of children, teenagers, and young adults with disabilities who are neurodiverse, on the autism spectrum, or have sensory processing disorders or cognitive disabilities.
“HistoryMiami Museum is so honored to receive UM-NSU CARD’s Autism-Friendly Designation in recognition of our commitment to providing welcoming and inclusive experiences for our visitors,” Hana Squires, Manager of Education Programs, Access, and Community Engagement said. “We are excited to host the Autism Friendly Designation ceremony at our next Sensory Sunday on March 26th as we welcome families from across South Florida to our space.”
HistoryMiami Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate located at 101 West Flagler Street Miami, FL 33130, welcomes individuals on the ASD spectrum and their families to explore and enjoy activities in a sensory inclusive and welcoming environment. Spaces in the museum will have modified lighting and sound. Guests will enjoy building block activities, a sensory room, and a touch tour of HistoryMiami’s permanent exhibition, Tropical Dreams: A People’s History of South Florida. To register click here.
Admission to Sensory Sunday is FREE with required registration. Capacity is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have registered but are unable to attend, please let us know so we can open your space for another family. If you or someone you know needs assistance registering, please call 305-375-1492 or email accessibility@historymiami.org.
“We are extremely proud of our collaboration with HistoryMiami Museum,” said Dr. Michael Alessandri, Executive Director of the University of Miami–Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (UM-NSU CARD). “When families feel welcomed and accepted, businesses are better able to expand their customer base.”
Organizations and institutions that are interested in the initiative can visit https://bit.ly/AutismFriendlyInitiative to learn more about providing helpful services, and amenities to better accommodate guests, clients and customers with autism spectrum disorder, as well as learn what accommodations can be made to host an intern or hire an employee who is diagnosed with ASD.