Commissioner Raquel Regalado Launches Florida Neuroinclusion Toolkit on World Autism Day

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Raquel Regalado today launched the Florida Neuroinclusion Toolkit, the first resource of its kind to give local governments a concrete, tested playbook for building neuroinclusive communities. The launch, timed to World Autism Day and Autism Acceptance Month, is a deliberate signal: awareness is not enough we need to act, together.

The toolkit draws directly from Miami-Dade County's years of implementation, translating real-world results into policy strategies any local government can adopt. It covers public safety, transportation, sensory-friendly spaces, access to government services, and workforce development.

"Both of my children are neurodivergent. I have sat in every waiting room, navigated every broken system, and fought for every accommodation that should have already existed," said Commissioner Regalado. "I built this toolkit so no other parent has to start from scratch. Neurodivergent individuals are already in every community. The only question is whether our systems are ready for them."

What Miami-Dade Has Already Done
The toolkit is not theoretical. Miami-Dade County has trained more than 2,100 first responders, made all 50 public library branches neuroinclusive, launched the Autism Occupant Decal program, and created the MIAair program at Miami International Airport so travelers with disabilities can practice the airport experience in a safe, controlled environment before they fly. Every initiative was implemented with broad bipartisan support and minimal fiscal impact. "Neuroinclusion is not about lowering the bar," Regalado said. "It is about removing the obstacles that were never supposed to be there. When you design for neurodivergent residents, you build systems that work better for everyone."

A Call to Florida Communities
Commissioner Regalado is calling on cities and counties across Florida to download the toolkit, adopt it, and begin implementation. She is hosting events, webinars and physically visiting municipalities throughout April to speak with local officials and advocates through each section.

Commissioner Regalado will be available for press at 10 a.m. on April 2 following the MIAair program tour at Miami International Airport, Terminal H where we will also be raising the Autism Awareness Flag and at 1pm at the City of Homestead to raise the Autism Acceptance Flag. 28 cities and other stakeholders are joining the Commissioner today by raising the Autism Acceptance Flag.

For more information, visit NeuroinclusionToolkit.com or contact [email protected].