Title
Advisory Board on Disability Affairs Meeting of August 5, 2026.
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STAFF:
Clifford Friedman - Human Resources & Risk Management Director
Jose Rodriguez -Human Resources & Risk Management - Assistant Director
CITIZEN ADVISORS:
Dr. Jennifer Durocher, University of Miami
PUBLIC GUEST:
Pamela Perez-Melms - Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education (Via Zoom)
Crystal (Via Zoom)
Sebastian (Via Zoom)
CALL TO ORDER: Meeting was called to order at 10:01am
MEETING ABSENCE:
MEETING MINUTES APPROVAL:
July 1, 2026
Ms. Chichester addressed a typo under Old Business - 3rd paragraph “exquisite people growing up disable” should be “disabled”
Motion by: Vanessa Bedoya / 2nd Bonnie Blaire / Approved unanimously
SECRETARY REPORT: None
BOARD MEMBERS' REPORT: None
NEW BUSINESS:
UM Card - Autism Friendly City Designation - Jose Rodriguez
Mr. Rodriguez advised, with the assistance of Ms. Mary Palacio-Pike, that he had reached out to UM Card regarding their Autism Friendly City Designation program, and an application has been submitted. Mr. Rodriguez stated UM has advised they will be making an exception for the City of Coral Gables for 2027. Ms. Palacio-Pike stated this had commenced a while back, however, due to UM waiting list and UM staff issues, it had been pushed back.
Dr. Durocher stated UM is very excited to work with Coral Gables regarding UM Card Autism Friendly City Designation and will be contacting Mr. Rodriguez to set up a meeting. Ms. Chichester asked if the board needs to attend the meeting, however, Mr. Rodriguez stated he will be attending and can then provide updates to the board. Dr. Durocher stated that usually board members do not attend, however, perhaps after initial meeting, it can be further discussed.
OLD BUSINESS:
Director’s Training October 2026 - Jose Rodriguez
Mr. Rodriguez stated after further discussion with the city manager, it has been determined to move away from the play and move forward wi...
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