Res No 054-17-14855RESOLUTION NO. 054-17-14855
A Resolution of the Mayor and City Commission of the City of South Miami, Florida,
supporting the principles of inclusion, for individuals with autism and other special
needs, which were established by the United Nations Convention on the rights of persons
with disabilities; and urging action by national, state, and local governments businesses,
and residential communities consistent with these principles.
WHEREAS, the City Commission of the City of South Miami (the "City") desires to express its
support of the principles of inclusion for individuals with autism and other special needs; and
WHEREAS, approximately one (1) in sixty-eight (68) children have an autism spectrum disorder
according to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and approximately
one (1) in five (5) individuals have a disability according to the 2010 U.S. Census; and
WHEREAS, the United States of America is a signatory of the United Nations Convention on the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities, 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;
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 Commission wishes to affirm our commitment to the principles of
inclusiveness into every part of the City's operations, including but not limited to:
• Conducting an Americans With Disabilities (ADA) Compliance Self-Assessment ill all
Departments and implement any recommended actions to the greatest extent possible;
• Ensuring that 100% of City Staff and Charter Officers receives training relating to disability
awareness, inclusion, and/or ADA Compliance that is relevant to their position;
• Ensuring accessibility for residents to City information, events and meetings;
Res. No. 054-17-14855
• Ensuring that 100% of City Police Officers are trained to recognize and respond to individuals
that present them with a "Wallet Card," a tool to be used by a teenager or an adult with a
disability. The Wallet Card is a project of the Disability Independence Group, Inc. that was
designed in collaboration with the Coral Gables Police Department (CGPD), and the University
of Miami Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UM-NSU
CARD);
• Promoting the Wallet Card Program to residents through the City's Website and Community
Outreach Activities, and assisting residents with applying for a "Wallet Card;"
• The City's Parks & Recreation Department will ensure that all new facility installations and
improvements will follow the principles of universal accessibility;
• The City has become a leader in Miami-Dade County for implementing Complete Streets
Projects; and
• The Building and Code Compliance Departments will implement a curbside service in which
residents with disabilities that are homebound may request City Staff to come to their home to
file for permits or other building related needs.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY CO:MMISSION OF
THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA, THAT:
Section 1.
this reference.
Recitals. The above recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein by
Section 2. Support. The City Commission hereby expresses its support of the principles of
inclusion for individuals with Autism and other special needs as further provided in this Resolution.
Section 3. Urging. The City Commission urges action by national, state and local
governments, businesses and residential communities consistent with the principals provided in this
Resolution.
Section 4. Transmittal by Clerk. The City Clerk is hereby directed to transmit 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 Board of
County Commissioners, Miami-Dade Public Schools, and municipalities in Miami-Dade County.
Section 5. If any section clause, sentence, or phrase of this resolution is for any reason held invalid
or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, the holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining
portions ofthis resolution.
Section 6. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
Passed and adopted this 21 s t day of _M_a_r_c_h ____ , 2017.
APPROVEDtr~ f ~: ;ZVK0~-
Res. No. 054-17-14855
CITY CLERK
Page 3 of3
MAYOR
COMMISSION VOTE: 5-0
Mayor Stoddard: Yea
Vice Mayor Welsh Yea
Commissioner Edmond: Yea
Commissioner Liebman: Yea
Commissioner Harris: Yea