Published: June 25, 2019
From private and public programs to sensory-friendly theater performances, more agencies and organizations are meeting the special needs of children and adults with disorders ranging from autism to Asperger’s syndrome.
Now Miami-Dade has two more options — a park playground with a superheroes theme and a multi-sensory quiet room at a bustling international airport — each distinctive and specifically designed for kids with cognitive or developmental disabilities.
The recently opened “Superheroes Garden Autism Playground” at Tamiami Park is the first of its kind for Miami-Dade Parks. The 4,220-square-foot sensory playground and garden features an ADA-accessible “Whirl,” a “Spinami” motion play spinner, an “Adventure Crawl Tube,” a “Cozy Cocoon” play berm, sensory play panels, and engineered wood fiber safety surfacing. The $131,000 site also contains assorted native trees and plants, a 5-foot-high fence with a privacy screen, park benches and an ADA-accessible walkway.
The playground is located next to the park’s pool, at 11201 SW 24 St., Miami, 786-315-5295.
Miami International Airport honored Autism Awareness Month with the grand opening of its Multi-Sensory Room, a quiet area that provides a relaxing environment for young travelers with special needs.
The room, which is open 6am-10pm seven days a week, includes sensory-soothing fixtures, such as an aquatic bubble tub, wall puzzles, cushioned seats and a light projector, all within a dimly lit space. It is located just beyond Concourse D TSA security checkpoint #4.
The Multi-Sensory Room is part of the MIAair (Airport Instruction and Readiness) program, which provides tours and materials to special-needs travelers. Developed by the airport, the “dress rehearsal” program allows families with special needs children to practice the travel experience in a safe environment to build confidence.
To book an MIAair tour, complete the form at http://www.miami-airport.com/miaair.asp.
