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The Miami-Dade County Public Library System (Library) has been honored as a Top Innovator for 2024 by the Urban Libraries Council (ULC) in the category of Equity and Inclusion.
The award recognizes the Library’s Creating Autism Friendly Spaces initiative, which established autism friendly spaces at all library locations and expanded and enhanced sensory friendly programs and services designed for families and children with special needs and neurodiverse individuals.
“Our libraries are not just places for books; they are safe havens, community hubs and gateways to opportunities for all residents, regardless of their abilities,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “I am incredibly proud to have our Miami-Dade Public Library System recognized nationally as a Top Innovator. This prestigious award reflects more than just a single initiative — it’s a testament to Miami-Dade County’s broader vision of inclusivity and equity.”
In 2020, the Miami-Dade County Commission passed a resolution, sponsored by Commissioner Raquel Regalado and supported by Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, for the University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center to Autism and Related Disabilities (UM-NSU CARD) to develop a countywide autism and neurodiversity inclusion program.
“One of my top priorities is making Miami-Dade County a more inclusive place for our residents of all abilities,” Commissioner Regalado said. “This recognition showcases the hard work and dedication of Miami-Dade Public Libraries in fostering inclusion for everyone in our community and ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive.”
In 2021, the Library became the first county department to have its employees, services and programs certified as Autism Friendly, earning recognition as an Autism Friendly Partner by UM-NSU CARD.
To achieve this, the entire library staff completed specialized training by UM-NSU CARD on Autism Spectrum Disorder and strategies for inclusivity.
The Library also created customized social narratives for each of its 50 locations to help individuals familiarize themselves with the spaces before visiting, added Sensory Kits at each library to support patrons with sensory sensitivities and expanded its sensory friendly programs, including storytimes and STEAM activities, while adapting existing programs to create more inclusive environments.
“We thank the Urban Libraries Council for honoring us with this Innovation Award and recognizing our continued commitment to inclusivity and support for individuals with autism and those who are neurodiverse,” said Ray Baker, director of the Miami-Dade Public Library System.
“We are grateful to UM-NSU CARD for their partnership and collaboration on our Creating Autism Friendly Spaces initiative. Looking ahead, we’re excited to incorporate sensory friendly rooms into our new and renovated libraries, ensuring our spaces remain accessible and welcoming for everyone,” Baker added.
ULC’s Innovations Initiative is an annual showcase of exemplary projects from over 180 member libraries across the U.S. and Canada. Six public libraries received the Top Innovator designation in separate categories. The Miami-Dade Public Library System’s initiative won the award for Equity and Inclusion for its originality, measurable outcomes and potential for replication and implementation by other libraries. More than 230 library projects were submitted for award consideration.
“This year’s Innovation Initiative honorees exemplify the evolving role of libraries as dynamic public institutions that are integral to the fabric of our urban communities,” said ULC president and CEO Brooks Rainwater. “The innovative projects highlighted this year demonstrate the power of libraries to not only adapt but to actively shape the future of our cities, ensuring that all community members have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.”
For more information about the Library’s award-winning initiative, visit www.urbanlibraries.org/innovations. To learn more about sensory friendly resources available at the Library, visit www.mdpls.org/sensoryfriendly.
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