An ambassador nominee, led by the pledge, his majesty, our vice chair.

So, Father.

Good morning, brother and sisters.

In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, we stand before you, Holy Spirit, consess of our sinfulness.

But aware of the garden in your name.

Come to us, remain with us, and enlighten our heart.

Give us light and strength to know your will to make it our own and to live on our life.

Guide us by your wisdom, support by your power.

You are a God, sharing glory of the Father and Son.

You decide justice for us.

Enable us to uphold the right of others.

Do not allow us the minds in ignorance or corrupted fear of the favour.

Unite us to yourself in the bond of love and keep us faithful to all that is true.

As we gather in your name, may we temper justice with love, and all our decision may be placed into you and ear the reward, promise at good of faithful servant.

You live and reign with you, Father and the Son, one God, forever and ever.

Amen.

The United States of America and Republicans, one nation under God, individual liberty and justice for all.

Thank you.

Thank you so much.

So everyone was wondering why I have pink in my hair.

Because my daughter was not a boy and did not have epilepsy.

Um I was told that she could not be autistic.

It took me five years to finally get a diagnosis and to start treatment for her.

Today it's very different.

Today we know that autism does not know race, it does not know gender.

And neurodiversity is not something that we want to eradicate.

Quite the opposite.

That's why we no longer say autism awareness, we say autism acceptance, and we talk about neurodiversity and this concept of intellectual diversity.

So in Miami Day County, where we embrace all forms of diversity.

So 20 years ago, I would have given anything for my children to be neurotypical.

Today I wouldn't change a thing about them.

They are two wonderful neurodiverse individuals who make my life and everyone's life that they touch better, and that's what we celebrate this month.

So with that, I would like to have the rabbi come up and talk about the friendship circle and the amazing work that they're doing in Miami Dade County.

Rabbi Harley can be recognized.

Thank you so much.

Good morning, esteemed County Commissioners.

Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today.

It's an honor to be here to talk about something that is incredibly close to my heart and to the hearts of many in our community.

This month, as we said, April is the month is autism awareness month.

Yes.

As you know, autism affects, I don't know what the numbers are today.

They used to say one out of 54.

I'm sure it's much more.

And it's not just a statistic.

These are our neighbors, our family members, our colleagues, and our friends.

Individuals on autism and their families face unique challenges, but they also bring unique gifts to our society.

However, despite the growing prevalence of autism, the need for understanding, support, and inclusion is still critical.

That's why it's so important to take this month not only to raise awareness, but to make a real lasting commitment to the community.

This is where you, our county commissioners, playing a integral role.

You have a responsibility, one that I believe is essential to support and protect all the members of our community, including those with special needs.

You're not just the lawmakers, you are advocates for more inclusive and compassionate society.

Your decisions directly impact the resources, opportunities, and services available to individuals with disabilities and therefore to their families.

By prioritizing the needs of the special needs community, you help ensure that all residents can lead meaningful, fulfilling lives regardless of the challenge.

This month, as we celebrate autism awareness month, we also have reason to celebrate a major milestone.

The opening of the friendship campus for the friendship circle here in Miami.

This campus is a shining example of what happens when we, as a community, invest in the future of individual with autism and development challenges with neurodiversion.

It will serve as a safe space for these individuals to develop life skills, build friendship, and integrate fully into society.

The friendship campus, which is in South Date in the heart of South Dade, is more than just a building.

And this wouldn't have been possible without the support of our local leadership like you from our county mayor, who's been a supporter from the beginning, our county commissioners, but this is just the beginning.

There's so much more we can do, and it's our responsibility to continue to advocate for the support and needs of this special needs community by providing access to the necessary services, promoting inclusive policies, and ensuring that all families can thrive.