In April 2017, Mayor Bob Buckhorn announced the “Autism Friendly Tampa” initiative which is a joint partnership with the City of Tampa and CARD-USF. Our goal is to create a more welcoming and sensory friendly experience for people of all abilities. CARD-USF has provided training, resources and technical assistance to various departments within the City of Tampa. An Autism Friendly Tampa Advisory Board, consisting of self advocates, parents and service providers, has been established to guide and advise the City on inclusive programs and the needs of autistic community members.
City Programs:
- Help Us Help You Special Needs Registry (Police Dept.)
- Therapeutic Recreation Program (Parks & Recreation Dept.)
- City Park Experience Stories (Parks & Recreation Dept.)
Information:
- What is autism spectrum disorder?
- If you are concerned that your child is not meeting developmental milestones - act early! Information for Families
- Early screening and intervention are critical!
- Treatment and Intervention Therapies
Assistance and Resources:
- Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at USF
- Autism Speaks Tool Kit
- CARD Autism Friendly Initiative
- CARD Resources for Families
- PBS “What is Autism?”
- Florida Department of Health
- Diagnostic Resources: Early Steps of Florida Department of Health and Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resource System (FDLRS)
- Education Rights: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
- CARD Safety Resources
Drowning Prevention:
Water Watcher Tag: https://www.floridahealth.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/WaterWatcherTags.pdf
- Drowning Prevention & Water Safety: https://card-usf.fmhi.usf.edu/drowning.html
- Josh the Otter: https://joshtheotter.org/
- The Autism Society of Florida: https://www.autismfl.org/drowning-prevention
- Swim Lesson Dictatory: https://card-usf.fmhi.usf.edu/ost/index.html
Statewide Resources (All Florida Counties)
- WaterSmartFL: https://www.floridahealth.gov/individual-family-health/child-infant-youth/drowning-prevention/
- Every Child A Swimmer: https://everychildaswimmer.org/find-a-lesson/
- Step Up for Students: https://www.stepupforstudents.org/
Local Scholarships and Resources
Hillsborough County
- Water Smart Tots Foundation: https://watersmarttots.org/swim-schools/
- BayCare Kids Wellness & Safety Center: https://baycare.org/specialties-and-treatments/pediatrics/childrens-wellness-and-safety-center/onsite-wellness-and-safety-classes
- Tampa YMCA Swim Lesson Vouchers: https://www.tampaymca.org/
- For information go to email: drowningprevention@tampaymca.org
- Children's Board Drowning Prevention Resources: https://www.childrensboard.org
Pasco County
- Pasco County Aquatics Program: https://www.pascocountyfl.gov/services/parks_recreation_and_natural_resources/aquatics.php
Pinellas County
- Water Smart Brochure: https://www.jwbpinellas.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Water-Smart-Brochure-Web-Version.pdf
Pool Fencing Scholarships
- Just Against Children Drowning (JACD): http://justagainstchildrendrowning.org/
Videos on swimming safety:
- Swim Safety for Kids: https://youtu.be/sxd6paAPumw
- Swim Safety for Adults: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxxCChNO4m8
Elopement Prevention
Modules
- For Families: https://dobettercollective.com/course/parent-wandering-and-elopement-for-parentsunderstanding-and-supporting-wandering-and-elopement-safely/
- For RBT's: https://dobettercollective.com/course/rbt-wandering-and-elopement-trainingsupporting-safety-and-predictable-participation/
- For BCBA's: https://dobettercollective.com/course/assessing-addressing-elopement-behavioran-affirming-approach-for-behavior-analysts/