“No Wrong Door”: A Visit from Chairman Rodriguez’s Office

When Marti Bueso stopped by our all-staff meeting, we talked about what really matters: answering the phone, calling back in 48 hours, and meeting families where they are.

We squeezed into our “makeshift” conference room—the one that reminds us that after COVID, we learned to do more with less space and more connection. This time, we welcomed Marti Bueso, visiting on behalf of Chairman and District 10 Commissioner Anthony Rodriguez, to learn how families in our district can reach disability supports faster.

We swapped stories about fixing the small things that matter—the sidewalk that blocks a wheelchair, a flickering streetlight, a bus stop without lighting—and how county, state, and federal partners can move in sync. This was our message to her: we will help families find the right place to get help.

Around the room, our staff shared what “help” looks like at AND:

• Success Coaches who write success plans, not treatment plans, and we call families—not cases—because people aren’t cases. Our Success Coaches meet families wherever they are, whether that’s at home, a library, or a park.

• Parent educators who meet parents wherever they are comfortable—whether at home, a park, McDonald’s, or any place they feel at ease—to teach advocacy, offer guidance, and ensure siblings without disabilities also get the attention they need.

• Inclusion specialists who partner with The Children’s Trust programs so kids stay in afterschool and camp with the supports they need.

• TF-CBT therapists who meet children and families where healing can actually happen.

• Intake and data teammates who keep us accountable to our 48-hour call-back standard and make sure no one falls through the cracks.

We also explained why AND uses the federal definition of developmental disabilities (onset before age 22): it helps us meet families earlier and more fairly—while making warm referrals for elders, veterans, and others who need a different doorway.

The best part? Real collaboration. Bueso spoke about working with the Homeless Trust, state partners for Medicaid and Medicare issues, and federal contacts for immigration or benefits—reminding us that in public service, relationships move families forward.

Before leaving, we extended an invitation to Breakfast for Champions, our annual morning celebration honoring the contributions of people with disabilities in Miami-Dade. It’s not a gala—it’s a thank-you.

If you or someone you know needs support, email info@advocacynetwork.org. We’ll call you back within 48 hours—and we’ll meet you wherever you are.

By The Advocacy Network on Disabilities | Posted on October 15, 2025