Special Needs

Special Needs Children's Programs currently funded by Manatee County Children's Services.

 

Children’s Therapy Center

Program provides occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech/language pathology, psychological, and developmental delay (cognitive, fine motor, social, emotional, communication) services to children and their families.

Services also include therapy services provided in the child's natural daytime environment in the classroom and/or in a setting geared toward the child's therapeutic needs and interventions. Services are provided by licensed clinicians.

Eligibility

  • Manatee County resident
  • Children 0-17 years old

Phone: (941) 355-7637

Provider: Easter Seals Southwest Florida, Inc.

Location: 350 Braden Avenue, Sarasota, FL

Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-6pm

Website: www.easterseals-swfl.org

Dream Oaks Camp Program

Program provides day camps, residential camps, and weekend camps designed to serve children who are chronically ill, terminally, or mentally or physically challenged.

Eligibility

  • Manatee County resident
  • Disabled/delayed child
  • Ages 7-17 years old

Phone: (941) 746-5659 or (941) 748-8809

Provider: Foundation for Dreams

Location: 16110 Dream Oaks Place, Bradenton, FL

Hours: Contact agency for camp dates and schedule

Website: foundationfordreams.org

Family Support Services

Program provides respite care, family support services, and case management for chronically ill, medically fragile and developmentally delayed children and their families. Trained respite workers go into the family home or designated area to care for the disabled child so the caregivers have a four hour break to do anything they desire such as shopping, going out to eat, movies, etc.

Services also include case management or a link between counseling, respite and other Family Support Services and the information and referrals to other agencies that provide assistance for financial, medical, legal, educational, crisis management, and recreational needs.

Eligibility

  • Manatee County resident
  • Chronically ill child
  • Ages 0-17 years old and their families

Phone: (941) 355-7637

Provider: Easter Seals Southwest Florida

Location: 350 Braden Ave Sarasota, Fl 34243 or various locations based on client needs throughout Manatee County.

Hours: Monday-Saturday as needed by client by appointment only. 

Website: www.easterseals-swfl.org

 

Therapeutic Riding and Equine Assisted Services

Program provides use of movement and the spirit of the horse to heal the body, mind and spirit of our participants. Program has seen smallest child overcome their fears, issues and befriends the biggest horse on the farm.

Services also include therapeutic services through horseback riding for Manatee County children who are mentally, physically, and/or emotionally challenged.

Eligibility

  • Manatee County resident
  • Ages 5-17 years with disabilities as identified above

Phone: (941) 322-2000

Provider: Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy

Location: 4800 County Road 675, Bradenton, FL

Hours: Varies - call for hours of program

Website: www.smartriders.org