Family Network is an alliance of parents, professionals and community members
interested in helping families with children
who have special needs and disabilities
We provide support, education, advocacy,
and respite which empowers parents to
provide the best opportunities for their children.

Information can be obtained by contacting our Executive Director, Mary Smith at 941-928-0682 between the hours of 9:00a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Family Network is a non-profit organization under State of Florida 501C3#65-0156905
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Family Network on Disabilities - Mission
Family Network on Disabilities of Manatee/Sarasota, Inc., a local non-profit organization, is an alliance of families, community organizations, and businesses. We are committed to providing support, training, education, information and advocacy to families of individuals with special needs, disabilities, and the community at large.

FND has been offering support and a variety of services and programs in both Manatee and Sarasota County since 1986.

Our Purpose is
To provide support, understanding, resources, and information to families of individuals with special needs and disabilities. Our philosophy is that parents who have experienced the joys and frustrations of parenting a child with special needs or disabilities can offer other parents understanding, support and valuable information on resources available to their family. We provide support to families of individuals with any sensory, physical, learning, emotional, neurological, or developmental disability as well as parents of individuals who are medically involved or "at risk".

Who Can Refer a Parent to the Agency/Program
Referrals can be made to the Family Network by parents themselves, professionals, relatives, doctors, therapists, or a friend. Before a referral is made parental permission must be obtained.

What Happens When a Referral is Made?
Parents are contacted and provided information about Family Network and the services and programs that we provide. Many parents decide to become a member of our organization and begin receiving our quarterly newsletter, while others become involved with one of our many special services, programs, or events.

Where Can I Receive Information?
Information can be obtained by contacting our Executive Director, Mary Smith at 941-928-0682 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

FND Needs Your Help!
•We are a parent-directed, non-profit organization. You can help to keep the network strong and growing by making a tax-deductible contribution to FND.
• Volunteers are needed to help provide support and information to other parents in your area and to help FND with special events.
• We also need individuals willing to serve on our Board of Directors for a period of one year or on a committee of your choice.

Programs and Services we provide...
• Annual Disability Conference
• Produce and Publish a Quarterly Newsletter, "Family News Digest", filled with
information and a variety of resources.Informational Workshops on a variety of topics concerning the needs of the disabled.
• Hope Advocacy Services. Helping Out Parents in Education
We assist parents in understanding their rights under I.D.E.A., Section 504, Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), ADA and the Special Education System.
• Family Network currently operates the Sarasota/Manatee Respite Services Program(SMRS).
Respite care services offer temporary relief to parents, guardian and caregivers of children with special needs and disabilities on a temporary basis.
For information concerning Respite Care contact 941-928-0682
• We offer the More Alike Than Different (MATD). This program is a training program for typical developing children. The program is K-6th grades designed to increase awareness, acceptance, and sensitivity towards children with special needs and disabilities.

For More Information Contact Mary Smith, at 928-0682

 

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