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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 or 941-727-9905, between the hours of 9:00a.m. to 5:00 p.m. I

Family Network is a non-profit organization under State of Florida 501C3#65-0156905

 

 

 
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  • Family Network on Disabilities - Mission
    Receiving the news that your child has a disabilty or special need can be devastating to a family. Grief, anger, sadness, and a sense of loneliness are just a few of the emotions a family may experience, not just at the time of diagnosis, but throughout the lifetime of the child. Caring for a loved one with a special nd or disability can be a very stressful and demanding responsibility for parents, caregivers, and the entire family.
  • There is HOPE AND HELP!
  • Family Network on Disabilities of Manatee/Sarasota, Inc., FND, is a non-profit organization that assists families of children with disabilities and special needs yo go
  • "From Heartache to Hope - One Family at a Time"
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  • Our Purpose is
    To provide support, training, education, information, and advocacy to our families and the communities of Manatee and Sarasota Cuonty through a variety of events, programs and services.
  • 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.
  • We encourage, support and assist in advocacy efforts related to the needs of families of individuals with special needs and disabilities in our community through our HOPE -Helping Out Parents in Education advocacy program.
  • We assist parents in understanding their rights under I.D.E.A., Section 504, Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), ADA and the Special Education System.
  • 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).
  • For information concerning Respite Care contact Deborah Hobson at 941-704-9223
  • We offer the More Alike Than Different (MATD). This program is a training program for typical developing children designed to increase awareness, acceptance, and sensitivity towards children with special needs and disabilities.
  • H.O.P.E. Advocacy Services. Helping Out Parents in Education
    (Please click on the word H.O.P.E. to read more about this service)

    HOPE Advocacy Services is a program established to assist parents, guardians, and caregivers of children with disabilities and special needs learn how to become their child’s best advocate.

    According to Webster’s dictionary an ADVOCATE is “Someone who speaks for another person or their cause”.  Many children with disabilities and special needs are either too young or are unable to speak for themselves.  That’s when parents, guardians, and caregivers must become their child’s advocate and step in to become their voice. 

  • For More Information Contact Mary Smith, at 928-0682.

 

 

 

 

 

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