Easterseals Southwest Florida

04/08/2026

Easterseals Ranch is excited to host our next free Coffee Social for all Veterans and First Responders on Monday, April 27, 2026 from 10am-12pm. Join us for a fun morning of connection and camaraderie. We hope to see you there!

04/07/2026

⏳ The is almost here!

From April 15–16, Easterseals Southwest Florida will be part of the 2026 Giving Challenge, a powerful 24-hour online giving event that brings our community together to support local nonprofits and the people they serve.
This incredible day of generosity helps strengthen organizations across our region through community support, new partnerships, and shared impact.

The Giving Challenge is hosted by Community Foundation of Sarasota County, with giving strengthened by The Patterson Foundation.

💛💙🧡 Mark your calendar and get ready to give back April 15–16.

Together, we can make an even greater impact 👉 https://www.givingchallenge.org/.

Join me and give back!

04/05/2026

🐰💛 An Easter Visit… the Easterseals Way!

At Easterseals Southwest Florida, our Easter celebration came with a special guest… and this time, the “Easter Bunny” was the real deal.

Our students had the chance to meet, pet, and spend time with an adorable bunny friend, bringing plenty of smiles, laughter, and a few extra “hops” of excitement to the day.

Moments like these remind us that sometimes the simplest surprises create the biggest joy. From all of us at Easterseals, we’re wishing you a Happy Easter filled with warmth, happiness, and a little bunny magic. 🐣

04/01/2026

💙 Free Autism Screenings Available in April 💙

At Easterseals Southwest Florida, we believe early identification can make a meaningful difference for children and families. That’s why we’re offering free autism screenings at several community locations this April for children up to 18 years old.

📅 April Screening Dates
April 2 • 2–5 PM – APC Pediatrics
April 4 • 9 AM–12 PM – Easterseals Main Campus
April 11 • 9 AM–12 PM – Easterseals Main Campus
April 20 • 4–7 PM – The Florida Center for Early Childhood
April 27 • 4–7 PM – Easterseals Main Campus

Early identification opens the door to support, services, and hope. After each screening, families receive case management, resources, and education to help guide next steps. This program is funded by the Florida Department of Health.

🪪 Please bring proof of residency (ID or utility bill).
👉 Register here: https://lxm.cc/77dtj8

04/01/2026

🎶 Let’s Make Music! 🎶
Join us for a fun, hands-on day filled with music at Easterseals Southwest Florida on Saturday, April 25 from 10AM-1PM at 350 Braden Avenue, Sarasota. As part of the Suncoast Remake Learning Days, and thanks to the generosity of The Patterson Foundation, this inclusive event welcomes ALL school-age children of ALL abilities.

Children will create and play their own egg shakers and hand drums, then decorate them with art supplies under the guidance of Easterseals' music therapist and staff. Parents must be in attendance.

Make music, make memories and let your creativity shine!
🎶 RSVP today! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1979218191891?aff=oddtdtcreator

03/30/2026

A special thank you to Your Observer for covering our 80th Anniversary Gala. It was a beautiful night for our community.

Thank you Peter Acker and Harry Sayer for the great shots.

The nonprofit, which seeks to empower and support those with disabilities, celebrated its 80th anniversary with a gala featuring keynote speaker Will Reeve.

03/28/2026

📚 Enrollment is Now Open at Easterseals Academy!

Easterseals Academy provides a supportive, whole-person approach to education for students through age 22 with developmental, physical, learning, and mild behavioral disabilities, including autism. 💛🧡💙

We believe every student deserves a learning environment that truly fits their needs. At Easterseals Academy, we help each student discover their best path forward and build a future designed for success.

Get more info: https://easterseals-swfl.org/our-programs/easterseals-academy/

03/27/2026

You're Invited! 💌

Open House at Easterseals Ranch 🐴

📅 Tuesday, March 31, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Nokomis, FL

Step onto the Ranch and see how our equine-assisted programs help build strength, confidence, and independence for individuals with disabilities.

Meet the therapy horses – Tour the Ranch – Watch live therapy sessions – Learn about Operation1Stride

Light refreshments provided.

🎟️ Reserve your spot: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/easterseals-ranch-open-house-tickets-1985525555385?aff=oddtdtcreator
We cannot wait to have you join us for a little “horseplay,” and plenty of inspiration! 💙🧡💛

03/26/2026

🎶 Let’s Make Music! 🎶
Join us for a fun, free, hands-on day filled with music at Easterseals Southwest Florida on Saturday, April 25 from 10AM-1PM at 350 Braden Avenue, Sarasota. As part of the Suncoast Remake Learning Days, and thanks to the generosity of The Patterson Foundation, this inclusive event welcomes ALL school-age children of ALL abilities.

Children will create and play their own egg shakers and hand drums, then decorate them with art supplies under the guidance of Easterseals' music therapist and staff. Parents must be in attendance.

Make music, make memories and let your creativity shine!
🎶 RSVP today! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1979218191891?aff=oddtdtcreator

03/25/2026

– Easterseals Southwest Florida is proud to announce an inspiring new partnership with Sprinkler-Guard by GRASSHOLE and CEO Kenneth J. Kwiatkowski. This collaboration further strengthens support for veterans and first responders participating in the Operation1Stride program at Easterseals Southwest Florida.

Kenneth J. Kwiatkowski, a Navy Veteran and graduate of the Operation1Stride program at Easterseals Ranch, was deeply inspired by his own transformative experience. Reflecting on the impact, Kwiatkowski shared, “Equine therapy is my piece of heaven on earth. It is better to give a hand up than a handout, which is why I became a Ranch volunteer after completion of the program.” In gratitude, Sprinkler-Guard has generously committed to sponsoring all Operation1Stride graduation lunches throughout 2026, allowing each cohort to celebrate their significant achievements together.

Operation1Stride is a free, six-week program tailored for veterans and first responders confronting post-service challenges such as PTSD, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Through equine-assisted learning and peer support, participants develop confidence, build meaningful connections, and acquire tools for lasting success.

Patrick Frost, General Manager of Easterseals Ranch, emphasized the unique value of this partnership, “This collaboration is especially meaningful because it comes from someone who has walked the path himself. We are also grateful for Sprinkler-Guard’s commitment to our mission. Their support ensures our veterans and first responders can celebrate their progress in a meaningful way, reinforcing the community spirit that is essential for healing.”

Easterseals Southwest Florida remains committed to delivering life-changing programs that empower individuals with visible and invisible disabilities, ultimately strengthening the fabric of our community.

03/25/2026

Christ Church of Longboat Key has supported hippotherapy for nearly two decades, and we were honored to welcome them to The Ranch this past weekend. It was a beautiful morning spent meeting the horses and clients, while also celebrating the parishioners from years past who first brought InStride Therapy into their mission.

We were excited to share updates on how their support has helped transform therapy services for children and to offer a glimpse of what the future holds.