What We Do

Programs & Services

Manasota BUDS is committed to serving people with Down syndrome and their families in our community.

Some of our past, present, and future programs, services, and activities include:

Monthly Meetings are an important part of our community building.  We offer guest speakers and time to network with other families.

During our monthly meetings we offer music therapy, art therapy, and respite care.

New and expectant parent kits are available upon request.  Kits include books and inspirational essays, local contact names and phone numbers, and information about Manasota BUDS, NDSS (National Down Syndrome Society), and NDSC (National Down Syndrome Congress). All materials are compiled and approved by Manasota BUDS parents, with families in mind.



Diagnosis to Delivery As of December 2011, Manasota BUDS is pleased to include a printed copy of Diagnosis to Delivery: A Pregnant Mother's Guide to Down Syndrome in all new parent kits delivered to expectant parents.

Copies available to print and download on your own from DownSyndromePregnancy.org and are also available printed and bound from Woodbine House Publishing.

New Parent Kits are generally available at the following locations:
Sarasota Memorial
Manatee Memorial
Early Steps
Healthy Start, Sarasota
Healthy Start, Manatee
USF Dept. of Genetics

Small group activities
Little Buddies - age birth to five
BUDS Kids - age 6 to 10
Teen BUDS - age 11 to 18
YADS - Young adults with Down syndrome, age 18+

Scholarships to Hope Haven Down Syndrome Clinic in Jacksonville, FL; summer camp and enrichment programs; state and national conferences.

Hippotherapy scholarship programs.

Special Olympics Young Athletes Program, a partnership between Manasota BUDS and Special Olympics Manatee.

BUDS Dance for children with Down syndrome including instruction in dance and a recital for families.

Mom's Night Out and D.A.D.S. (Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome) provide additional opportunities for sharing, networking, and friendship.

Playgroups: Sensory Play, developmental parent/child circles, music therapy.

Annual Year in Review catered dinner.

Manasota BUDS Lending Library Manasota BUDS maintains a lending library of books, videos, therapy equipment and other materials. We continually add to our lending library. Please call or email for more information.

Speakers Bureau / Information Booth / Local Training We are interested in opportunities to educate the local community and raise awareness of Down syndrome.

Family Outreach We reach out to families in need with meals and support.

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