Easterseals Southwest Florida invites community to Enrollment Fair

In the new year, Easterseals Southwest Florida will open the Malcolm Family Autism Center of Excellence. Set to welcome families in January 2027, the expanding services for individuals and families throughout the community will nearly double its current capacity.

The Malcolm Center – being supported by the $13.2 million "Campaign for Compassion" – will be the next evolution for the community, a place designed to bring together services, resources, education, therapy, and opportunities for people with disabilities and their families from infancy through adulthood.

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Families interested in learning more about the programs and services available through the Malcolm Center and all Easterseals programs are invited to attend the Easterseals Enrollment Fair on Saturday, October 17 from 9:30 a.m.-noon at Easterseals Southwest Florida's main campus (350 Braden Ave., Sarasota). There will be tours of the facility, with staff and enrollment specialists on hand to answer questions and help start the process of becoming a student. Additionally, LECOM Dental will be on site to talk to families about children's dental health, Suncoast Advisors of Raymond James Financial will be on hand to families about topics such as special needs financial planning and government benefits coordination, and Najmy Thompson will be available to discuss special needs trusts and estate planning.

The programs available through Easterseals include: the Lily Preschool, providing high-quality early learning and care for children from infancy through the age of 5, welcoming children with and without disabilities; a diagnostic clinic, offering comprehensive developmental and autism evaluations for children and individuals, helping families better understand their needs and connect with the right services and supports; applied behavior analysis services available in both community and center-based settings; the K-12 Easterseals Academy and Vocational High School, providing educational opportunities that help students build independence, confidence, and skills for their future; respite care, short-term care and support that gives families and caregivers time to rest, recharge and attend to their own needs while their loved one receives quality care and support; adult day training, offering meaningful opportunities for learning, community participation, and independence; workforce development opportunities for teens and adults, helping individuals build skills and pathways toward employment and greater independence; and therapy services, including speech, occupational, physical, music, hippotherapy and mental health services designed to help individuals reach their goals and maximize their potential.

"Our services are for the whole family. We understand that when one member of a family needs support, the entire family is impacted," said Easterseals Southwest Florida's President and CEO Tom Waters. "Our goal is to be a place where families can find connection, support, resources, and opportunities under one roof... for a lifetime."

To start the process for enrollment, reach out to the Easterseals case management team by calling (941-355-7637) or emailing (casemanagement@easterseals-swfl.org). To learn more about Easterseals' programs and services, visit easterseals-swfl.org/our-programs.

About Easterseals Southwest Florida
Since 1946, Easterseals Southwest Florida has supported individuals with disabilities to live their best lives and be engaged in their communities. The organization offers help and hope to children and adults with disabilities, working to ensure all abilities of all ages have the opportunity to shine. From child development, autism, family support and veteran services to artistic expression, therapeutic, diagnostic, and educational delivery, Easterseals offers a variety of ways to help people with disabilities and their families address life's challenges, achieve personal goals and feel included and valued in everything they do. Visit easterseals-swfl.org.