PTA Students at SCF Raising Awareness of Down Syndrome

October is National Physical Therapy month, and students in the Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) program at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) are taking advantage of the spotlight this month to raise awareness of those affected by Down syndrome.

SCF’s PTA students will participate in the 17th annual Manasota Buds “Buddy Walk” at Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival Oct. 20 to raise money to assist clients and their families. The walk, so far, has raised more than $20,000. Its overall goal is to raise $100,000.

The Buddy Walk was developed by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. The Buddy Walk has grown to include events throughout the world designed to support local programs and services, as well as national advocacy and public awareness initiatives that benefit those with Down syndrome.

A licensed PTA works with physical therapists and the children they serve with Down syndrome to help facilitate how they develop their movement, with a long-term goal of creating a good physical foundation for exercise throughout life.

To donate to the team, contact Matthew Connell, PTA program director, at ConnelM@SCF.edu or 941-752-5340. For information on SCF’s PTA program, visit SCF.edu/PTA.