Americans with Disabilities Act General Information
Whether you're seeking educational materials, community services, technology solutions, or employment, this page is designed to be a starting point. It is easy to navigate, inclusive, and respectful of diverse needs.
Accessibility means more than just physical access; it means ensuring that everyone can participate fully and independently. That includes people with disabilities, caregivers, educators, service providers, and advocates. We've organized resources with clarity and usability in mind, offering a broad range of support across different domains such as health, education, employment, housing, transportation, and more.
Our goal is to empower you with up-to-date, relevant, and practical information. Wherever you are on your journey, we hope this guide provides pathways toward greater inclusion, autonomy, and opportunity.
Disability Advocacy & Legal Services
Manatee County Sheriff Department: Respond with Care
Respond with Care - Special Needs Occupant Sticker Program
Displaying the pictured Special Needs Occupant Sticker near the front door of a home or on the back windshield of a vehicle is a way to let first responders know there may be a special needs occupant in that home or vehicle. Individuals with a variety of special needs, such as sensory issues or cognitive differences, can display the sticker to help law enforcement, EMS, and fire personnel know they may have to make accommodations when interacting with the individual. Providing first responders with this information can help interactions go smoothly and safely.
Bradenton, FL
Bradenton Kiwanis Group
Bradenton Kiwanis Foundation provides annual financial support to Bradenton Kiwanis Club charitable programs and projects. In addition, the Foundation provides funding to local nonprofits that have an emphasis serving young people in need.
Bradenton Kiwanis is an organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time. Local business leaders, professionals, retirees and a wide range of dedicated and concerned community members volunteer their time and skills to give young people a chance to learn, grow, dream, experience and flourish.
Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Our Mission
To help people with disabilities find and maintain employment and enhance their independence.
Our Vision
To become the first place people with disabilities turn when seeking employment and a top resource for employers in need of qualified employees.
Tallahassee,
Florida Disabilities Council
U.S. Access Board
The Access Board is an independent federal agency that advances accessibility through leadership in accessible design and the development of accessibility guidelines and standards.
The Access Board develops and maintains design criteria for the built environment, transit vehicles, public right-of-way, information and communication technology, and medical diagnostic equipment under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and other laws. It also provides technical assistance and training on these requirements and continues to enforce accessibility standards that apply to federally funded facilities under the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (ABA).
Standards for Accessible Design
A spotlight on accessibility standards that ensure people with disabilities can stay active, enjoy sports and fully participate in recreation spaces across the country.
Southeast ADA Center
Florida Commission on Human Relations
Tallahassee, FL
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Tampa Field Office
Florida Legal Services
Disability Rights Florida
We protect the civil rights of people with disabilities in Florida.
Tallahassee, FL
The Arc of Florida
Tallahassee, FL
Grants & Funding
Bradenton Kiwanis Group
Bradenton Kiwanis Foundation provides annual financial support to Bradenton Kiwanis Club charitable programs and projects. In addition, the Foundation provides funding to local nonprofits that have an emphasis serving young people in need.
Bradenton Kiwanis is an organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time. Local business leaders, professionals, retirees and a wide range of dedicated and concerned community members volunteer their time and skills to give young people a chance to learn, grow, dream, experience and flourish.
Florida Disabilities Council
Adaptive Arts
Bradenton Kiwanis Adaptive Arts Programs
Celebration Troupe for the Differently Abled
Kiwanis Aktion Club
For adults ages 18+ with disabilities, the Bradenton Kiwanis Aktion Club is a service and leadership program that promotes independence, community involvement, and fun.
Phone: 941-224-0171 Email: [email protected]
Adaptive Sports
We Rock the Spectrum
Bradenton,
Wounded Warriors Ability Ranch
Mike Delancey, a Pinellas Park resident who himself was critically injured in a sniper attack during military combat in Iraq and has confronted his own life changing injuries.
The Wounded Warriors Abilities Ranch (WWAR) has been built to inspire veterans of all conflicts to get OUT and ACTIVE. We offer activities for all Military Veterans in need of a supportive and healing environment, to give a new sense of hope, resilience and strength as they move forward in their journey.
Our Non-Profit offers a huge range of activities, workshops, clinics and events for all veterans and the adaptive sports community in the Tampa Bay Area.
Tennis For Fun
Ability to Include Services Page
Special Olympics
Special Olympics Florida offers a variety of programs for all levels of athletes with a disability
Bradenton, FL
Service Animals
Canine Companions
Southeastern Guide Dogs
Our extraordinary dogs transform lives throughout the United States—at no cost to the recipients—thanks to the generosity of our donors and volunteers.
Welcome to Dogs Inc.
Palmetto, FL
Transportation/Travel
Services
Ride the Handy Bus - ADA
Information about how to ride the Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) Handy Bus for passengers in need of ADA service.
ECO Rover
New Tech Mobility provides unique, user-friendly mobility devices to help you NOT give up but, instead… GET OUT!
Whether it’s a long term disability, an accident, a illness or that dreaded ageing… the right device can make a huge difference in health, your safety and your overall enjoyment of life!
Assistive Technology
Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST)
Tallahassee, FL
Developmental Communities
Autism Society
Rockville,
Loveland Center
Mission
To help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live their lives to the fullest.
Vision
A world where all people, regardless of their abilities, are seen and treated as an equal at home and in their community.
Venice, FL
The Haven
Sarasota, FL
The Arc of Florida
Tallahassee, FL
Foundations for Dreams
Bradenton, FL
Employment Opportunities & Support
Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Our Mission
To help people with disabilities find and maintain employment and enhance their independence.
Our Vision
To become the first place people with disabilities turn when seeking employment and a top resource for employers in need of qualified employees.
Tallahassee,
CareerSource Suncoast Workforce
We support economic development that improves our community through business growth, career advancement, and entrepreneurship.
Our education, training, and support services, help turn possibilities into opportunities.
Palmetto, FL
Independent & Assistive Living
Autism Society
Rockville,
Loveland Center
Mission
To help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live their lives to the fullest.
Vision
A world where all people, regardless of their abilities, are seen and treated as an equal at home and in their community.
Venice, FL
The Haven
Sarasota, FL
Accessibility for Veterans
Manatee County Veteran Services:
This office provides Pension and Disability Claims through the VA, including appeals; Survivor Benefits for Spouse and Dependents; Transportation and the Manatee Moves Program as well as other resources for transportation; Application assistance for Vocational Readiness and Education benefits as well as referral to community partners for job assistance; application and eligibility help for VA Healthcare; Purple Heart Parking Placards; Referral services to our community partners for all other needs, including wheelchair ramps and bathroom safety.
Communication Assistance
Medical and Therapy Resources for Families & Children
Attractions with Wheelchair Accessibility
County Buildings
Manatee County Administration Building
Parks
Blackstone Park
G.T. Bray Park
Recreation Center hours:
Monday -Thursday 5:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Friday: 5:30am -7:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
John Marble Recreation Center
Friday 5:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday 7:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m.
Lakewood Ranch Park
Lakewood Ranch Park is designed for sports and families. Enjoy soccer, softball, tennis, pickleball, playgrounds, and a pavilion.
Tom Bennett Park
Beaches
Coquina Beach
Manatee Public Beach
Preserves
NEST at Robinson Preserve
Libraries
Braden River Branch Library
Friday - Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Central Library
Friday - Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday: CLOSED
Island Branch Library
Friday - Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday: CLOSED
Lakewood Ranch Branch Library
Friday - Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Little Discovery Center
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (by appointment only, call 941-742-4058)
12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (open hours)
Palmetto Branch Library
Friday - Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday: CLOSED
Rocky Bluff Branch Library
Friday - Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday: CLOSED
South Manatee Branch Library
Friday - Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday: CLOSED
Events
Manatee Movie Night at Parrish Community Park
7550 Ft. Hamer Rd
Parrish, FL 34219
Mixon Farms is hosting a Movie Night on December 5, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Bring your family and friends, and a blanket or chair to enjoy a special screening of Wish under the stars.
Mark your calendars for more upcoming Movie Nights!
- January 2, Inside Out 2
Location: 2525 27th St E, Bradenton, FL 34208
Additionally, Mixon Farms will be hosting Movie Nights. Click here for more information.
Add to Calendar
![Add to ICal](data:text/calendar;charset=utf8,BEGIN:VCALENDAR%0D%0AVERSION:2.0%0D%0APRODID:Manatee Movie Night at Parrish Community Park%0D%0ABEGIN:VEVENT%0D%0ADTSTART:20251205T230000Z%0D%0ADTEND:20251206T010000Z%0D%0ADTSTAMP:12/4/2025 10:24:59 PM%0D%0ASUMMARY:Mark your calendars! Parrish Community Park is hosting a Movie Night on December 5, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Bring your family and friends, and a blanket or chair to enjoy a special screening of Wish under the stars.
Location: 2525 27th St E, Bradenton, FL 34208%0D%0ADESCRIPTION:<p>Mixon Farms is hosting a Movie Night on December 5, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Bring your family and friends, and a blanket or chair to enjoy a special screening of <strong>Wish</strong> under the stars.</p><p>Mark your calendars for more upcoming Movie Nights!</p><ul><li>January 2, <em>Inside Out 2</em></li></ul><p>Location: 2525 27th St E, Bradenton, FL 34208</p><p>Additionally, Mixon Farms will be hosting Movie Nights. Click here for <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" title="Get more information about movies being held at Parrish Community Park" target="_blank" href="https://www.mymanatee.org/connect/news-and-information/news-and-information/article-detail/sports-and-leisure---community-engagement/2025/08/13/manatee-movie-nights">more information</a>.</p><p> </p><p><img sf-image-responsive="true" src="/images/default-source/assets/hcafl_fser_north-river-ranch_logodept_15009e47354693142779faff0ce0411fd60.png?sfvrsn=90d53143_1" height="90" style="max-width:100%;" title="HCAFL_FSER_North River Ranch_logoDEPT_150" width="278" alt="" sf-size="27302" /></p><p> </p>%0D%0ALOCATION:7550 Ft. Hamer Rd Parrish, FL 34219%0D%0AUID:b4a92b02-e606-4657-92fd-0206974eb831%0D%0AEND:VEVENT%0D%0AEND:VCALENDAR%0D%0A){kind=small}
Manatee Movie Night at Mixon Farms
Mixon Farms is hosting a Movie Night on December 12, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Bring your family and friends, and a blanket or chair to enjoy a special screening of Grinch (2018) under the stars.
Mark your calendars for more upcoming Movie Nights!
- January 9, Lilo & Stitch (2025)
Location: 2525 27th St E, Bradenton, FL 34208
Additionally, Parrish Community Park will be hosting Movie Nights. Click here for more information.
Add to Calendar
 under the stars.
Location: 2525 27th St E, Bradenton, FL 34208%0D%0ADESCRIPTION:<p>Mixon Farms is hosting a Movie Night on December 12, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Bring your family and friends, and a blanket or chair to enjoy a special screening of <span style="font-family:open_sanssemibold, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Grinch (2018)</strong></span> under the stars.</p><p>Mark your calendars for more upcoming Movie Nights!</p><ul><li>January 9, <em style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;font-size:inherit;">Lilo & Stitch (2025)</em></li></ul><p>Location: 2525 27th St E, Bradenton, FL 34208</p><p>Additionally, Parrish Community Park will be hosting Movie Nights. Click here for <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" title="Get more information about movies being held at Parrish Community Park" target="_blank" href="https://www.mymanatee.org/connect/news-and-information/news-and-information/article-detail/sports-and-leisure---community-engagement/2025/08/13/manatee-movie-nights">more information</a>.</p><p> </p><p><img sf-image-responsive="true" src="/images/default-source/assets/hcafl_fser_north-river-ranch_logodept_15009e47354693142779faff0ce0411fd60.png?sfvrsn=90d53143_1" height="90" style="max-width:100%;" title="HCAFL_FSER_North River Ranch_logoDEPT_150" width="278" alt="" sf-size="27302" /></p><p> </p>%0D%0ALOCATION:%0D%0AUID:4af9a0c4-4d54-42b0-afef-12764da9fb35%0D%0AEND:VEVENT%0D%0AEND:VCALENDAR%0D%0A){kind=small}
A Night Before Christmas
Presented by Outdoor Lighting Perspectives, the annual A Night Before Christmas event on Saturday, December 13, at GT Bray Park is sure to get you and your family in the Christmas spirit! From 4 to 8 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus plan to be there for professional pictures with the children which you’ll be able to download for free. There also will be a variety of family-friendly activities, including a snow slide, foam zone, inflatables, face painting, letters to Santa, petting zoo and food vendors!
“Shop Local” Vendor Marketplace (sponsored by Children’s Entrepreneur Market) will be set up in the parking lot, along with food and dessert trucks! Event entry is FREE; however, a suggested donation per family of a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots is kindly requested. Parking and Directions G.T. Bray Park is located at 5502 33rd Avenue Drive West in Bradenton. Visitors may access GT Bray Park from 59th St. W. or 51st St. W. Parking will be available in various lots around the park.
For additional sponsorship opportunities, please email [email protected] or call 941-324-5771 for more information.
Interested in becoming a vendor? Fill out our Manatee County Event Vendor Application.
Add to Calendar
![Add to ICal](data:text/calendar;charset=utf8,BEGIN:VCALENDAR%0D%0AVERSION:2.0%0D%0APRODID:A Night Before Christmas%0D%0ABEGIN:VEVENT%0D%0ADTSTART:20251213T210000Z%0D%0ADTEND:20251214T010000Z%0D%0ADTSTAMP:12/4/2025 10:24:59 PM%0D%0ASUMMARY:Get ready for family fun at the annual Night Before Christmas event at GT Bray Park! Santa and Mrs. Clause will be visiting the park to meet with all the children. The event will include a real snow, face painting, bounce house, petting zoo, and much more. Local vendors will be showing their holiday spirit, and the food truck lineup has your dinner covered! This awesome event is great for kids of all ages. Event entry is FREE, however, a suggested donation per family of a new, unwrapped toy for Toys For Tots is kindly requested. Event parking is located near the Recreation Center, accessible from 33rd Ave Dr W.%0D%0ADESCRIPTION:<div><p>Presented by Outdoor Lighting Perspectives, the annual A Night Before Christmas event on Saturday, December 13, at GT Bray Park is sure to get you and your family in the Christmas spirit! From 4 to 8 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus plan to be there for professional pictures with the children which you’ll be able to download for free. There also will be a variety of family-friendly activities, including a snow slide, foam zone, inflatables, face painting, letters to Santa, petting zoo and food vendors!</p><p><br /><a href="https://www.outdoorlights.com" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="" style="max-width:100%;height:auto;"><img sf-image-responsive="true" src="https://www.mymanatee.org/media/images/default-source/sports-and-leisure/olp.png?sfvrsn=f22c1e7c_1" height="161" style="max-width:100%;height:auto;" title="Outdoor Lighting Perspectives" width="400" alt="" sf-size="32727" /></a><br /></p><p> “Shop Local” Vendor Marketplace (sponsored by Children’s Entrepreneur Market) will be set up in the parking lot, along with food and dessert trucks! Event entry is FREE; however, a suggested donation per family of a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots is kindly requested. Parking and Directions G.T. Bray Park is located at 5502 33rd Avenue Drive West in Bradenton. Visitors may access GT Bray Park from 59th St. W. or 51st St. W. Parking will be available in various lots around the park.</p></div><div><p>For additional sponsorship opportunities, please email <a href="https://mymanatee.org/connect/news-and-information/news-and-information/article-detail/sports-and-leisure---community-engagement/2025/11/03/a-night-before-christmas" target="_blank">Joanna.Bailey@mymanatee.org</a> or call 941-324-5771 for more information.</p><p>Interested in becoming a vendor? Fill out our Manatee County Event <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="https://forms.office.com/g/g757cme1bH">Vendor Application</a>.</p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/733970665769766" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Save the Facebook Event</a></p></div>%0D%0ALOCATION:%0D%0AUID:c8f971e8-e7e5-42a0-bd2d-2a4e57a68dd4%0D%0AEND:VEVENT%0D%0AEND:VCALENDAR%0D%0A){kind=small}
Manatee Movie Night at Parrish Community Park
7550 Ft. Hamer Rd
Parrish, FL 34219
Mixon Farms is hosting a Movie Night on January 2, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Bring your family and friends, and a blanket or chair to enjoy a special screening of Inside Out 2 under the stars.
Location: 2525 27th St E, Bradenton, FL 34208
Additionally, Mixon Farms will be hosting Movie Nights. Click here for more information.
Add to Calendar
![Add to ICal](data:text/calendar;charset=utf8,BEGIN:VCALENDAR%0D%0AVERSION:2.0%0D%0APRODID:Manatee Movie Night at Parrish Community Park%0D%0ABEGIN:VEVENT%0D%0ADTSTART:20260102T230000Z%0D%0ADTEND:20260103T010000Z%0D%0ADTSTAMP:12/4/2025 10:24:59 PM%0D%0ASUMMARY:Mark your calendars! Parrish Community Park is hosting a Movie Night on January 2, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Bring your family and friends, and a blanket or chair to enjoy a special screening of Inside Out 2 under the stars.
Location: 2525 27th St E, Bradenton, FL 34208%0D%0ADESCRIPTION:<p>Mixon Farms is hosting a Movie Night on January 2, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Bring your family and friends, and a blanket or chair to enjoy a special screening of <strong>Inside Out 2</strong> under the stars.</p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">Location: 2525 27th St E, Bradenton, FL 34208</span></p><p>Additionally, Mixon Farms will be hosting Movie Nights. Click here for <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" title="Get more information about movies being held at Parrish Community Park" target="_blank" href="https://www.mymanatee.org/connect/news-and-information/news-and-information/article-detail/sports-and-leisure---community-engagement/2025/08/13/manatee-movie-nights">more information</a>.</p><p> </p><p><img sf-image-responsive="true" src="/images/default-source/assets/hcafl_fser_north-river-ranch_logodept_15009e47354693142779faff0ce0411fd60.png?sfvrsn=90d53143_1" height="90" style="max-width:100%;" title="HCAFL_FSER_North River Ranch_logoDEPT_150" width="278" alt="" sf-size="27302" /></p><p> </p>%0D%0ALOCATION:7550 Ft. Hamer Rd Parrish, FL 34219%0D%0AUID:b072b6a6-bb14-4e19-b244-f6fb1dd8036a%0D%0AEND:VEVENT%0D%0AEND:VCALENDAR%0D%0A){kind=small}
Manatee Movie Night at Mixon Farms
Mixon Farms is hosting a Movie Night on January 9, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Bring your family and friends, and a blanket or chair to enjoy a special screening of Lilo & Stitch under the stars.
Location: 2525 27th St E, Bradenton, FL 34208
Add to Calendar
![Add to ICal](data:text/calendar;charset=utf8,BEGIN:VCALENDAR%0D%0AVERSION:2.0%0D%0APRODID:Manatee Movie Night at Mixon Farms%0D%0ABEGIN:VEVENT%0D%0ADTSTART:20260109T230000Z%0D%0ADTEND:20260110T010000Z%0D%0ADTSTAMP:12/4/2025 10:24:59 PM%0D%0ASUMMARY:Mark your calendars! Mixon Farms is hosting a Movie Night on January 9, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Bring your family and friends, and a blanket or chair to enjoy a special screening of Lilo & Stitch under the stars.
Location: 2525 27th St E, Bradenton, FL 34208%0D%0ADESCRIPTION:<p>Mixon Farms is hosting a Movie Night on January 9, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Bring your family and friends, and a blanket or chair to enjoy a special screening of <span style="font-family:open_sanssemibold, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Lilo & Stitch</strong></span> under the stars.<br /></p><p>Location: 2525 27th St E, Bradenton, FL 34208</p><p> </p><p><img sf-image-responsive="true" src="/images/default-source/assets/hcafl_fser_north-river-ranch_logodept_15009e47354693142779faff0ce0411fd60.png?sfvrsn=90d53143_1" height="90" style="max-width:100%;" title="HCAFL_FSER_North River Ranch_logoDEPT_150" width="278" alt="" sf-size="27302" /></p><p> </p>%0D%0ALOCATION:%0D%0AUID:ce259fd9-ca34-4b37-a1d1-30ebbe70b739%0D%0AEND:VEVENT%0D%0AEND:VCALENDAR%0D%0A){kind=small}
ADApt & Play Expo
3675 53rd Ave E
Bradenton, FL 34203
