Sarasota
District Resources

Sarasota County resources related to the transition of students with disabilities are provided in multiple categories in the box to the right. Some resources may be included in more than one category.

Employment Program Resources

Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD)
Jeff Smith, Suncoast Region Manager 
(800) 615-8720 
1313 North Tampa Street, Suite 515, Tampa, FL 33602 
Works in partnership with local communities and private providers to assist people who have developmental disabilities and their families. APD also provides assistance in identifying the needs of people with developmental disabilities for supports and services. The agency serves more than 50,000 Floridians with the following disabilities: People severely impaired by Autism, Cerebral palsy, Spina bifida, Intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, Phelan-McDermid syndrome. This office services the counties of DeSoto, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota

CareerSource Suncoast
3660 N. Washington Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34234
(941) 358-4200 Provides a full array of employment and training related services for job seekers, workers, youth and businesses. May include Disability Program Navigators, Vocational Rehabilitation counselors and Veterans Services on-site.

Division of Blind Services 
Palmetto (Satellite Office) 
Bruce Emerton, District Administrator 
(941) 721-2917 | (800) 500-6412 
600 8th Avenue, W., Suite 302, Palmetto, FL 34221 
The Florida Division of Blind Services helps blind and visually impaired individuals achieve their goals and live their lives with as much independence and self-direction as possible. This office services DeSoto, Highlands, Manatee and Sarasota Counties.

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services 
Sarasota Unit 18B
Michele Guilford, Supervisor
(941) 359-5670
3660 N Washington Blvd., Suite 216, Sarasota, FL 34234
Venice Unit 18BA
Michele Guilford, Supervisor
(941) 882-7730
897 E Venice Ave., Rm. 112, Venice, FL 34285
Works with people who have physical or mental disabilities to prepare for, gain, or retain employment and find meaningful careers