As football fans around the country settle in for another NFL season, fans in the Tampa Bay region have another reason to celebrate.
Two regional Easterseals affiliates – Southwest Florida and Florida – are partnering with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to increase awareness of autism and various disabilities, while most importantly alerting families in the region about the life-changing programs and services available to help individuals with disabilities live their best lives and be engaged in their communities.
As part of the partnership, the Easterseals coalition, operating under the moniker “Easterseals Disability Services,” will sponsor the sensory rooms and in-seat toolkits available to fans with sensory needs at Raymond James Stadium. The partnership will run for five years and create awareness visible on Buccaneers platforms such as the team’s website, inside the stadium, on the radio, through social media, and much more.
“Partnerships like this allow us to reach beyond our traditional audience and connect with more individuals and families who may not yet know that Easterseals is here for them,” said Tom Waters, president and CEO of Easterseals Southwest Florida, which primarily serves Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties “The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have an incredible platform and a deep connection with communities across our region, and we are excited to leverage that reach to raise awareness, break down barriers, and ensure more people who need our services have the opportunity to find and access them.”
Bucs head coach Todd Bowles and his wife, Taneka, are devoted advocates for the autism community. Their youngest son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at the age of 2. Since then, the couple has been active in raising awareness and funds; they sponsor an autism awareness resale boutique, which employs teens and adults who are on the spectrum, in Tampa called the Autism Acceptance Center.
Taneka Bowles has helped to raise over $250,000 for organizations that focus on autism. Coach Bowles also supports awareness and fundraising through the NFL’s “My Cause, My Cleats” initiative.
In 2023, the couple helped to renovate the dedicated sensory rooms at Raymond James Stadium to support fans with developmental disabilities and sensory needs. They are located on the main concourse in the south end zone near sections 120 and 131.
“This partnership with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers helps us do more than raise awareness. It creates opportunities to connect individuals with disabilities to resources, support, and pathways to meaningful employment. Together, we can help more Floridians build skills, find purpose, and thrive in their communities,” said Beverly Johnson, president and CEO of Orlando-based Easterseals Florida.
For over a century, Easterseals has worked to create opportunities and reduce stigma for children and adults with disabilities. Across Florida, the Easterseals network provides therapy, education, autism diagnostics, employment services, mental health programs, family support and more. To learn mor, visit championfordisabilities.org.
Submitted by Sharon Kunkel
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Buccaneers partner with Easterseals for autism support
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