Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy (SMART)  received a $6,250 grant from funds generated through the sale of the Florida “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plates. The grant will support therapeutic riding scholarships for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The Autism Services Grants Council awarded a total of $106,900 in grants to 22 Florida-based nonprofit organizations that provide services and programs for individuals with autism and related disabilities. The funds available through grant opportunities offered by the Autism Services Grants Council, are generated through the sale of the Florida “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plates. “SMART provides a unique, enjoyable and structured environment where our students work on improving physically, emotionally and cognitively. Goals based on life skills are set and realized.  We are grateful to the Autism Services Council for their support of the SMART therapeutic riding program”, said executive director Dee Danmeyer. “Thanks to their continued support, we’ll be able to provide scholarships to children with autism who are in need of our program.” Danmeyer stated that the grant will be used to provide 250 therapeutic riding sessions for 10 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. 

In 2009, the Florida Legislature authorized the “Support Autism Services” specialty license plate and provided for the creation of the Autism Services Grants Council. The Council oversees a grants process to fund service programs for individuals with autism and related disabilities and their families throughout the state. This year through a partnership with the Indian River Tax Collector’s office the process of purchasing a specialty Autism License plate throughout Florida has been streamlined so it’s easier than ever to purchase your plate. You can go online or call the Indian River Tax Collectors office directly to purchase your plate from anywhere in the state.  

For more information on the Florida “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plate, please visit autismlicenseplate.com.  For more information about SMART’s programs, please visit smartriders.org.