B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Enjoy the Best Burgers in Town!
During the outing, each student ordered a meal complete with fries, a drink, and dessert. This gave them the opportunity to practice paying with their debit card. Some of the students’ favorite items included double burgers and milkshakes. Ryan, who skipped breakfast, indulged in a double burger, chili fries, a soft drink, and a milkshake, while Aaron ordered too much and ended up taking some of his food to go.
Despite the challenges that can come with socializing and participating in everyday activities, our students thoroughly enjoyed their lunch at Burger Fi. It is one of their favorite CBIs during the school year, and it is easy to see why. Not only do they get to practice important life skills like ordering food, but they also get to socialize with their peers and enjoy a delicious meal.
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. and other programs like it are essential for providing students on the autism spectrum with opportunities to practice socializing and participating in everyday activities. These experiences help to build confidence and independence, which can carry over into other areas of their lives. It is important to continue to support and advocate for programs like these so that all individuals on the autism spectrum can live their lives to the fullest.
Dedicated Service Through Teamwork
The students had a great time learning about the requirements and skills that you needed in order to become a firefighter, paramedic or Emergency Medical Technician. They all asked amazing questions, but the best part was when they were able spray water from the fire hose!
Discovering the Beyond
The initial guest speaker, Sean, recounted his childhood dream of working for NASA and shared how he persisted through multiple rejections before being offered a position. His unwavering dedication to contributing to mankind through his work at the Kennedy Space Center motivated him to apply to NASA a total of ten times until he landed an interview. Currently serving as a Resource Manager, Sean’s role involves securing adequate funding to support various space programs.
During his presentation, Sean emphasized the significance of possessing the four “P’s” – Personality, Professionalism, Passion, and Perseverance – to attain a fulfilling and prosperous career. He elaborated on the significance of each attribute and how they contribute to success. Towards the end of his talk, Sean expressed his awe at witnessing a rocket launch from the Kennedy Space Center and urged the students to witness one for themselves at least once in their lifetime.
In the subsequent segment, Dean Reges, an astronomer employed at the Cincinnati Observatory, shared his personal trajectory from high school to pursuing a career in astronomy. Dean disclosed to the students that his initial aspiration was to become a professional football player, but upon entering college, he realized that this dream would not come to fruition. Consequently, he pursued a career in teaching high school history and secured a position at a nearby planetarium, which ignited his love for space. After dedicating 25 years to astronomy, Dean authored six books and was featured in prestigious publications such as the New York Times and Washington Post.
The students posed a series of thought-provoking questions to Dean during the Q&A session. For instance, Daniel asked about his favorite planet, to which Dean responded that Saturn held a special place in his heart due to its fascinating rings that can be observed through a telescope. Meanwhile, Aaron asked Dean about his most cherished aspect of the job, to which he replied that he enjoyed sharing his knowledge about what he saw through the telescope. Other students inquired about the likelihood of extraterrestrial life or the possibility of alternate universes, but Dean explained that there is currently no evidence to support these hypotheses. As a result, astronomers cannot conclusively prove or disprove their existence at this time.
The presentations from Sean and Dean profoundly impacted the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students, as they gained insights into careers that revolve around space. The importance of perseverance and persistence in pursuing one’s aspirations was a recurring theme throughout both talks. Additionally, the students were able to learn from the speakers’ personal experiences that their current professions were not necessarily the ones they had envisioned following their college graduation. Overall, the students were thoroughly engaged and enriched by the presentations.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sean Dunne and Dean Reges for generously sharing their wisdom and expertise with the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students. Their valuable insights and personal anecdotes will be immensely beneficial for the students as they begin to navigate their transition from high school to post-secondary education and beyond.
Reaching the Special Needs Community Through the Arts.
Despite majoring in Music and earning a bachelor’s degree, Gustavo discovered his true calling was not in this field. He was hired to work in the Broward Center for the Performing Arts finance department and was soon promoted to work across multiple departments. During this tenure, Gustavo participated in planning a sensory-inclusive program. He realized that he wanted to focus on making a difference for the neurodiverse community by providing accommodations for shows.
Gustavo’s passion for ensuring equal opportunities for theater enjoyment among individuals with disabilities compelled him to consider a career shift. He strongly believes that regardless of their abilities, everyone should have the chance to relish theater experiences. The aspect he cherishes the most about his job is the positive impact he has created by facilitating numerous individuals with disabilities and their families to participate in theater events together. The students of the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. extend their gratitude to Gustavo for sharing his story and insights about job opportunities available at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. His presentation has helped them think about their high school transition options.
Gustavo’s presentation on job prospects at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts has been immensely valuable for the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students, who extend their heartfelt gratitude for his contribution. By sharing his story and insights, Gustavo has provided the students with valuable information to start contemplating their high school transition choices.
HDS Foundation Celebrates Autism Acceptance Month
More than 50 years have passed since the first National Autism Awareness month was observed in the United States in April 1970. This month’s events are meant to increase understanding of Autism and promote the inclusion of those who fall within the Autism Spectrum.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological condition that affects how people communicate, socialize, and behave. It is called a “spectrum” because the symptoms and severity of ASD vary widely from person to person. While some people with ASD have mild symptoms and function well in society, others have more severe symptoms and require additional support.
A shift began in recent years, and today the Autism community is calling on all media outlets to shift their messaging from “Autism Awareness Month” to “Autism Acceptance Month” to promote the growing need for acceptance within the community in preparation for any news coverage in the weeks ahead. The HDS Foundation joins a growing group of leading disability organizations across the country in supporting this terminology. This includes raising awareness about the challenges that people with Autism encounter, as well as celebrating their talents and abilities. It also includes advocating for policies and opportunities that support people with Autism and their families, such as education, employment, accessible housing, affordable health care, and comprehensive long-term services.
Over the last 14 years, the HDS Foundation has provided programs and service opportunities that promote independent/semi-independent living for teens and young adults with ASD and related abilities. Their programs support developing work and daily living skills and socio-educational transitional experiences through school-based partnerships. The Foundation aims to help this growing population with diverse abilities bridge the gap and support their post-secondary journey, strengthening their chances for meaningful, long-term employment and self-sufficiency.
For the second consecutive year, the HDS Foundation has partnered with Clear Channel Outdoor during April to host a Public Service Campaign. The campaign aims to encourage the community to accept the uniqueness of everyone with Autism and encourages people to be aware, understanding, and kind.
To learn more about the HDS Foundation or to make a donation in support of their mission, please visit hdsfoundation.org.
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Enjoy Lunch at their Local Panera Bread Cafe
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Community-Based Instruction (CBI) outings that we host in collaboration with our local high school partners are much more than purely educational. They are an opportunity for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other abilities to feel...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Create Wood Designs
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HDS BRIDGES SUPER BOWL SOIREE
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HDS Foundation needs your daily vote to win the 211 Broward Community Choice Award!
We are proud to share that our HDS Foundation is a Nominee for the 211 Broward, 2023 JM Family Enterprises Community Choice Award. This award is presented to a nonprofit organization that is making an impact through its Programs and Services in the lives of...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Become Candlemakers!
Today, as part of their Community-Based Instruction (CBI), our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had the opportunity to try their hand at making candles. The team at ScentsAbility Candles, a nonprofit that offers an innovative social enterprise and serves as a source of...
HDS BRIDGES Student & U.S. Army JROTC Lightning Battalion Cadet, Katelyn Promoted to Cadet Sergeant
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It’s Movie Time!
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had a fantastic time on their Community-Based Instruction (CBI) field trip to the local movie theater to enjoy the movie Stranger World. Since each student is given a gift card as part of our HDS Grant to use during their weekly CBIs,...
“Tis the Season to Give”
This past week, both of our Cypress Bay HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. programs celebrated the holiday season at Chili's Bar & Grill, enjoying friendship and a delicious lunch. They all ordered burgers, chicken nuggets, chicken fajitas, and more. But the one thing they all...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Bowl for the Lucky Strike
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students headed out for fun with their peers to practice their bowling skills; their motto was "Be bold and go for the strike!" When students arrived at the bowling alley, they first had to find their correct bowling shoe size and then change...
Our Chairman and President featured this week in Voyage MIA Magazine’s “Shout Out Miami” series
We were featured this week in Voyage MIA Magazine's “Shout Out Miami” series. Thank you to Voyage MIA for showcasing how our programs are preparing young people with Autism and related abilities to succeed. Read more at http://bit.ly/3HiSQTV.