Surfing with Souza
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students “rolled” into an exciting and interactive Q&A experience with their principal, Mr. Souza. To prepare, students created thoughtful questions across different categories—like “get to know you,” school life, leadership, and advice for...
Special Delivery: A Heartfelt Learning Experience
Last week, our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had a meaningful hands-on learning experience! They learned all about what it takes to send a letter—including how to write a mailing address, return address, and add a stamp. Students addressed their own envelopes and wrote...
Celebrating the Heart of Our Programs: Honoring Our Dedicated Educators
We are excited to spotlight our amazing teachers and education support professionals in our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. and University of North Florida THRIVE Programs. Each day, they bring dedication, passion, and a deep commitment to empowering students to grow, succeed, and...
Behind the Badge: A Day at BSO Weston
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class had an unforgettable visit to the Broward Sheriff's Office in Weston! Students enjoyed a behind the scenes tour of the facility, including an up-close look at the jail cells. Students had the opportunity to meet and speak with several police...
Celebrating Earth Day Through Mindfulness, Movement, and Nature
To celebrate Earth Day, students enjoyed a meaningful and engaging outing to a local park, where they participated in a mindfulness-based yoga session led by a local yoga instructor and occupational therapist, The Mindful OT and Mindful Holistic Wellness. During the...
Bowling for a Cause—Thank You for Making It Special!
We’re incredibly thankful to everyone who took part in our Bowling for a Cause event! The day was filled with fun, laughter, inclusion, and great memories shared across the lanes. Seeing our HDS community come together-students, families, teachers, staff, friends, and...
Exploring Nature: A Hands-On Learning Experience
Our Miami-Dade B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students enjoyed an enriching field trip to Markham Park in Broward County, where they visited the Weston Community Garden. The students were warmly welcomed by the Community Garden Board Members Gina Reichenbach and Vianey Covarrubias,...
Broward Sheriff’s Office Autism Family Day
This exciting community event brought together families, educators, and local organizations for a day dedicated to connection, support, and celebration of individuals with Autism. The HDS Foundation, alongside several other nonprofit organizations, hosted resource...
Painting, Creativity, and Inspiration
Special thanks to Patricia Beltran, a talented local artist and proud parent of one of our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students, who generously volunteered her time to lead a painting class for our students! Students gathered their supplies—paint, brushes, canvases, and aprons—and...
Mindfulness in Motion!
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students enjoyed a peaceful afternoon at Weston Regional Park, participating in a guided yoga and mindfulness session surrounded by the trees. Through stretching, focused breathing, and grounding techniques, students practiced being present,...
Best Buddies South Florida Walk
Our Miami‑Dade B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students proudly participated in the Best Buddies Walk at Loan Depot Park! Walking alongside peers, families, and volunteers, they celebrated inclusion, friendship, and belonging while giving back to the community. We are so proud of...
Dan Marino Foundation Autism Acceptance Family Sunday
Yesterday, we had the pleasure of participating in the Dan Marino Foundation Autism Acceptance Family Sunday—a truly meaningful day dedicated to connection, inclusion, and support for our Autism community. The HDS Foundation, alongside many other nonprofits and...
Autism Acceptance Month Celebration at Miami‑Dade B.R.I.D.G.E.S.
This week, the Miami‑Dade B.R.I.D.G.E.S. teachers hosted a morning filled with inclusion, learning, and fun as the entire student body came together to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month. The event highlighted the strength of community and the importance of acceptance...
2nd Annual Parent Night: Connect, Learn & Support
HDS Foundation hosted a successful 2nd Annual Parent Night at Outback, featuring guest speaker Nathalie Stanish, Manager at UM/NSU CARD- Center for Autism and Related Disorders. Parents from our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. classes received important information on post‑secondary...
World Autism Day
Today, on World Autism Day, we stand with the global community to promote acceptance and learn how we can better support the Autism community. This day encourages us to learn together and build communities that reflect understanding, inclusion and support. Let’s...
Autism Acceptance Month!
Autism Acceptance Month is a time to honor and embrace every individual’s unique journey. At HDS Foundation, we celebrate the strengths and talents of individuals with Autism and are committed to fostering opportunities that support independence and meaningful growth....
Celebrating our Students’ Accomplishments!
We’re kicking off the month with something special! HDS Foundation will be spotlighting our amazing B.R.I.D.G.E.S. & THRIVE students and the awesome accomplishments they’ve achieved this year! From big milestones to personal victories, these students shine bright...
A Special Thank You Video!
We are proud to share a special thank you video from the College of Education and Human Services at the University of North Florida (UNF) highlighting the HDS Foundation’s continued support of the UNF THRIVE program. [video width="1920" height="1080"...
Creativity, Teamwork, and Kindness in Action
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students proudly completed their Rock Snake Project—and what a journey it was! They kicked things off by planning for a Community Based Instruction trip to Dollar Tree, where students researched supplies, created a budget, and prepared for their...
A Day of Discovery at the Weston Community Garden
What a great day for B.R.I.D.G.E.S. programs in Broward to come together! Students spent the morning exploring the Weston Community Garden, where they were warmly welcomed by Ms. Gina and Ms. V. Students learned about the different parts of the garden, including the...



















