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...
Where Learning Meets the Great Outdoors
Our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class visited Peace Mound Park for a digital scavenger hunt filled with teamwork and exploration. Students worked collaboratively to locate park landmarks, complete challenges, and capture photos along the way building communication, cooperation,...
Dream, Plan, Achieve: Goal Setting in Action
After wrapping up an engaging unit on goal setting and future planning, the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class explored the difference between short‑term and long‑term goals and how they connect to students’ academic, career, and personal lives. Using Xello, a student‑centered...
Students Spread Kindness Through Service!
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students recently took part in a heartwarming community service project, creating Kindness Kits in the spirit of Valentine’s Day and in preparation for BCPS’ Day of Service and Love, honoring the lives lost at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. ...
Creating Opportunities, One License Plate at a Time
Drive with purpose! When you purchase a Florida Autism License Plate, you directly support the HDS Foundation as a grant recipient helping fund vital programs for teens and young adults with Autism across Florida. Your choice makes a meaningful impact. Together, we...
A Season of Friendship
Our Miami-Dade students enjoyed a festive holiday outing to Olive Garden filled with food, friendship, and fun! Before arriving, students chose their own meals, giving them a chance to practice decision-making and planning. Once there, they spent time chatting with...
Celebrating Friendship This Holiday Season
Last week, the students in our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. programs in Broward County enjoyed a wonderful holiday celebration at Chili's Grill & Bar! They gathered to celebrate the holiday season together and take part in a Secret Elf & Secret Snowman gift exchange....
HDS Foundation Board Members Making an Impact
Join us in supporting a great cause and promoting acceptance, inclusion, and opportunities for individuals with Autism! Our dedicated HDS Foundation Board Members proudly champion the Florida Autism License Plate Program, helping raise awareness and strengthen vital...
Creating with Purpose: Students Make Their Own Candles
Last week, our students enjoyed a fun, hands-on experience when Scentsability, a nonprofit that creates artisan scented candles and provides meaningful workplace opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), visited the school to...
Learning Through Service: HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Support Jamaica Relief Drive
We are so proud of our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students for making a meaningful impact! In response to recent events, students participated in the Jamaica Relief Drive at their school to support those affected by Hurricane Melissa. The students were split into groups and...
HDS Foundation has been awarded $10,000 by the Autism Services Grants Council (ASGC)
🎉 Exciting News! 🎉We are thrilled to share that HDS Foundation has been awarded $10,000 by the Autism Services Grants Council (ASGC) for our Bridging the Gap: Empowering Students with Autism program! The ASGC is committed to supporting programs that...
Creating with Purpose: Students Make Their Own Candles
Last week, our students enjoyed a fun, hands-on experience when Scentsability , a nonprofit that creates artisan scented candles and provides meaningful workplace opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), visited the school to...
Celebrating 17 Years of Making a Difference
For 17 incredible years, HDS Foundation has been dedicated to making a difference in the lives of youth and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). What began as a vision to empower and support has grown into a movement that transforms lives every single...