Happenings & Stories
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Learn About Supportive Decision Making & Self-Advocacy
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S students had a lesson in Supportive Decision Making and Self-Advocacy today with special guest Ally Walford from the Family Network on Disabilities (FND). Ally spoke to the students about the value of being able to Self-Advocate and Supportive...
Lunch on a Budget
Today the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had the chance to practice their budgeting skills during their Community Based Instruction (CBI) field trip at Publix. Each student received a Publix Gift Card (valued at $18) and had to stay within their budget to order lunch,...
Let the Adventures Begin!
The 2023-2024 academic year is well on the way, and the students at the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program in Broward County had the opportunity to experience a unique scavenger hunt right on their school campus. Students were divided into two groups and paired to work as a...
🌟 HDS Foundation Celebrates Non-Profit Day! 🌟
This year, on Non-Profit Day, we're excited to highlight the impactful work being done by the team at the HDS Foundation. Our mission is to support teens and young adults on the Autism Spectrum as they embark on their journey through high school and beyond. Our...
Celebrating 25 Years of Growth and Innovation Leading the Affordable Housing Industry
Today, HDS Companies celebrates a significant milestone; our 25th anniversary, marking a remarkable journey of growth and transformation. What began as a small agency has evolved into the leading provider of diverse business solutions and professional technical...
Exploring Career Paths in the World of Hospitality and Tourism: Insights from Marina Miranda
At the end of the 2022-2023 academic year, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class concluded with an informative session featuring Marina Miranda as the last guest speaker for its Career Series. Marina, who graduated from UCF, shared her journey and expertise with the class. Her...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Celebrate End of School Year
Every year, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students eagerly anticipate their final Community-Based Instruction field trip, where they enjoy a delicious lunch at Japan Inn. Over the last two weeks, both HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. classes had the opportunity to enjoy lunch celebrating...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S Students Learn Water Safety
In celebration of National Water Safety Month in May, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students are embarking on a two-week program at the Y.M.C.A. to acquire fundamental water safety knowledge. This includes essential skills like floating, treading water, and holding their...
Empowering Success: HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Alumni Eric’s Journey with ARC Broward
Eric, a former HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. student, came to share his post-secondary journey with the class. Eric's decision to defer his graduation and enroll with ARC Broward School of Higher Education has proven to be an excellent experience. Through this program, Eric has...
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students learn about the Immersive Technology Program at Broward College
Today, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students enjoyed attending a presentation by Robert Diaz, the Senior Director of the Title III HIS STEM ACCESS Project Grant at Broward College. During the session, Robert introduced the students to the diverse range of programs, degrees,...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S Enjoy a Day on the Freedom of the Seas Cruise Ship!
Last week, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students embarked on a thrilling Community-Based Instruction field trip to the renowned Port of Miami. The highlight of their excursion was an exclusive tour of the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Freedom of the Seas. The students were so...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Practice Life Skills
Leading up to Mother's Day, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. teachers designed the lesson plans to teach their students valuable life skills and prepare them to surprise their mothers with thoughtful presents. The lesson involved buying a card, a box of chocolates, and a plant...
A Canvas Without Limits
For this week’s Career Series, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students were delighted to have the opportunity to connect with Digital Artist Mike Spring via Zoom. Given the students' keen interest in pursuing Digital Art as a career path, Liz Falk, HDS Foundation Program...
Never Stop Learning because Life never Stops Teaching
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students headed out on a Community-Based Instruction (CBI) field trip to one of their favorite places, Mission BBQ. They enjoyed a delicious lunch with their teachers and peers. Students practiced their independence by ordering and paying for...
Teachers & Mentors Appreciation Week
As part of the 2023 Teacher & Mentor Appreciation Week, the HDS Foundation team is honoring the dedication of our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. and College Mentors Program teachers and mentors, who have worked tirelessly throughout the year to ensure the success of our...
Celebrating Student Achievements
Imagine…Believe…Achieve! Congratulations to all of the students for their accomplishments this year. We are so proud of you! April is Autism Acceptance Month. Be Aware. Be Kind. Be Understanding. We would like to celebrate the following students for their...
iCode – Empowering Future Innovators
Today, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students embarked on their weekly Community-Based Instruction (CBI) field trip to iCode, an interactive STEM Education Learning Center that provides coding and STEM instruction led by instructors for children from kindergarten to 12th...
HDS Companies Software Developer
During this week's HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S Career Series, Alejandro Clavelo, a Software Developer at HDS Companies, shared his career path from college to employment with the class. Initially aspiring to become an astronaut during his youth in Cuba, he dreamed of one day...
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Enjoy the Best Burgers in Town!
For students with autism spectrum disorder and related abilities, socializing and participating in everyday activities can be challenging. That is why our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Community Based Instruction (CBI) field trips are so important. Recently, our students enjoyed...
Dedicated Service Through Teamwork
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students headed to the local fire department for their Community Based Instruction (CBI) field trip. This CBI gave the students the opportunity to learn about what it entails to work in this field of helping others in the community when in...
Discovering the Beyond
During their Career Series this month, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students were able to connect with special guests, Sean Dunne, who serves as the Resources Management Officer (RMO) in the Exploration Research and Technology Group at Kennedy Space Center, and Dean Reges,...
Reaching the Special Needs Community Through the Arts.
During the 2023 Career Series, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had the privilege of meeting Gustavo Padrino, the Community Engagement Manager at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Gustavo shared his journey from college to employment and explained how he...
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. ...
A Special Guest Visits the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students and facilitators warmly welcomed Kate Gilson Miranda, a Junior Board Member of the HDS Foundation, who served as a guest speaker during the Career Experience Series. Kate was delighted to tell them about her personal journey, from high...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Get a Lesson in Self-Advocacy
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students welcomed Ally Walford from the Family Network on Disability, who came out to speak to them about self-advocacy this week. Ally took the opportunity to emphasize the value of self-advocacy and the five areas that students should...