Happenings & Stories

Today, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students went on their first Community-Based Instruction (CBI) field trip to Walmart! Their challenge was to work in teams of three and stay within a $25 budget while purchasing office supplies for their teachers. At the checkout, some...

This past weekend, HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students took an exciting step toward independence by opening their own bank accounts at Bank of America ! As part of the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Grant, stipends are provided for each student, giving them the opportunity to set up an...

HDS Foundation is proud to support students at the University of North Florida through our College Mentors Program in partnership with the Transition to Healthiness, Resourcefulness, Independence, Vocation, and Education (THRIVE) Program. The dedicated mentors have...

Last week, we had the pleasure of meeting our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students for the 2025–2026 school year! We’re excited to support them throughout the year as they take part in Community Based Instruction field trips, where they’ll gain valuable life skills and...

Today we celebrate the life and accomplishments of Temple Grandin, a trailblazer, scientist, advocate, and inspiration to millions in the autism community and beyond. Diagnosed with autism at a time when little was understood about it, Dr. Grandin broke barriers in...

We’re excited to kick off another amazing school year with all of you! We can’t wait to see the growth, achievements, and unforgettable memories ahead. From hands-on Community Based Instruction and meaningful community service projects to engaging field trips and new...

This past weekend, we proudly hosted a reunion for our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program Alumni who graduated between from 2015–2025! We were thrilled to welcome so many of our former students for an afternoon filled with bowling, friendship, and fun.  The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S....

As part of our HDS College Mentors program, students from University of North Florida THRIVE took a trip to St. Augustine in celebration of Autism Awareness Month! Students explored the historic Old Town Trolley on a sensory-friendly tour designed to support diverse...

What an incredibly special day with our Miami-Dade HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students as we celebrated our graduating seniors and reflected on an amazing year of growth, learning, and life skills in the community!  We are so proud of everything our students have...

Special thanks to Carter Bonas for visiting our Broward HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students and sharing his powerful story! At just 14 years old, Carter has already made an incredible impact. Diagnosed with Autism at an early age and non-verbal until age 5, he spoke about the...

What a way to wrap up the school year! Last week, our Miami-Dade HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students celebrated in style at @birdbowlmiami filled with strikes, slices of pizza, and arcade fun! The room was full of laughter, smiles, and unforgettable memories. This celebration...

Our Broward HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students wrapped up the school year with a delicious celebration at Japan Inn. From an exciting hibachi show to a tasty lunch shared with friends, it was the perfect way to honor a year full of growth, learning, and success. Cheers to...

  This past weekend, our Broward HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students enjoyed a magical night at prom! The students had an amazing time celebrating the end of the school year, bonding with friends, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. We’re so proud of how far...

  The countdown is over, and the cap and gown moment has arrived. As you step into the next chapter whether it's college, a new job, or discovering your path know that this is only the beginning of your amazing journey. We're so proud of your hard work,...

Our Broward HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students recently had the chance to enjoy several Community-Based Instruction (CBI) lunch outings, each one offering valuable real-world learning and social experiences! They visited three local favorites: Outback, Offerdahl's...

The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had an exciting opportunity to spend the day at Broward College exploring the ACCESS (Accelerating College Completion by Engaging Students in STEM) Project, a Title III Grant initiative. This project supports both the academic and...