Happenings & Stories
Happy Halloween
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students participated in their class annual Pumpkin Carving Contest! Students were put into groups and teamed up to design, carve, and create their very own pumpkin masterpieces with help from their Best Buddies peers. The day was filled with...
Halloween Fun Meets Real-World Learning
Our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students got into the Halloween spirit with a fun and educational trip to Target! Before shopping, they practiced budgeting skills in class to plan their purchases. Working in small groups, students searched for items under $10 that included 12...
Budgeting, Ordering, and Building Confidence at Chick-fil-A
Our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students recently enjoyed a meaningful and interactive learning experience at Chik Fil A! Prior to the trip, they practiced budgeting and calculating meal totals to prepare for placing their own orders. During the visit, students confidently...
Shopping for a Cause: B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Support the Harvest Drive
Giving back while learning important life skills, that’s what our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students experienced during their recent trip to Publix to support their local Harvest Drive! Students worked in groups to find five items each to complete a Harvest Drive Box, using...
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Give Back to the Community
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students recently volunteered with Hope at Miami Lakes United Methodist Church to help prepare gift bags for the upcoming Miami Lakes Pumpkin Patch event! Students worked together to fill each bag with care, practicing teamwork, responsibility,...
Smiles, Music, and Memories: A Homecoming to Remember
This weekend, our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had an unforgettable night at Homecoming! Students dressed up, danced, and enjoyed an evening full of fun, laughter, and memories. Events like these give our students a chance to practice social skills, build confidence,...
A Night of Connection, Learning, and Support for HDS Families
Thank you to everyone who joined us for HDS Foundation: Parent Connect, Learn & Support Night! A special shoutout to all the parents of our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students who attended and to Nathalie Stanish, M.S., Manager of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation &...
Connecting Classroom Learning to Real-Life Skills
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students kicked off their Community Based Instruction Trips with a fun and educational day at the mall! After working hard at their job sites all week, students enjoyed a leisure day that put their budgeting and independent living skills into...
Empowering Independence: Real-World Budgeting Lessons for HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students took a trip to Publix to put their budgeting and communication skills into action! Each student worked with an $18 budget to purchase a drink, meal, and dessert. Some headed to the deli for subs, while others explored the hot food section...
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
This October, HDS Foundation honors those who have bravely fought breast cancer, remembers the loved ones we have lost, and stands with the survivors whose strength inspires us all. We recognize the importance of awareness, early detection, and support for...
October marks the 80th Anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month
HDS Foundation proudly celebrates the many skills, talents, and contributions of people with disabilities in the American workforce. We honor this milestone by continuing to support inclusion, opportunity, and empowerment in our communities.
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Practice Real-World Budgeting
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...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Open Their First Bank Accounts
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...
College Mentors Making a Difference
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...
Welcome Back HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students!
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...
Kate Gilson Miranda: A Voice for Advocacy
We are so proud of Kate Gilson Miranda, HDS Foundation Director, for attending the Miami-Dade Commission Meeting last night! As one of Best Buddies Florida State Ambassadors, Kate spoke passionately about the importance of protecting funding for the Best Buddies...
Happy Birthday Temple Grandin!
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...
Welcome Back, HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students, Parents, and Teachers!
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...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S Program Reunion 2015-2025
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....
HDS Foundation Champions Inclusion with Camp Boxes for Every Camper
We are proud to once again sponsor The Friendship Journey, Camp Wings of Friendship custom camp boxes for every camper! This virtual summer camp brings together teens and adults with disabilities for a week filled with connection, creativity, and fun, and we’re...
Celebrating the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Broward County Class of 2025
We are so proud of our Broward County B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Seniors. Watching each of you grow, overcome challenges, and reach this important milestone has been an incredible journey. Your hard work, resilience, and dedication have inspired us every step of the way....
Congratulations to the Miami-Dade B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Graduating Class of 2025
We are so proud of our Miami-Dade County B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Seniors as they celebrate this incredible milestone! This year, you’ve shown determination, growth, and a true commitment to your future. Your accomplishments reflect your hard work and the strength you've built...
Learning Beyond the Classroom in the Nation’s Oldest City!
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...
A Year to Remember and a Future to Celebrate!
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...
A True Role Model: Carter Bonas Inspires Our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students
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...