HDS Foundation to Present at the 50th International DCDT Conference
Liz Falk, Executive Director of HDS Foundation, will present alongside Dr. Tara Frazier, Associate Director of the Student Accessibility Center and Director of the THRIVE Program at the University of North Florida, during a session titled “Community-Based Instruction: Lessons for ALL!” The presentation highlights how partnerships among schools, families, businesses, and community organizations can expand meaningful transition opportunities for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and related abilities.
The conference focuses on the pillars of Living, Learning, and Working, which closely align with the mission of the HDS Foundation. Through more than 300 sessions, attendees will explore innovative approaches to employment, post-secondary education, independent living, self-determination, family engagement, and emerging practices in transition services.
In addition to presenting, Liz will attend sessions and connect with professionals from across the country to learn about new trends, research, and successful transition models. These insights will be shared with HDS Foundation teachers and partners to strengthen programming and expand opportunities for the students and families we serve.
The HDS Foundation is honored to share its work on a national stage and looks forward to bringing valuable knowledge and resources back to South Florida as we continue building pathways to independence, inclusion, and success for young adults with ASD and related abilities.
Real-World Learning, Real-Life Skills
At Super Target, students used their classroom supply lists to identify needed items, locate them throughout the store, and practice making purchases. They picked up essential supplies such as composition books, pencils, markers, colored pencils, tissues, wipes, headphones, and more while strengthening skills like following a list, making choices, problem-solving, and completing transactions independently.
After shopping, students headed to Pollo Tropical, where they practiced reading menus, ordering their meals, and demonstrating appropriate dining skills in a community setting.
This fun and meaningful experience helped students build confidence while developing important communication, community participation, and independent living skills.
A Special Thank You
Thank you to all the parents, teachers, friends, and family members who came out to support our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program during the recent Thermomix presentation.
The Thermomix is an all-in-one smart kitchen appliance that combines guided cooking with easy-to-use technology, making meal preparation more accessible and engaging. Thanks to a generous donation of a Thermomix to our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. classroom, students will have the opportunity to practice important life skills such as reading recipes, following directions, measuring ingredients, and preparing meals.
These hands-on experiences will help build confidence, independence, and practical skills that students can use both at home and in the community. We are incredibly grateful for this wonderful donation and the support of everyone who helped make this opportunity possible!
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. 5th Annual Alumni Reunion
What an incredible afternoon of reconnecting, reminiscing, and celebrating friendships!
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. alumni from the graduating classes of 2013 through 2026 came together for our 5th Annual Reunion at Strikers. Alumni enjoyed an afternoon filled with laughter, friendly competition, and meaningful conversations as they reconnected with old friends and met fellow graduates from across the years.
Events like these remind us that the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. community extends far beyond graduation. The relationships, memories, and support built through the program continue to create lasting connections and lifelong friendships.
A special thank you to the teachers and staff who took time out of their weekend to come and reconnect with their former students. Your dedication, encouragement, and continued support mean so much, and it was wonderful to see the lasting impact you have made in the lives of our alumni.
Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this year’s reunion such a memorable success. We loved seeing so many familiar faces and hearing about all the amazing accomplishments of our alumni.
Kicking Off the 2026-2027 School Year with B.R.I.D.G.E.S.
The HDS Foundation is excited to begin another incredible year of opportunities through our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Grant Program! We recently had the pleasure of visiting our Miami-Dade and Broward County schools during our Meet & Greet events and connecting with the dedicated teachers and students who make this program so impactful.
Through the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Grant, students receive stipends that allow them to participate in meaningful community-based instruction experiences where they can practice essential life, social, and employment skills. These real-world opportunities help prepare students for a successful transition to college, employment, independent living, and other post-secondary pathways.
In addition, grant funding helps teachers create engaging and inclusive experiences by supporting:
✅ Student participation in special events such as Homecoming, Prom, and Grad Bash
✅ Transportation for community outings and special events
✅ Instructional materials and supplies that enhance learning and skill development
✅ Activities that promote independence, self-advocacy, and community engagement
We are grateful for our school partners and look forward to seeing the amazing accomplishments of our students throughout the year.
HDS Foundation to Present at the 50th International DCDT Conference
The HDS Foundation is excited to participate in the 50th International Division on Career Development and Transition (DCDT) Conference, taking place October 14-17, 2026, in New Orleans, Louisiana. DCDT, a division of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), is an...
Real-World Learning, Real-Life Skills
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students kicked off the school year with an exciting Community-Based Instruction trip to Super Target and Pollo Tropical. At Super Target, students used their classroom supply lists to identify needed items, locate them throughout the store, and...
A Special Thank You
Thank you to all the parents, teachers, friends, and family members who came out to support our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program during the recent Thermomix presentation. The Thermomix is an all-in-one smart kitchen appliance that combines guided cooking with easy-to-use...
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. 5th Annual Alumni Reunion
What an incredible afternoon of reconnecting, reminiscing, and celebrating friendships! The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. alumni from the graduating classes of 2013 through 2026 came together for our 5th Annual Reunion at Strikers. Alumni enjoyed an afternoon filled with laughter,...
Kicking Off the 2026-2027 School Year with B.R.I.D.G.E.S.
The HDS Foundation is excited to begin another incredible year of opportunities through our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Grant Program! We recently had the pleasure of visiting our Miami-Dade and Broward County schools during our Meet & Greet events and connecting with the...
Mentorship That Makes a Difference
This semester, the HDS Foundation is proud to continue its partnership with University of North Florida THRIVE Program, connecting students with dedicated mentors who are committed to supporting their success both in and out of the classroom. After completing...
A First Account, A Big Step Toward Independence
Our newest B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students recently visited Bank of America, with their parents to open their first bank accounts, and it was a proud moment for everyone involved! This is just the beginning. Students will soon return to the bank with their classmates to make...
Opening Doors to New Opportunities
We are incredibly proud of our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. alumni who graduated this year! Their hard work, determination, and growth have led them to exciting opportunities as they complete internships with the City of Hialeah Project Search and Boeing. Congratulations on this...
Support Autism Programs Across Florida!
Join the HDS Foundation Board Members in supporting individuals with Autism by purchasing an Autism Specialty License Plate. Every plate helps fund programs and opportunities that make a difference in the lives of teens, young adults, and families throughout Florida....
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Alumni Spotlight: Zachariah
We are proud to recognize Zachariah, a 2025 graduate of the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program in Miami-Dade County! Through hard work, dedication, and valuable workplace experience gained through Project Search at Boeing, Zachariah successfully completed a paid internship and...