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, and problem-solving skills in a natural community setting. After the scavenger hunt, students enjoyed a picnic style lunch, continuing to practice social interaction, self-advocacy, and independence before heading back to school. Students enjoyed a fun and meaningful day of learning beyond the classroom!
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 college and career readiness platform that helps K–12 learners build self‑knowledge, explore career options, and create future plans, students identified their interests, strengths, and possible career paths.
To bring their learning to life, students created personalized Vision Boards, practicing self‑reflection, decision‑making, and planning. They wrapped up the project by presenting their boards to the class building communication skills, boosting confidence, and cheering one another on. A powerful reminder that today’s choices help shape tomorrow’s success!
The Student Café is officially OPEN!
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students kicked off their student‑run breakfast business with a hands‑on shopping trip to Sam’s Club. Each group used a shopping list, learned how to navigate a wholesale store, scanned a membership card, and independently checked out their items—real‑world skills in action! Last Friday was their grand opening, and it was a huge success! Students printed incoming orders, calculated totals, packed delivery carts, and navigated the school campus to deliver breakfast and collect payments. They loved every minute of it and can’t wait to open again each week!
This experience is helping them build confidence, independence, money management skills, and entrepreneurial thinking. We are so proud of them!
Preparing for Employment Through Real-World Experience
Each week, the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students head to Old Navy to continue developing and refining their workplace skills. They’ve taken on a variety of responsibilities, including sorting clothing by size, organizing racks, folding display items, pulling pieces without barcodes, and hanging and stocking new merchandise. After practicing these skills in the classroom, they’re now completing them confidently and independently in a real-world environment. We couldn’t be prouder of their hard work, growth, and professionalism this year!
Budgeting, Safety, and Social Skills in the Community
Last week, students had a great time during their Community Based Instruction fieldtrip to Palm Springs Mile! While visiting Burlington and Dollar Tree, students practiced real‑world budgeting and independent functioning skills. They located clothing and shoe sizes and selected items that fit their needs and predetermined budgets. Students also made thoughtful choices about healthy and affordable snack options using what they’ve learned in previous nutrition lessons. Throughout the trip, students practiced pedestrian safety by crossing streets safely and following traffic signals with confidence. They wrapped up the day with lunch at Chick-fil-A, where they worked on community dining skills like reading menus, ordering independently, and using appropriate social behaviors.
We are so proud of their continued progress in Budgeting, Independent Functioning, and Social Skills!
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...
A Striking End to an Amazing School Year!
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...
A Delicious Finale to an Incredible School Year!
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...
A Night Full of Sparkle, Smiles, and Celebration!
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...
Class of 2025 You Did It!
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,...
Empowering Our Students with Financial Literacy
Special thanks to Karena Bland, Manager, and Daniel Guerrero, Senior Banker at Bank of America, for visiting our Miami-Dade HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program! They shared valuable insights on banking topics including loans, credit cards, and how to manage checking and...
Happy Teacher/Mentor Appreciation Week!
We’re sending a huge THANK YOU to our incredible HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. and HDS College teachers and mentors this week, who go above and beyond every single day. Their dedication, patience, and passion help shape meaningful futures for our students both in and out of the...
Broward Sheriff’s Office Family Autism Day
The HDS Foundation was proud to be part of the Broward Sheriff's Office Family Autism Day held today at Cypress Bay High School. We had the pleasure of connecting with families in our community and sharing valuable resources and programs designed to empower...