Getting Ready to Make an Impact: HDS Mentors Prepare for the Semester
The HDS Foundation is proud to support students at the University of North Florida through our College Mentors Program, offered in partnership with the university’s THRIVE Program. This collaboration allows us to help create meaningful, individualized support for students with autism and related abilities as they navigate college life.
Our dedicated College Mentors have been actively completing certification training and building strong connections with THRIVE students. Through these one‑on‑one relationships, mentors provide personalized guidance, encouragement, and resources that align with each student’s academic, social, and independent‑living goals.
Whether helping students strengthen self‑advocacy skills, develop routines, or build confidence in campus life, our mentors play an important role in fostering independence and supporting progress. Together, HDS Foundation and THRIVE are empowering students to reach their goals and thrive throughout their college journey.
Here’s to a semester of growth, confidence, and achievement!
Finding the Perfect Holiday Surprise
Our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had a fun and meaningful Community-Based Instruction trip to Dolphin Mall!
Students practiced budgeting and independent shopping as they picked out gifts valued between $10–$15 for a family member, with many choosing something special for their moms. They explored the mall, found great sales, and practiced decision-making along the way.
A festive highlight was visiting Bass Pro Shops, where students met Santa Claus and enjoyed all the holiday decorations! The outing wrapped up with lunch in the food court, giving everyone a chance to socialize and build friendships.
This trip provided hands-on practice in budgeting, independent functioning, and social skills, while enjoying the holiday season!
Creating Opportunities, One License Plate at a Time
Drive with purpose! When you purchase a Florida Autism License Plate, you directly support the HDS Foundation as a grant recipient helping fund vital programs for teens and young adults with Autism across Florida. Your choice makes a meaningful impact. Together, we can continue empowering students, expanding opportunities, and strengthening the communities we serve. Learn more or get your plate here: https://autismlicenseplate.com
A Season of Friendship
Our Miami-Dade students enjoyed a festive holiday outing to Olive Garden filled with food, friendship, and fun!
Before arriving, students chose their own meals, giving them a chance to practice decision-making and planning. Once there, they spent time chatting with friends and practicing social skills in a relaxed, real-world setting. From using table manners to joining conversations and sharing laughs, students had many opportunities to build confidence and strengthen peer connections.
It was a wonderful opportunity to relax, connect with friends, and share in the joy of the holiday season together.
Celebrating Friendship This Holiday Season
Last week, the students in our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. programs in Broward County enjoyed a wonderful holiday celebration at Chili’s Grill & Bar! They gathered to celebrate the holiday season together and take part in a Secret Elf & Secret Snowman gift exchange.
Students arrived with their Secret Elf and Secret Snowman gifts ready to exchange with friends. They ordered their favorite meals, spent time socializing, and shared plenty of laughs together. The highlight of the day was exchanging gifts and seeing the joy on everyone’s faces as they opened their surprises.
It was a day filled with friendship, fun, and holiday cheer!
An Unforgettable Night of Inclusion & Hockey
Special thanks to The Friendship Journey & Samantha Novick, for inviting us to Autism Acceptance Night with the Florida Panthers! It was an unforgettable evening filled with hockey, community, and inclusion. We’re so grateful for the opportunity to be part...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Athletes Shine at Special Olympics
What an incredible day supporting our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students as they participated in the Special Olympics at their school. Our students gave it their all in the relay race, hurdles, and long jump and they absolutely crushed it! Their determination, spirit, and...
Autism Acceptance in Action at Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High School
This week, teachers and staff participated in a special presentation in recognition of Autism Acceptance Month at Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High School (HML). The event featured a fun and educational Kahoot quiz on Autism Acceptance, led by Yuri, a student and member...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Seniors Take on Grad Bash!
This past weekend, our Miami-Dade HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had the opportunity to celebrate Grad Bash 2025 at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, an exclusive, after-hours event designed just for graduating high school seniors! With support from our HDS...
Florida DCDT Visions Conference 2025
We are happy to be a Gold Sponsor to help support the great work the Florida DCDT Vision Conference 2025 shares with all the participants who attend!
Best Buddies Friendship Walk
This past weekend, our Miami-Dade HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students joined the Best Buddies Friendship Walk. They celebrated inclusion, friendship, and community. The event was packed with family-friendly fun, from games and music to delicious food and sensory-friendly...
Meet Carter a 14-year-old entrepreneur on the Autism Spectrum who is turning his challenges into opportunities!
Carter founded Carter's Spectrum Golf, a brand that combines his love for golf with a powerful mission to raise awareness, inspire others, and embrace the beauty of being different. Now, he’s taking his journey even further with his new book, Swinging Beyond the...
Spotlight on Kate Gilson Miranda
Kate wears many hats, a sister, daughter, aunt, cousin, niece, granddaughter, team member, and role model but above all, she is a leader in empowerment and inclusion. As an HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. alumna, University of North Florida graduate, and HDS Foundation Board...
Celebrating Autism Acceptance with Miguel
I had an amazing conversation with Miguel about Autism Acceptance Month! We talked about what this month means to him personally and why shifting the focus from awareness to true acceptance is so important. His insights were so powerful because at the end of the day,...
April is Autism Awareness Month!
Join us as we celebrate neurodiversity, raise awareness, and advocate for inclusion and acceptance. This month, we’ll be sharing resources, personal stories, and ways you can support the autism community. Together, we can make a difference. Let’s spread understanding...