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 individuals with Autism and other related disabilities. This event was a fantastic opportunity to engage with local organizations dedicated to supporting families through tools, guidance, and advocacy. Thank you to everyone who stopped by the HDS Foundation table to learn more about how we’re helping students and families build brighter futures through education, transition programs, and community involvement.
HDS Board Member Honored as Best Buddies Florida State Ambassador
We are excited to share that HDS Foundation Board Member Kate Gilson Miranda has been named one of the Best Buddies Florida State Ambassadors for 2025–2027! Kate’s passion, dedication, and commitment to inclusion continue to inspire us all, and this honor is so well-deserved! Please join us in congratulating Kate on this incredible achievement! We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see the amazing impact you’ll make in the years ahead!
More Than a Meal: Lessons for Life
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 Off-The-Grill, and Mitch’s Westside Bagels, giving students a variety of dining settings to explore. Before each trip, the class reviewed the restaurant’s menu and practiced budgeting skills by calculating tax and tip while staying within their $25 limit. At each restaurant, students engaged in conversations with peers and staff, placed their own orders, and enjoyed a delicious meal!
Exploring STEM Futures at Broward College
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 workforce needs of students and regional employers by enhancing completion and transfer rates in Information Technology (IT) programs.
During their visit, students engaged in hands-on STEM experiences, including coding, robotics, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and interactive mobile classrooms. A highlight of the day was touring the Broward College Aviation, where students explored aircraft hangars and got an up-close look at airplane and helicopter engines. This immersive experience gave students valuable insight into the wide range of post-secondary pathways available to them in STEM and IT fields. 
HDS Mentors Making a Difference
A huge thank you to our amazing HDS Companies team members, Bridget Wong, Ashley Walker, and Delisay Baldaji for inspiring our Cypress Bay B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students during their Career Series! These incredible women shared their journeys from college to launching meaningful careers at HDS and gave our students a behind-the-scenes look at their professional paths.
The students were engaged, curious, and asked thoughtful questions throughout. We’re so grateful to our amazing mentors for making a lasting impact and showing what’s possible!
Dedicated Service Through Teamwork
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students headed to the local fire department for their Community Based Instruction (CBI) field trip. This CBI gave the students the opportunity to learn about what it entails to work in this field of helping others in the community when in...
Discovering the Beyond
During their Career Series this month, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students were able to connect with special guests, Sean Dunne, who serves as the Resources Management Officer (RMO) in the Exploration Research and Technology Group at Kennedy Space Center, and Dean Reges,...
Reaching the Special Needs Community Through the Arts.
During the 2023 Career Series, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had the privilege of meeting Gustavo Padrino, the Community Engagement Manager at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Gustavo shared his journey from college to employment and explained how he...
HDS Foundation Celebrates Autism Acceptance Month
More than 50 years have passed since the first National Autism Awareness month was observed in the United States in April 1970. This month's events are meant to increase understanding of Autism and promote the inclusion of those who fall within the Autism Spectrum. ...
A Special Guest Visits the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students and facilitators warmly welcomed Kate Gilson Miranda, a Junior Board Member of the HDS Foundation, who served as a guest speaker during the Career Experience Series. Kate was delighted to tell them about her personal journey, from high...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Get a Lesson in Self-Advocacy
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students welcomed Ally Walford from the Family Network on Disability, who came out to speak to them about self-advocacy this week. Ally took the opportunity to emphasize the value of self-advocacy and the five areas that students should...
Runners and Walkers… Get Set, Ready, and Go!
The ESE teachers at Homestead Senior High School organized a 5K Buddy Run/Walk for their students, which was held just before Spring Break. Throughout the last few months, students signed up to become a "Buddy" with a student in the Exceptional Student Education...
The Heart of Special Olympics
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had the opportunity to participate in the Special Olympics at their high school. Students demonstrated their abilities in the relay race, long jump, and softball throw. Before the day's events, students took time to go outside with...
HDSF B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Learn about Tequesta Native Americans
Each year, as part of the Community-Based Instruction (CBI) field trips, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students spend a morning at Peace Mound Park in Weston, learning about the history of the Tequesta Native Americans. The 8.16-acre neighborhood park with waterfront views...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Turn the Classroom into a Wood Shop for the Day
What a terrific day for the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students as they put on their wood-maker hats and choose what they wanted to build: a race car, pinball, or soccer game from Home Depot pre-cut wooden kits. Each student had the opportunity to create the project of their...