HDS Foundation Board Members Making an Impact
Join us in supporting a great cause and promoting acceptance, inclusion, and opportunities for individuals with Autism!
Our dedicated HDS Foundation Board Members proudly champion the Florida Autism License Plate Program, helping raise awareness and strengthen vital programs that empower youth and young adults in our community. Their long-standing commitment reflects our shared mission to build a more inclusive and supportive future for individuals with Autism and related abilities.
If you’d like to make an impact too, you can purchase a Florida Autism License Plate! Every plate sold directly helps fund essential programs and services for individuals and families affected by autism, including meaningful initiatives like our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program.
Learning on the Field
Students had a chance to enjoy a fun and educational day outdoors before Thanksgiving break started, enjoying the beautiful weather while practicing important skills!
The focus of the day was conversational skills and teamwork. At the baseball field, students went to a base representing their career interest after high school—doctor, athlete, or entrepreneur. Once at their base, they shared with each other what they wanted to do and why, practicing conversation skills, active listening, and self-expression in a fun, interactive way.
Later, students shifted to team building by playing kickball. They were divided into two teams, chose team names, and worked together to score points, practicing cooperation, communication, and teamwork. It was a hands-on way to combine learning, social skills, and outdoor activity, making it a memorable day full of learning, teamwork, and fun!
Creating with Purpose: Students Make Their Own Candles
Last week, our students enjoyed a fun, hands-on experience when Scentsability, a nonprofit that creates artisan scented candles and provides meaningful workplace opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), visited the school to guide them in making their own candles.
Students got creative using their favorite colors of sand, carefully placed the wicks, and decorated their candles with gems and seashells. Once the wax was poured and cooled, they were excited to see and enjoy their finished creations.
The activity was a great way for students to practice independence, decision-making, and problem-solving skills, while also boosting creativity. They were thrilled to take their candles home to share with their families!
Sharing Food, Friendship, and Gratitude
Our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students came together to celebrate Friendsgiving with a special lunch from Chick-fil-A! They enjoyed great food, shared conversations, and spent meaningful time building connections with their peers. Students were excited for Thanksgiving Break and looked forward to spending time with family and friends. This gathering also provided a wonderful opportunity for students to practice social skills, engage in positive interactions, and strengthen their sense of community. It was a warm and joyful way to kick off the holiday break!
Using Recreation to Build Life Skills and Independence
Our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had a blast at Round USA, for a day full of fun and friendship! Each student received a game card and got to play the games of their choice. From claw machines to sports and simulation games, students explored activities that matched their interests and had a great time showing off their skills.
Afterward, they checked their game cards to see how many tickets they earned. Using the budgeting skills they’ve been learning in class, students selected prizes they could afford with their tickets practicing independence and smart decision-making in a real-world setting.
It was a fantastic day of fun, friendship, and learning important life skills!
Fitness Fun with Our Miami Dade Students!
This week our amazing Miami Dade students had the opportunity to visit Caution Crossfit for an unforgettable workout experience! They jumped, lifted, and stretched their way through a fantastic session, all while learning the importance of staying active and healthy....
January is Mentoring Month!
Mentors play a vital role in shaping our future by offering guidance, encouragement, and support when we need it most. Whether it's helping us navigate a challenge, inspiring us to reach our goals, or just being there to listen, mentors make a lasting impact. This...
39th Annual Main Street Festival of Lights
Join us for a night of lights and community at the 39th Annual Main Street Festival of Lights on November 23rd! Stop by our tent to learn more about the HDS Foundation and our work supporting teens and young adults with Autism. We can't wait to share our mission with...
Join us as we celebrate our 16th anniversary!
Join us as we celebrate our 16th anniversary! HDS Foundation has been a source of empowerment, creating opportunities and fostering growth within the Autism Community. It’s been an incredible journey filled with memories, growth, and all of YOU who make this community...
Community Champion Award recipient
Thank you, @thefriendshipjourneyfl for this incredible honor! We are deeply grateful to be recognized as your Community Champion Award recipient. This recognition strengthens our commitment to empowering teens and young adults on the Autism Spectrum and fostering a...
Unity Day
“Unity to be real must stand the severest strain without breaking.” Mahatma Gandhi
Proud to come together for Unity Day
We’re proud to come together to build a stronger community, promoting kindness, acceptance, and inclusion all year long. Check out our video to see our team showing up in unity for this important cause.
Growth, Empowerment and Community Service
On Friday, October 4th, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. team had a fun outing to Publix to gather supplies for the Harvest Drive! The students teamed up in groups of 3 to 4, each armed with a $25 gift card to shop for specific items from the Harvest Drive list. This annual...
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
️ October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month ️ Join HDS Foundation to raise awareness, support survivors, and encourage early detection. Every step we take helps in the fight against breast cancer. Whether it's sharing information, getting screened, or...
National Disability Employment Awareness Month!
It's National Disability Employment Awareness Month! This month, we celebrate the incredible contributions of workers with disabilities and raise awareness about the importance of creating inclusive work environments for everyone. At HDS, we believe in the power of...