Kate Gilson Miranda: A Voice for Advocacy
We are so proud of Kate Gilson Miranda, HDS Foundation Director, for attending the Miami-Dade Commission Meeting last night! As one of Best Buddies Florida State Ambassadors, Kate spoke passionately about the importance of protecting funding for the Best Buddies Organization. She shared her personal story, highlighting that without Best Buddies, she would not be working today as a Pre-K Paraprofessional. Kate’s voice is a powerful reminder to always advocate for what you believe in and for the organizations that change lives.
Happy Birthday Temple Grandin!
Diagnosed with autism at a time when little was understood about it, Dr. Grandin broke barriers in education, agriculture, and neurodiversity advocacy. Her work has changed lives, opened minds, and empowered individuals to embrace their unique strengths.
Thank you, Dr. Grandin, for reminding us that inclusion, innovation, and understanding start with acceptance.
Welcome Back, HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students, Parents, and Teachers!
Wishing everyone a year of building skills, friendships, and confidence!
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S Program Reunion 2015-2025
This past weekend, we proudly hosted a reunion for our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program Alumni who graduated between from 2015–2025! We were thrilled to welcome so many of our former students for an afternoon filled with bowling, friendship, and fun. The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program helps prepare students with Autism Spectrum Disorder for life after high school by supporting the development of social, life, and career skills. Seeing our alumni thrive is a true testament to the program’s impact.
During the reunion, we learned that all of our alumni are currently enrolled in college, pursuing degrees in Business, TV Production, History, Graphic Design, IT, Radiology, and Network Systems Technology. Many of them are also working in their communities, including jobs at Publix and Walgreens.
A special highlight of the day was when Ms. Mansolillo, one of their B.R.I.D.G.E.S. teachers who recently retired after 41 years of dedicated service in education, came by to see them!
We are incredibly proud of our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program alumni and look forward to celebrating their continued success at next summer’s reunion! 
HDS Foundation Champions Inclusion with Camp Boxes for Every Camper
We are proud to once again sponsor The Friendship Journey, Camp Wings of Friendship custom camp boxes for every camper! This virtual summer camp brings together teens and adults with disabilities for a week filled with connection, creativity, and fun, and we’re thrilled to support a program that celebrates inclusion and builds lasting friendships. We’re honored to play a part in making this experience possible and are grateful to partner with The Friendship Journey to help create unforgettable summer memories.
A Canvas Without Limits
For this week’s Career Series, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students were delighted to have the opportunity to connect with Digital Artist Mike Spring via Zoom. Given the students' keen interest in pursuing Digital Art as a career path, Liz Falk, HDS Foundation Program...
Never Stop Learning because Life never Stops Teaching
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students headed out on a Community-Based Instruction (CBI) field trip to one of their favorite places, Mission BBQ. They enjoyed a delicious lunch with their teachers and peers. Students practiced their independence by ordering and paying for...
Teachers & Mentors Appreciation Week
As part of the 2023 Teacher & Mentor Appreciation Week, the HDS Foundation team is honoring the dedication of our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. and College Mentors Program teachers and mentors, who have worked tirelessly throughout the year to ensure the success of our...
Celebrating Student Achievements
Imagine…Believe…Achieve! Congratulations to all of the students for their accomplishments this year. We are so proud of you! April is Autism Acceptance Month. Be Aware. Be Kind. Be Understanding. We would like to celebrate the following students for their...
iCode – Empowering Future Innovators
Today, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students embarked on their weekly Community-Based Instruction (CBI) field trip to iCode, an interactive STEM Education Learning Center that provides coding and STEM instruction led by instructors for children from kindergarten to 12th...
HDS Companies Software Developer
During this week's HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S Career Series, Alejandro Clavelo, a Software Developer at HDS Companies, shared his career path from college to employment with the class. Initially aspiring to become an astronaut during his youth in Cuba, he dreamed of one day...
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Enjoy the Best Burgers in Town!
For students with autism spectrum disorder and related abilities, socializing and participating in everyday activities can be challenging. That is why our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Community Based Instruction (CBI) field trips are so important. Recently, our students enjoyed...
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...