Building Skills & Earning Confidence
We’re incredibly proud of Alexandra, an HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. senior who’s already making a difference! Along with her studies, she’s gaining valuable experience and earning money as a freelance babysitter. Her dedication and hard work are truly inspiring, and we’re excited to see all the amazing things she’ll accomplish in the future!
Learning Life Skills Through Gardening
Our Broward HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students participated in The Home Depot Garden Challenge, and they did an amazing job! This year, the project was scaled down from an outdoor garden to individual succulent planters. Working in teams of 2-3, they had a $50 budget to choose succulents, potting soil, drainage rocks, and planters. Before heading to Home Depot, they learned all about succulent care through videos and a custom PowerPoint to guide their shopping. Each student had the chance to plant and take care of their very own succulent, a perfect way to apply their new skills! 
Making a Difference, One Student at a Time
Meet Meygan, a 2021 high school graduate and proud B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program alumna who continues to make a difference! Meygan participated in the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program for two years and is now pursuing her passion as an Education Major at Broward College. Recently, she reconnected with the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. teachers and is now volunteering in the classroom twice a week, making a meaningful impact on the students currently in the program. She’s also a dedicated tutor, helping students who need support in Algebra 2 and helping to build their confidence. Beyond the classroom, Meygan stays connected with several of her B.R.I.D.G.E.S. classmates, enjoying social activities together or spending time studying. Meygan plans to transfer to Florida International University to finish her degree in Education, and we have no doubt she’s going to be an incredible teacher!
Celebrating Jesus’ Path to Employment
Huge congratulations to Jesus on landing a new job! Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have paid off, and we couldn’t be happier for you. Wishing you all the success in this new chapter—go shine bright!
A Day of Celebration, Unity, and Acceptance
Special thanks to the amazing HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. teachers at our Miami-Dade High School for hosting such a fantastic event in celebration of Autism Acceptance Month! Our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students and their classmates enjoyed a day filled with sweet treats donated by Miami Dade Fire Rescue & Hispanic American Firefighters Association, hands-on CPR training, fun with temporary tattoos, visits from friendly service dogs, and a high-energy performance by the school band and cheerleaders!
It was a beautiful day full of inclusion, friendship, and fun, a perfect reminder of the power of community. 
A Day of Friendship, Inclusion, and Inspiration
Kate Gilson, HDS Foundation Educator & Program Facilitator, and Board Member, recently took part in the Best Buddies Friendship Walk and what an unforgettable day it was! Following the walk, Kate was invited to an exclusive afternoon reception hosted by Best...
On the Road to Independence
Huge congratulations to Zacharia on getting his learner’s permit! This is such an exciting milestone, and we’re so proud of you for taking this big step toward independence. Wishing you safe and happy driving adventures ahead!
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 of such...
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...