Welcome Back HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students!
Last week, we had the pleasure of meeting our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students for the 2025–2026 school year!
We’re excited to support them throughout the year as they take part in Community Based Instruction field trips, where they’ll gain valuable life skills and experiences out in the community.
Here’s to a year full of learning, growth, and new opportunities!
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! 
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...
Candle Making at its finest!
One of our additional HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Broward Programs also had the chance to participate in the Community Based Instruction in-house field trip with the ScentsAbility team. These students were given a chance to try their hand at candle making. Each student...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Get a Taste of Patriotism
Patriotism and barbeque are what the HDSF B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students enjoyed during their lunch outing at Mission BBQ. Before the students headed to the restaurant, they reviewed the menu and decided what to order for lunch. The challenge was to order a main entree,...