Budgeting, Ordering, and Building Confidence at Chick-fil-A
Our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students recently enjoyed a meaningful and interactive learning experience at Chik Fil A! Prior to the trip, they practiced budgeting and calculating meal totals to prepare for placing their own orders. During the visit, students confidently ordered their meals, enjoyed a delicious lunch, and strengthened their communication, social, and independent living skills. This hands-on activity provided a valuable opportunity for students to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom while building confidence and fostering positive social connections.
Shopping for a Cause: B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Support the Harvest Drive
Giving back while learning important life skills, that’s what our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students experienced during their recent trip to Publix to support their local Harvest Drive!
Students worked in groups to find five items each to complete a Harvest Drive Box, using their shopping lists to navigate the aisles, compare prices, and make smart spending decisions. They practiced independence at self-checkout, scanning, bagging, and paying for their items. This meaningful hands-on activity helped students strengthen their confidence and independence while contributing to their community.
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Give Back to the Community
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students recently volunteered with Hope at Miami Lakes United Methodist Church to help prepare gift bags for the upcoming Miami Lakes Pumpkin Patch event! Students worked together to fill each bag with care, practicing teamwork, responsibility, and social skills along the way. They also discovered how fun and rewarding it can be to make a positive impact in their community!
Smiles, Music, and Memories: A Homecoming to Remember
This weekend, our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had an unforgettable night at Homecoming! Students dressed up, danced, and enjoyed an evening full of fun, laughter, and memories. Events like these give our students a chance to practice social skills, build confidence, and celebrate with their peers in a real-world setting. From capturing group photos to enjoying the music and decorations, every moment was filled with joy and connection. We love seeing our students develop, connect, and create memories that will last a lifetime!
A Night of Connection, Learning, and Support for HDS Families
Thank you to everyone who joined us for HDS Foundation: Parent Connect, Learn & Support Night!
A special shoutout to all the parents of our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students who attended and to Nathalie Stanish, M.S., Manager of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation & Transition and Adult Program at UMCARD for an amazing and informative presentation on Planning for Adulthood, covering employment, post-secondary education, adult programs, housing, transportation, and more.
A heartfelt thank you to Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza in Weston, for generously donating 50% of the cost of the food, your support helps make events like this possible!
Parents walked away with valuable information and resources to help their young adults thrive gaining practical strategies, new connections, and a deeper understanding of the transition to adulthood. Events like these empower families to confidently navigate the journey ahead together.
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S Enjoy a Day on the Freedom of the Seas Cruise Ship!
Last week, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students embarked on a thrilling Community-Based Instruction field trip to the renowned Port of Miami. The highlight of their excursion was an exclusive tour of the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Freedom of the Seas. The students were so...
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Earn Joe Di Maggio Children’s Hospital All -Star Program Recognition
We are so proud of our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students participation this year in the Joe Di Maggio Children's Hospital All -Star Program. In order to earn the All-Star School recognition, a school must participate in at least 4 service projects throughout the school...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Practice Life Skills
Leading up to Mother's Day, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. teachers designed the lesson plans to teach their students valuable life skills and prepare them to surprise their mothers with thoughtful presents. The lesson involved buying a card, a box of chocolates, and a plant...
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...