Students Score Big in Super Bowl Party Prep
In preparation for the annual HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Super Bowl Party, students took a trip to Publix to shop for all the food, drinks, and desserts for the big day.
Students were divided into small groups and given visual shopping lists, then navigated the store by reading aisle signs to locate each item. They even kept an eye out for BOGO deals to help stretch the budget!
Once their lists were complete, students headed to self-checkout to scan, pay for, and bag their purchases independently. This fun and engaging community-based instruction trip strengthened independent functioning, problem-solving, and budgeting skills all while getting ready to celebrate together.
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Lead with Fitness + Nutrition
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students powered through a challenging workout at Cross Fit led by trainer Vanessa and gym owner Dominic, who shared great insights on staying active, eating well, and building healthy daily routines. The session included a full warm‑up, strength and conditioning exercises, and a discussion on healthy vs. unhealthy food choices. Students showed incredible effort and enthusiasm from start to finish!
After the workout, students headed to Flanigan’s, where they put their nutrition knowledge to the test. They reviewed the menu, chose healthy meals, ordered independently, and practiced excellent restaurant etiquette and social skills.
This week’s CBI focused on:
✔️ Budgeting
✔️ Independent Functioning
✔️ Social & Developmental Skills
\We are proud of their hard work, growth, and positive attitudes!
Mini Golf Adventures Strengthen Social and Life Skills
This week, our students enjoyed a fun and engaging leisure day at Monster Golf. After learning the rules, they played alongside their classmates, practiced teamwork, and built social skills in a relaxed, supportive setting. The excitement didn’t stop there, the manager kept the energy high with music, trivia, prizes, and even a special birthday shoutout for one of our students! Experiences like this help students grow socially while enjoying meaningful personal development opportunities.
Dining with Purpose: Students Build Life Skills at Outback
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students enjoyed a Community-Based Instruction (CBI) visit to Outback! Students practiced real-world skills by previewing the menu and planning their meals within a set budget.
At the restaurant, students ordered independently, used polite manners, and enjoyed time together complete with a special birthday celebration for one of the students. One of the highlights of the visit was hearing from the restaurant manager, who shared how impressed he was with the students and the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. program and offered his continued support.
Today’s CBI focused on Budgeting, Independence, Development, and Social Skills, and the students did an incredible job representing themselves. We are so proud of them!
Budgeting in Action: Students Take on Online Ordering
Our students practiced real-world skills with a Publix online ordering adventure! In class, they completed a scavenger hunt to navigate the website and used the “order ahead” feature to pick their lunch, all while staying under a $15 budget. Students entered their customizations and personal information, then headed to Publix to pick up their orders. They independently checked out and paid and later enjoyed a picnic together in our garden. Through this experience, students strengthened their independence, budgeting, and social skills. We’re so proud of their hard work and growth!
Creating Opportunities, One License Plate at a Time
Drive with purpose! When you purchase a Florida Autism License Plate, you directly support the HDS Foundation as a grant recipient helping fund vital programs for teens and young adults with Autism across Florida. Your choice makes a meaningful impact. Together, we...
A Season of Friendship
Our Miami-Dade students enjoyed a festive holiday outing to Olive Garden filled with food, friendship, and fun! Before arriving, students chose their own meals, giving them a chance to practice decision-making and planning. Once there, they spent time chatting with...
Celebrating Friendship This Holiday Season
Last week, the students in our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. programs in Broward County enjoyed a wonderful holiday celebration at Chili's Grill & Bar! They gathered to celebrate the holiday season together and take part in a Secret Elf & Secret Snowman gift exchange....
Creating Holiday Magic Together
What a fun afternoon the students enjoyed together! First, they created personalized snow globes featuring photos of themselves inside. Students practiced decision-making as they chose decorations, arranged their designs, and selected the type of “snow” for their...
Secret Snowman Magic
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had a fun and meaningful outing this week as they visited to shop for their Secret Snowman gifts! Students began by filling out a questionnaire about their favorite things. Each student was then assigned a classmate to shop for, with a...
Mixing Math, Cooking, and Holiday Cheer!
Holiday Fun in the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Classroom! Today, students practiced their math and cooking skills with a cheerful holiday twist. They read a receipt to figure out the cost of each ingredient and the total price of the recipe—putting real-world math into action....
Secret Elf Adventures
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students are gearing up to spread holiday cheer with their classmates! Students headed to Walmart to shop for their Secret Elf gifts, each working with a $30 budget (including tax!) to find something special for a friend. They had a great time...
Empowering Students Through Creativity
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students participated in a hands-on learning experience at Color Me Mine, where they selected and painted their own holiday ceramic figures. Each student chose from a tree, snowman, or cat and thoughtfully planned the colors and designs they...
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...
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...