BRIDGES Students Take on the Best Buddies Walk!
Our BRIDGES students had an amazing time participating in a Best Buddies Walk at their school! They walked together to promote inclusion, spread awareness, and celebrate friendship. It was a fantastic day filled with energy, teamwork, and support for an important cause.
We’re so proud of their dedication to creating a more inclusive world—one step at a time!
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
This month, we celebrate the talents, strengths, and contributions of individuals with developmental disabilities while promoting inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunities for all. Whether it’s in school, the workplace, or the community, everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and valued. Let’s break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and uplift voices that deserve to be heard!
HDS BRIDGES Students Making a Difference!
Our HDS BRIDGES class in Broward County recently took part in two CBI shopping trips, turning a lesson in budgeting and community service into a heartfelt project for children in need.
Five Below: Students were given a $4.00 budget to purchase crayons for the school crayon drive, supporting young patients at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.
Dollar Tree: Students followed a list to purchase items for chemo kits, carefully assembling them back at school before handing them over to the HOSA Club for delivery to Joe DiMaggio Hospital.
Through these trips, the students not only practiced essential life skills but also gave back in a meaningful way.
Happy Valentine’s Day from our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students
Our Miami Dade County students celebrated with a fun-filled ice cream social, making heartfelt cards and decorations. The day was all about creativity, teamwork, and sweet memories. Meanwhile, our Broward students practiced pre-employment skills, selling keychains and pens around the school! Afterward, they celebrated with a pizza party and exchanged letters and snacks they bought at Target. It was a day full of joy, growth, and community spirit!
Our Experience with the THRIVE Program at University of North Florida!
Last Thursday morning, we had the amazing opportunity to visit the North Florida School of Special Education (NFSSE) and see firsthand how they empower students with intellectual and developmental differences. From Berry Good Farms and Art With Soul to their innovative microenterprises, we saw incredible vocational programs that provide hands-on training and employment opportunities!
We also had the privilege of speaking with Alyssa L. Schneider, who shared her inspiring journey as a college student at UNF despite being told she wouldn’t make it. Her poetry about her autism experience is truly powerful!
At UNF, we met with Amber from the THRIVE Program, learned about the Student Accessibility Center (SAC) and its role in supporting students with disabilities, and explored USoar, UNF’s newest program helping students with intellectual disabilities gain academic, social, and career skills. All in all, it was a fun and insightful day! Huge thanks to THRIVE, NFSSE, the Student Accessibility Center, and USoar for an unforgettable experience!
Publix Scavenger Hunt
A Scavenger Hunt at Publix? This is exactly what the B.R.I.D.G.E.S class did for their weekly Community Based Instruction (CBI) field trip, and they had a blast! Before heading to Publix, students were very busy in the classroom going on a virtual field trip to see...
Lucille’s American Café
Lucille's American Café, a Weston restaurant known as a great place for friends to come and enjoy their delicious classic favorites! The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students got to do just that this past week on their weekly Community Based Instruction (CBI) field trip. After...
Learning How to Use an ATM Machine
A.T.M.s are located all over the community to make banking easier for everyone. This week, the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had the opportunity to learn how to use an A.T.M. at the local Bank of America branch. As part of the HDS Foundation B.R.I.D.G.E.S. grant, students...
Mac n Cheese in a Mug!
Mac n Cheese, an all-time American favorite meal! The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had a chance this past week to participate in a 2-part activity making Mac n Cheese. In preparation for this Community Based Instruction (CBI) students had several steps to complete before...
Peace Mound Park
After the holiday break, the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class participated in a Team Building Community Based Instruction (CBI) at Peace Mound Park, a burial ground for the ancient tribes of the Tequesta Indians. The activity was designed as a Scavenger Hunt to bring the teams...
Mentorship Month
January is a time to recognize the great mentors who have made a difference in the lives of others. The HDS Foundation recognizes eight of our programs dedicated and respected mentors that make a positive impact each day with their students. As one of the pillars of...
Holiday Party
Who is my Secret Elf?....was the question the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had been thinking about for the past week! After the Community Based Instruction (CBI) to Walmart where students purchased gifts for their Secret Elf, they had to keep it a secret until the day of...
It’s Movie Time!
What a great morning we were able to share with the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class! Today they headed out on their Community Based Instruction (CBI) to the Showbiz Movie Theater in Homestead to see the newly released movie “El Canto”. The students were so excited to be able...
I’m Lovin It!
McDonald’s Golden Arches is what the students in the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class were looking for when they went out on their first Community Based Instruction (CBI) for this school year. They were so excited to order their food using their McDonald’s Gift Card and enjoy...
Secret Elf
“Tis the Season for Shopping” was the theme for the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. classes this past week in preparation for their holiday Secret Elf Gift Exchange. Students headed to Walmart for their Community Based Instruction (CBI) to find the perfect gift for their friends....