Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month!
March marks the beginning of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month!
Throughout this month, we have the incredible opportunity to shine a light on the unique abilities, talents, and perspectives of individuals with developmental disabilities. It’s a time to celebrate their strengths, champion inclusivity, and raise awareness about the importance of creating supportive and accessible communities for all.
Join us as we embark on a journey of understanding, empathy, and advocacy. Let’s challenge stereotypes, break down barriers, and foster environments where every person, regardless of ability, can thrive and contribute meaningfully.
Throughout Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, we’ll be sharing stories, resources, and initiatives aimed at promoting acceptance, empowerment, and equal opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. Together, let’s build a more inclusive world where everyone is valued, respected, and embraced for who they are.
Join us in celebrating Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month! Together, we can make a difference.
Happy National Mentoring Month
Guide, inspire, and make a difference in someone’s life. Become a mentor today! Happy National Mentoring Month to all the Mentors out there in our community!
We R.I.S.E. for Autism Golf Classic
We are excited to share our inaugural We R.I.S.E. for Autism Golf Classic, presented by HDS Companies on Friday, April 26th at @jacarandagolfclub. Swing into action to support our programs for teens and young adults with Autism.
Register now at www.werisegolfclassic.org/.
Highlights of 2023
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students demonstrated valuable life skills during their Community Based Instruction field trip to Panera. Students practiced ordering takeout which showcased their independence, while incorporating budgeting skills emphasizing responsible decision-making. Additionally, the experience provided an opportunity to enhance social skills through interactions in a real world setting, contributing to their overall development.
HDS Foundation Supports The Friendship Journey Gala
What a beautiful evening we shared together at The Friendship Journey 4th Annual Friendship Gala this past weekend! Friends, families, non-profits, and city officials all came to support the mission of The Friendship Journey: Creating connections amongst friends of all abilities through meaningful experiences.
National Bullying Prevention Month
In 2006, the PACER Center-Champions for Children with Disabilities founded PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center. Through various partnerships with national parent organizations, PACER was able to provide schools, parents, and students with an abundance of...
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. the Builders
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S Builders participated in a fun Community Based Instruction (CBI) activity last Friday, when they all were able to show their building skills as they all built a birdhouse together. Facilitators, Kathy Gorman-Gard and Donna Mansolillo began the CBI...
HDS Foundation Welcomes the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Class Back!
Last week, the HDS Foundation had the pleasure to virtually attend the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class. Over the past years, we have visited the students to introduce ourselves and tell them about how HDS Foundation is involved in the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. program. A special lunch and...
Ask Eustacia – Q&A
Yesterday, the HDS Foundation attended the Ask Eustacia – Q&A webinar where Eustacia Cutler, Dr. Temple Grandin’s mother, presented on the topic: “How Will I Find My Way to the One Who Will Help Me Find My Way” via Zoom. Our employees and staff at HDS Companies,...
HDS Foundation Recorded Zoom Parent Meeting
If you were not able to attend the parent meeting, or if you would like to learn more about the HDS Foundation mission and the programs we provide, please watch the video above. The video is a recording from our most recent Zoom Parent Meeting with the Cypress Bay...
Tips for Staying Socially Connected for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
At the HDS Foundation, our goal is always to provide resources that currently relate to what is happening in our community. Due to COVID, our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students are learning how to build the skills that fall under each letter in our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program:...
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Parent Zoom Meeting
The HDS Foundation B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Parent Meeting was a SUCCESS! Our board members kicked the meeting off by introducing themselves and sharing their overview on how the program has grown over the years. After the introductions were made, our President and Chairman,...
Labor Day 2020
“Get Your Food at Uber Speed” – UberEATS B.R.I.D.G.ES. CBI
Today, the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Class participated in their first virtual CBI 'trip" where they practiced their budgeting, resource, independent and social skills by ordering their own lunch through the UberEATS App - the new, fast, and easy way to order food in this new...
Happy National Nonprofit Day!
National Nonprofit Day, founded by Sherita J. Herling, commemorates August 17, 1894, when the Tariff Act became law and gave exemptions for charitable institutions and nonprofit organizations. Today, we celebrate National Nonprofit Day by recognizing the positive...