Dressing for Success: B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Prepare for the Workplace
As part of a new year initiative, HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students took an important step toward workplace readiness by shopping for professional attire to wear during worksite visits.
Students visited Ross Dress for Less, where they practiced real-world skills by selecting dress pants, speaking with a dressing room attendant, trying items on, and choosing the best fit. Each student also received a polo shirt and helped customize it by pressing on vinyl adding a personal touch to their professional look. The experience came full circle when students proudly wore their complete professional outfits to a brand-new worksite at Old Navy, an opportunity they all thoroughly enjoyed. We’re so proud of their confidence, growth, and professionalism!
Courage, Community, and Confidence on the Ice
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students hit the ice at Pines Ice Arena for a day of skating, socializing, and building confidence!
Each student received ice skates and a skating aid, giving them the chance to try a new leisure skill in a safe, supportive environment. Many students stepped outside their comfort zones, and we were so proud to see them give it a try—even when they felt unsure at first.
As the day went on, students gained confidence, cheered each other on, and even took turns pushing peers on the skating aids. This winter activity helped boost independence, strengthen social skills, and celebrate personal growth—all while having a blast on the ice!
Preparing for Everyday Success Through Community-Based Learning
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students kicked off the year with a Community-Based Instruction (CBI) trip to Pembroke Crossings in Pembroke Pines! They visited stores like Burlington, DICK’S Sporting Goods, Five Below and Barnes and Noble, where they were excited to see favorite characters in print, discover novelty items, and share their interests with peers and teachers.
During lunch, students independently reviewed menus, placed their orders, and paid for their meals practicing real-world skills like budgeting, time management, and self-advocacy.
This week’s CBI focused on developing key skills:
• Budgeting & Money Management
• Independent Functioning
• Social Interaction & Communication
Experiences like this help students build confidence, strengthen independence, and prepare for success both in school and in everyday life.
Getting Ready to Make an Impact: HDS Mentors Prepare for the Semester
The HDS Foundation is proud to support students at the University of North Florida through our College Mentors Program, offered in partnership with the university’s THRIVE Program. This collaboration allows us to help create meaningful, individualized support for students with autism and related abilities as they navigate college life.
Our dedicated College Mentors have been actively completing certification training and building strong connections with THRIVE students. Through these one‑on‑one relationships, mentors provide personalized guidance, encouragement, and resources that align with each student’s academic, social, and independent‑living goals.
Whether helping students strengthen self‑advocacy skills, develop routines, or build confidence in campus life, our mentors play an important role in fostering independence and supporting progress. Together, HDS Foundation and THRIVE are empowering students to reach their goals and thrive throughout their college journey.
Here’s to a semester of growth, confidence, and achievement!
Finding the Perfect Holiday Surprise
Our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had a fun and meaningful Community-Based Instruction trip to Dolphin Mall!
Students practiced budgeting and independent shopping as they picked out gifts valued between $10–$15 for a family member, with many choosing something special for their moms. They explored the mall, found great sales, and practiced decision-making along the way.
A festive highlight was visiting Bass Pro Shops, where students met Santa Claus and enjoyed all the holiday decorations! The outing wrapped up with lunch in the food court, giving everyone a chance to socialize and build friendships.
This trip provided hands-on practice in budgeting, independent functioning, and social skills, while enjoying the holiday season!
Creating with Purpose: Students Make Their Own Candles
Last week, our students enjoyed a fun, hands-on experience when Scentsability, a nonprofit that creates artisan scented candles and provides meaningful workplace opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), visited the school to...
Sharing Food, Friendship, and Gratitude
Our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students came together to celebrate Friendsgiving with a special lunch from Chick-fil-A! They enjoyed great food, shared conversations, and spent meaningful time building connections with their peers. Students were excited for Thanksgiving Break...
Using Recreation to Build Life Skills and Independence
Our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had a blast at Round USA, for a day full of fun and friendship! Each student received a game card and got to play the games of their choice. From claw machines to sports and simulation games, students explored activities that matched...
Preparing for Independence Through Hands-On Learning
The students had a great experience during the Community-Based Instruction trip as part of the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. program. They visited several retail stores, including TJ Maxx, Ross Dress for Less, and Five Below, where they worked in pairs to complete assigned...
Learning Through Service: HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Support Jamaica Relief Drive
We are so proud of our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students for making a meaningful impact! In response to recent events, students participated in the Jamaica Relief Drive at their school to support those affected by Hurricane Melissa. The students were split into groups and...
HDS Foundation has been awarded $10,000 by the Autism Services Grants Council (ASGC)
🎉 Exciting News! 🎉We are thrilled to share that HDS Foundation has been awarded $10,000 by the Autism Services Grants Council (ASGC) for our Bridging the Gap: Empowering Students with Autism program! The ASGC is committed to supporting programs that...
Creating with Purpose: Students Make Their Own Candles
Last week, our students enjoyed a fun, hands-on experience when Scentsability , a nonprofit that creates artisan scented candles and provides meaningful workplace opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), visited the school to...
Celebrating 17 Years of Making a Difference
For 17 incredible years, HDS Foundation has been dedicated to making a difference in the lives of youth and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). What began as a vision to empower and support has grown into a movement that transforms lives every single...
Creating, Connecting, and Celebrating Fall!
To celebrate the fall season, our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students enjoyed a fun outing to Flamingo Nursery! Students had the opportunity to paint pumpkins, take a relaxing hayride, and explore the beautiful nursery grounds. The day began with a creative pumpkin-painting...
Happy Halloween
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students participated in their class annual Pumpkin Carving Contest! Students were put into groups and teamed up to design, carve, and create their very own pumpkin masterpieces with help from their Best Buddies peers. The day was filled with...