Discovering Pathways: Students Explore Career Opportunities at Arc Broward

Discovering Pathways: Students Explore Career Opportunities at Arc Broward

The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had a wonderful opportunity to visit Arc Broward and explore their incredible Arc Educates post‑graduate programs!

Students had the opportunity to take part in an inspiring and informative tour of the facility. During their visit, they explored classrooms and learned about a variety of certificate programs that support skill development and prepare them for future employment.

This experience gave students valuable insight into what each program offers and helped them begin thinking about potential career paths they may be interested in pursuing.

Programs highlighted included:
Animal Care
Culinary Arts
Healthcare Operations
Hospitality Operations
Material Handler

Experiences like this empower our students to envision their futures.

 

Surfing with Souza 

Surfing with Souza 

The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students “rolled” into an exciting and interactive Q&A experience with their principal, Mr. Souza.

To prepare, students created thoughtful questions across different categories—like “get to know you,” school life, leadership, and advice for students—focusing on being respectful, clear, and appropriate. This helped build confidence and set them up for success!

During the activity, students took turns tossing a large dice to Mr. Souza, with each side revealing a new question category. They asked insightful questions, stayed engaged, and showed great effort participating in a real conversation with our amazing school leader.

Throughout the game, students practiced important social communication skills, including:
✔️ Asking meaningful questions in complete sentences
✔️ Active listening and responding appropriately
✔️ Maintaining eye contact and positive body language
✔️ Waiting their turn and engaging respectfully

This hands-on experience gave students a meaningful, real-world opportunity to build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and connect with our school community in a fun and supportive way. ✨

A huge thank you to Mr. Souza for taking the time to engage with our students and make this such a positive, inspiring, and impactful learning experience!

 

B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Seniors Take on Grad Bash!

B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Seniors Take on Grad Bash!

Our Miami -Dade B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Seniors had an amazing time attending Grad Bash! Thanks to the support of the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Grant, students were given the opportunity to participate in this unforgettable experience alongside their peers. It was a night full of fun, connection, and lasting memories.

Moments like these truly highlight the importance of inclusion, ensuring every student has the chance to celebrate, belong, and share in these milestone experiences.

We are so proud to help create opportunities where students feel included, supported, and celebrated.

 

Special Delivery: A Heartfelt Learning Experience

Special Delivery: A Heartfelt Learning Experience

Last week, our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had a meaningful hands-on learning experience!

They learned all about what it takes to send a letter—including how to write a mailing address, return address, and add a stamp. Students addressed their own envelopes and wrote heartfelt letters to their moms using special recycled paper they created for Earth Day, decorated with beautiful confetti and flowers.

The highlight of the experience was visiting the post office, where students purchased stamps and proudly dropped their letters into the mailbox for their moms!

Celebrating the Heart of Our Programs: Honoring Our Dedicated Educators

Celebrating the Heart of Our Programs: Honoring Our Dedicated Educators

We are excited to spotlight our amazing teachers and education support professionals in our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. and University of North Florida THRIVE Programs. Each day, they bring dedication, passion, and a deep commitment to empowering students to grow, succeed, and reach their full potential.

Through their hard work and unwavering support, our students are gaining confidence, building skills, and preparing for meaningful futures. We are grateful for the positive impact these incredible educators make every day and proud to celebrate the difference they bring to our programs.

Thank you for all that you do!

 

Best Buddies South Florida Walk

Best Buddies South Florida Walk

Our Miami‑Dade B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students proudly participated in the Best Buddies Walk at Loan Depot Park! Walking alongside peers, families, and volunteers, they celebrated inclusion, friendship, and belonging while giving back to the community. We are so proud of...

Dan Marino Foundation Autism Acceptance Family Sunday

Dan Marino Foundation Autism Acceptance Family Sunday

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of participating in the Dan Marino Foundation Autism Acceptance Family Sunday—a truly meaningful day dedicated to connection, inclusion, and support for our Autism community. The HDS Foundation, alongside many other nonprofits and...

B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students go to Jersey Mike’s! 

B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students go to Jersey Mike’s! 

This week, our students put real world skills into action with a lunchtime trip to Jersey Mikes!  Before heading out, students planned their meals within a given budget, practiced decision making, and reviewed expectations for dining in the community. They enjoyed...

 B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Building Connections in the Community!

 B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Building Connections in the Community!

Our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had an incredible experience at the David Posnak Jewish Community Center, where they learned about the GAP Program and spent time at Square Bowl—both designed to promote independence, inclusion, and real‑world skill building. The GAP...

2nd Annual Parent Night: Connect, Learn & Support

2nd Annual Parent Night: Connect, Learn & Support

HDS Foundation hosted a successful 2nd Annual Parent Night at Outback, featuring guest speaker Nathalie Stanish, Manager at UM/NSU CARD- Center for Autism and Related Disorders. Parents from our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. classes received important information on post‑secondary...

B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Go to College! 

B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Go to College! 

Our students had an amazing day exploring Broward College, getting a firsthand look at college life, academic programs, and the supports available to students with disabilities. One of the highlights was a hands-on STEM session where students coded and programmed Lego...

World Autism Day

World Autism Day

Today, on World Autism Day, we stand with the global community to promote acceptance and learn how we can better support the Autism community. This day encourages us to learn together and build communities that reflect understanding, inclusion and support. Let’s...

Autism Acceptance Month!

Autism Acceptance Month!

Autism Acceptance Month is a time to honor and embrace every individual’s unique journey. At HDS Foundation, we celebrate the strengths and talents of individuals with Autism and are committed to fostering opportunities that support independence and meaningful growth....

Celebrating our Students’ Accomplishments!

Celebrating our Students’ Accomplishments!

We’re kicking off the month with something special! HDS Foundation will be spotlighting our amazing B.R.I.D.G.E.S. & THRIVE students and the awesome accomplishments they’ve achieved this year! From big milestones to personal victories, these students shine bright...