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 guide them in making their own candles.
Students got creative using their favorite colors of sand, carefully placed the wicks, and decorated their candles with gems and seashells. Once the wax was poured and cooled, they were excited to see and enjoy their finished creations.
The activity was a great way for students to practice independence, decision-making, and problem-solving skills, while also boosting creativity. They were thrilled to take their candles home to share with their families!
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 and looked forward to spending time with family and friends. This gathering also provided a wonderful opportunity for students to practice social skills, engage in positive interactions, and strengthen their sense of community. It was a warm and joyful way to kick off the holiday 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 their interests and had a great time showing off their skills.
Afterward, they checked their game cards to see how many tickets they earned. Using the budgeting skills they’ve been learning in class, students selected prizes they could afford with their tickets practicing independence and smart decision-making in a real-world setting.
It was a fantastic day of fun, friendship, and learning important life skills!
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 activities. Each pair selected thoughtful holiday gifts for a family member or friend while staying within a set budget. Students explored clearance and sale sections to find the best values and make informed purchasing decisions.
After shopping, students enjoyed lunch at Chick-fil-A. They took time to look over the menu and decide what meal best met their needs and budget. Students placed their own orders, handled their payments independently, and checked that they received the correct items, all while interacting respectfully and confidently with employees.
Overall, the trip provided hands-on learning opportunities in budgeting, decision-making, and communication, while supporting independence and practical life skills in a real-world environment.
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 given a list of items to donate. They worked together to locate products independently, navigate the store, and find the correct aisles where items were located. After gathering all items, they went to self-checkout, where they scanned, bagged, and paid for their purchases.
This hands-on experience not only reinforced important independence skills but also highlighted the value of community service and giving back.
Learning Beyond the Classroom in the Nation’s Oldest City!
As part of our HDS College Mentors program, students from University of North Florida THRIVE took a trip to St. Augustine in celebration of Autism Awareness Month! Students explored the historic Old Town Trolley on a sensory-friendly tour designed to support diverse...
A Year to Remember and a Future to Celebrate!
What an incredibly special day with our Miami-Dade HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students as we celebrated our graduating seniors and reflected on an amazing year of growth, learning, and life skills in the community! We are so proud of everything our students have...
A True Role Model: Carter Bonas Inspires Our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students
Special thanks to Carter Bonas for visiting our Broward HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students and sharing his powerful story! At just 14 years old, Carter has already made an incredible impact. Diagnosed with Autism at an early age and non-verbal until age 5, he spoke about the...
A Striking End to an Amazing School Year!
What a way to wrap up the school year! Last week, our Miami-Dade HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students celebrated in style at @birdbowlmiami filled with strikes, slices of pizza, and arcade fun! The room was full of laughter, smiles, and unforgettable memories. This celebration...
A Delicious Finale to an Incredible School Year!
Our Broward HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students wrapped up the school year with a delicious celebration at Japan Inn. From an exciting hibachi show to a tasty lunch shared with friends, it was the perfect way to honor a year full of growth, learning, and success. Cheers to...
A Night Full of Sparkle, Smiles, and Celebration!
This past weekend, our Broward HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students enjoyed a magical night at prom! The students had an amazing time celebrating the end of the school year, bonding with friends, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. We’re so proud of how far...
Class of 2025 You Did It!
The countdown is over, and the cap and gown moment has arrived. As you step into the next chapter whether it's college, a new job, or discovering your path know that this is only the beginning of your amazing journey. We're so proud of your hard work,...
Empowering Our Students with Financial Literacy
Special thanks to Karena Bland, Manager, and Daniel Guerrero, Senior Banker at Bank of America, for visiting our Miami-Dade HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program! They shared valuable insights on banking topics including loans, credit cards, and how to manage checking and...
Happy Teacher/Mentor Appreciation Week!
We’re sending a huge THANK YOU to our incredible HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. and HDS College teachers and mentors this week, who go above and beyond every single day. Their dedication, patience, and passion help shape meaningful futures for our students both in and out of the...
Broward Sheriff’s Office Family Autism Day
The HDS Foundation was proud to be part of the Broward Sheriff's Office Family Autism Day held today at Cypress Bay High School. We had the pleasure of connecting with families in our community and sharing valuable resources and programs designed to empower...