Best Buddies Friendship Walk

Best Buddies Friendship Walk

This past weekend, our Miami-Dade HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students joined the Best Buddies Friendship Walk. They celebrated inclusion, friendship, and community. The event was packed with family-friendly fun, from games and music to delicious food and sensory-friendly vendors offering amazing products and services. We’re proud of our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students for being a part of a movement that promotes kindness and inclusion for all!

Meet Carter a 14-year-old entrepreneur on the Autism Spectrum who is turning his challenges into opportunities!

Meet Carter a 14-year-old entrepreneur on the Autism Spectrum who is turning his challenges into opportunities!

Carter founded Carter’s Spectrum Golf, a brand that combines his love for golf with a powerful mission to raise awareness, inspire others, and embrace the beauty of being different. Now, he’s taking his journey even further with his new book, Swinging Beyond the Spectrum, where he shares his experiences, triumphs, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. For Carter, golf is more than just a game it’s a way to prove that our differences make us stronger and that we all have the power to write our own stories.

Spotlight on Kate Gilson Miranda

Spotlight on Kate Gilson Miranda

Kate wears many hats, a sister, daughter, aunt, cousin, niece, granddaughter, team member, and role model but above all, she is a leader in empowerment and inclusion. As an HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. alumna, University of North Florida graduate, and HDS Foundation Board Member and Educator & Program Facilitator, Kate continues to inspire students, parents, and educators, showing them that with the right support, young adults with disabilities can thrive. This past year, Kate took on an even bigger role through Best Buddies as an Ambassador, representing individuals with disabilities on a larger stage. Kate’s mission is raising awareness, advocating for inclusion, and making a lasting impact. We are so proud of Kate and the difference she is making one day at a time, one life at a time.

Celebrating Autism Acceptance with Miguel

Celebrating Autism Acceptance with Miguel

I had an amazing conversation with Miguel about Autism Acceptance Month!  We talked about what this month means to him personally and why shifting the focus from awareness to true acceptance is so important. His insights were so powerful because at the end of the day, acceptance is what truly creates inclusion and understanding.
April is Autism Awareness Month!

April is Autism Awareness Month!

Join us as we celebrate neurodiversity, raise awareness, and advocate for inclusion and acceptance. This month, we’ll be sharing resources, personal stories, and ways you can support the autism community.  Together, we can make a difference. Let’s spread understanding and kindness!

Happy National Mentoring Month

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 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...

Highlights of 2023

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...

HDS Foundation Supports The Friendship Journey Gala

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...

15th Anniversary

15th Anniversary

Today we celebrate 15 years of making a difference in the lives of teens and young adults with Autism and related abilities. Our commitment and dedication to provide impactful programs to help individuals transition successfully from high school to their...

HDS Companies Help Raise Awareness Against Bullying

HDS Companies Help Raise Awareness Against Bullying

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Today, October 18th is Unity Day. The HDS Companies come together and wear orange to raise awareness of how bullying can be prevented, through sharing kindness, promoting acceptance, and encouraging inclusion. Here is...

HDS Celebrates American Business Women’s Day

HDS Celebrates American Business Women’s Day

At HDS Foundation, we celebrate American Business Women's Day and pay tribute to the exceptional accomplishments of the incredible women in our workforce. Today, we take a moment to appreciate their indelible contributions that have molded industries and enhanced our...

🌟 HDS Foundation Celebrates Non-Profit Day! 🌟

🌟 HDS Foundation Celebrates Non-Profit Day! 🌟

This year, on Non-Profit Day, we're excited to highlight the impactful work being done by the team at the HDS Foundation. Our mission is to support teens and young adults on the Autism Spectrum as they embark on their journey through high school and beyond.    Our...