Bowling for a Cause—Thank You for Making It Special!
We’re incredibly thankful to everyone who took part in our Bowling for a Cause event! The day was filled with fun, laughter, inclusion, and great memories shared across the lanes.
Seeing our HDS community come together-students, families, teachers, staff, friends, and supporters was truly meaningful and inspiring. The event was filled with excitement and a true sense of community, with over 100 attendees joining us to support a great cause.
So grateful for everyone who made this event a success!
Exploring Nature: A Hands-On Learning Experience
Our Miami-Dade B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students enjoyed an enriching field trip to Markham Park in Broward County, where they visited the Weston Community Garden.
The students were warmly welcomed by the Community Garden Board Members Gina Reichenbach and Vianey Covarrubias, who spent the morning sharing valuable lessons about the importance of plants and how to properly care for them.
Students enjoyed smelling and tasting fresh tomatoes, basil, and cilantro grown in the garden, and they learned about the vital role bees play in our environment. Several students also had the opportunity to participate in planting a Red Maple tree.
It was truly an amazing day for our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students to explore the outdoors and learn about growing their own food. Special thanks to Gina and Vianey for taking the time to inspire and educate our students.
A Day at Flamingo Gardens!
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had a fantastic day exploring Flamingo Gardens! They learned interesting facts about wildlife and nature, visited animal habitats, walked through beautiful gardens, and enjoyed a tram ride around the park.
Students made great classroom connections while practicing important social skills like listening, participating, and working together. A fun and meaningful day for all!
Broward Sheriff’s Office Autism Family Day
Guests explored a wide range of community resources, learned about programs and supports available locally, and connected with professionals who are passionate about making a difference. This was a great opportunity to ask questions, gather helpful materials, and discover new services that can benefit families.
In addition to resource tables, Autism Family Day featured engaging activities, interactive experiences, and a welcoming environment where families could build meaningful connections with others in the community.
Painting, Creativity, and Inspiration
Students gathered their supplies—paint, brushes, canvases, and aprons—and eagerly got to work. Mrs. Beltran first shared a completed example of a beautiful spring-themed painting, then guided students step by step as they created their own. Everyone was encouraged to use their creativity and imagination, making each piece unique.
This activity provided a wonderful opportunity for students to express themselves creatively while socializing and collaborating with their classmates. It also supported personal growth by helping students explore hobbies that can serve as positive coping strategies.
We are so grateful for this inspiring experience and for Mrs. Beltran’s generosity and creativity!
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Lead with Fitness + Nutrition
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students powered through a challenging workout at Cross Fit led by trainer Vanessa and gym owner Dominic, who shared great insights on staying active, eating well, and building healthy daily routines. The session included a full warm‑up, strength...
Mini Golf Adventures Strengthen Social and Life Skills
This week, our students enjoyed a fun and engaging leisure day at Monster Golf. After learning the rules, they played alongside their classmates, practiced teamwork, and built social skills in a relaxed, supportive setting. The excitement didn’t stop there, the...
Dining with Purpose: Students Build Life Skills at Outback
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students enjoyed a Community-Based Instruction (CBI) visit to Outback! Students practiced real-world skills by previewing the menu and planning their meals within a set budget.At the restaurant, students ordered independently, used polite manners,...
Budgeting in Action: Students Take on Online Ordering
Our students practiced real-world skills with a Publix online ordering adventure! In class, they completed a scavenger hunt to navigate the website and used the “order ahead” feature to pick their lunch, all while staying under a $15 budget. Students entered their...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Creating Opportunities, One License Plate at a Time
Drive with purpose! When you purchase a Florida Autism License Plate, you directly support the HDS Foundation as a grant recipient helping fund vital programs for teens and young adults with Autism across Florida. Your choice makes a meaningful impact. Together, we...