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 education options, with a focus on Helping Students Succeed: Navigating College Pathways, Vocational Programs, and Employment Preparation.
The evening sparked meaningful questions, connections, and shared experiences among parents in a welcoming and supportive environment.
A special thank you to Joshua Simons, Manager at Davie Outback and his team for hosting us and generously donating appetizers to support this important event for our families.
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 robotic cars—testing commands, problem solving together, and even racing their robots! The activity sparked creativity, teamwork, communication, and lots of excitement.
Students also learned about the BC NEST Program and Accessibility Resources, gaining insight into supports that promote independence and success in college. The experience was further enriched through a Q&A with Broward College Peer Mentors, where students asked thoughtful questions and built self-advocacy skills in a real college environment.
The visit wrapped up with pizza on campus and time to reflect on a fun, meaningful experience that supported transition planning, self-advocacy, and postsecondary readiness.
Thank you, Broward College South Campus, for an inspiring and inclusive visit!
World Autism Day
Our great HDS Family supporting World Autism Day!
Autism Acceptance Month!
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.
Together, we can build a more inclusive and supportive future for all.
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 and inspire us every day.
Stay tuned — we can’t wait to celebrate them all month long!
Creating Holiday Magic Together
What a fun afternoon the students enjoyed together! First, they created personalized snow globes featuring photos of themselves inside. Students practiced decision-making as they chose decorations, arranged their designs, and selected the type of “snow” for their...
Secret Snowman Magic
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had a fun and meaningful outing this week as they visited to shop for their Secret Snowman gifts! Students began by filling out a questionnaire about their favorite things. Each student was then assigned a classmate to shop for, with a...
Mixing Math, Cooking, and Holiday Cheer!
Holiday Fun in the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Classroom! Today, students practiced their math and cooking skills with a cheerful holiday twist. They read a receipt to figure out the cost of each ingredient and the total price of the recipe—putting real-world math into action....
Secret Elf Adventures
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students are gearing up to spread holiday cheer with their classmates! Students headed to Walmart to shop for their Secret Elf gifts, each working with a $30 budget (including tax!) to find something special for a friend. They had a great time...
Empowering Students Through Creativity
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students participated in a hands-on learning experience at Color Me Mine, where they selected and painted their own holiday ceramic figures. Each student chose from a tree, snowman, or cat and thoughtfully planned the colors and designs they...
HDS Foundation Board Members Making an Impact
Join us in supporting a great cause and promoting acceptance, inclusion, and opportunities for individuals with Autism! Our dedicated HDS Foundation Board Members proudly champion the Florida Autism License Plate Program, helping raise awareness and strengthen vital...
Learning on the Field
Students had a chance to enjoy a fun and educational day outdoors before Thanksgiving break started, enjoying the beautiful weather while practicing important skills! The focus of the day was conversational skills and teamwork. At the baseball field, students went to...
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...