A Recipe for Success: Learning at Flanigan’s
Students then brought their papers with them and used them to order. One student’s order was not available, and he had to make a last minute switch and he did so with ease!
Students effectively communicated their wants to the waiter, using great manners as well. Students demonstrated excellent table manners, using their napkins, silverware, and coasters appropriately. Students enjoyed sitting together, socializing, and having good food!
This was a great trip to practice independence, decision making, budgeting, and social skills!
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Navigate Success at Dolphin Mall
Another great week of hands‑on learning and confidence‑building!
A Special Thank You Video!
We are proud to share a special thank you video from the College of Education and Human Services at the University of North Florida (UNF) highlighting the HDS Foundation’s continued support of the UNF THRIVE program.
Creativity, Teamwork, and Kindness in Action
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students proudly completed their Rock Snake Project—and what a journey it was!
They kicked things off by planning for a Community Based Instruction trip to Dollar Tree, where students researched supplies, created a budget, and prepared for their “Buddy, the Bay Boa” Rock Painting Project. During the trip, they practiced real world skills by finding items, checking prices, and purchasing everything they needed.
Back at school, it was time for the fun part—painting, pizza, and socializing! Students added their own creative flair to each rock before proudly placing them in a special spot on campus to form “Buddy,” a growing rock snake that continues to expand as others join in.
Through this multi day unit, students strengthened planning, budgeting, collaboration, social communication, and community building skills—all while spreading kindness and school pride across their school campus.
A Delicious Lesson in Independence
Our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had the sweetest day at Yonutz Sunrise as they grabbed a yummy dessert to kick off Spring Break!
Students explored many donut options, practiced taking their time to make choices, and then independently ordered and paid at the counter. Several students even used their ACC devices to communicate exactly which treats they wanted—amazing self‑advocacy!
When one student couldn’t find the flavor they hoped for, they showed great flexibility by asking for alternatives and choosing something new. Such a proud moment!
From communication skills to social interaction, our students shined while enjoying their treats together. What a fun and meaningful learning experience!
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...
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...
HDS Foundation has been awarded $10,000 by the Autism Services Grants Council (ASGC)
🎉 Exciting News! 🎉We are thrilled to share that HDS Foundation has been awarded $10,000 by the Autism Services Grants Council (ASGC) for our Bridging the Gap: Empowering Students with Autism program! The ASGC is committed to supporting programs that...
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...
Celebrating 17 Years of Making a Difference
For 17 incredible years, HDS Foundation has been dedicated to making a difference in the lives of youth and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). What began as a vision to empower and support has grown into a movement that transforms lives every single...
Creating, Connecting, and Celebrating Fall!
To celebrate the fall season, our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students enjoyed a fun outing to Flamingo Nursery! Students had the opportunity to paint pumpkins, take a relaxing hayride, and explore the beautiful nursery grounds. The day began with a creative pumpkin-painting...
Happy Halloween
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students participated in their class annual Pumpkin Carving Contest! Students were put into groups and teamed up to design, carve, and create their very own pumpkin masterpieces with help from their Best Buddies peers. The day was filled with...
Halloween Fun Meets Real-World Learning
Our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students got into the Halloween spirit with a fun and educational trip to Target! Before shopping, they practiced budgeting skills in class to plan their purchases. Working in small groups, students searched for items under $10 that included 12...
Budgeting, Ordering, and Building Confidence at Chick-fil-A
Our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students recently enjoyed a meaningful and interactive learning experience at Chik Fil A! Prior to the trip, they practiced budgeting and calculating meal totals to prepare for placing their own orders. During the visit, students confidently...
Shopping for a Cause: B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Support the Harvest Drive
Giving back while learning important life skills, that’s what our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students experienced during their recent trip to Publix to support their local Harvest Drive! Students worked in groups to find five items each to complete a Harvest Drive Box, using...