The HDS College Mentors Program strives to identify the peripheral needs of students living with Autism Spectrum Disorder or related disabilities, who are seeking a College Degree and are living at a University or College Campus. Although the Program does not focus on academic course requirements mandated by the schools, it does focus on the guidance and supports needed by the students to achieve success in each of their academic fields. The program helps students meet these needs by addressing the social and emotional challenges that interfere with academic learning and creating viable daily activities that mitigate those circumstances and help these individuals build strong interpersonal skills. It further explores the contributions these students can make to become the catalyst of change needed in our society to adapt to differences in learning styles, career structures, and social relationships.
Peer collaboration is one of the most valuable tools available to ease the learning process and navigate social demands. The opportunities for growth via conduits that team up students with ASD with typical students who are of the same age group (who share similar experiences and challenges), and who have different skill sets and ideas is hugely beneficial to this population. All involved benefit significantly from these experiences and grow exponentially in their problem-solving abilities.
The College Mentors Program is both facilitated by the Foundation or can be structured in the form of a grant if the organization has a formal program in place.
As Albert Einstein said, “Today’s problems cannot be solved at the same level of thinking that created them” and “in the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”
BRIDGES Students Gain Lifelong Skills
Our Broward County students had an amazing opportunity to showcase their micro-enterprise at the monthly ESE Specialist meeting for the district! With the support of staff, they created and sold handmade pens and keychains—earning an impressive $130 in sales! This...
BRIDGES Students Cultivate Confidence Through Gardening
The Broward BRIDGES students have been hard at work in their school garden, taking care of several garden beds by weeding, watering, and tending to a variety of vegetables and herbs! Each student plays an important role—whether it’s filling water cans, pulling weeds,...
Fun Day at the Fair!
Recently, our Miami Dade BRIDGES Students had an amazing time visiting the Miami Dade Youth Fair as part of a Community-Based Instruction (CBI) outing. From the moment they arrived, excitement filled the air as they explored the fairgrounds, eager to experience the...
Cypress Bay High School Transition Fair
Last night, we had the pleasure of participating in the Cypress Bay High School Transition Fair, where parents gained valuable insight into various community resources available to support their child's transition from high school to post-secondary. We also shared our...
BRIDGES Students Take on the Best Buddies Walk!
Our BRIDGES students had an amazing time participating in a Best Buddies Walk at their school! They walked together to promote inclusion, spread awareness, and celebrate friendship. It was a fantastic day filled with energy, teamwork, and support for an important...
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
This month, we celebrate the talents, strengths, and contributions of individuals with developmental disabilities while promoting inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunities for all. Whether it’s in school, the workplace, or the community, everyone deserves to...
HDS BRIDGES Students Making a Difference!
Our HDS BRIDGES class in Broward County recently took part in two CBI shopping trips, turning a lesson in budgeting and community service into a heartfelt project for children in need. Five Below: Students were given a $4.00 budget to purchase crayons for the school...
Happy Valentine’s Day from our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students
Our Miami Dade County students celebrated with a fun-filled ice cream social, making heartfelt cards and decorations. The day was all about creativity, teamwork, and sweet memories. Meanwhile, our Broward students practiced pre-employment skills, selling keychains and...
Our Experience with the THRIVE Program at University of North Florida!
Last Thursday morning, we had the amazing opportunity to visit the North Florida School of Special Education (NFSSE) and see firsthand how they empower students with intellectual and developmental differences. From Berry Good Farms and Art With Soul to their...
Super Bowl LIX Fun!
This weekend’s Super Bowl LIX matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles had our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students very excited! Leading up to the big game, students made their predictions and tallied votes—with the Chiefs as the predicted winners!...
Students Build Financial Skills in Real-World Banking
On Friday, January 24th, our Social Personal Skills Class took a hands-on approach to financial literacy with a CBI outing to Bank of America! Students practiced depositing checks at the ATM using their debit cards—after first honing their banking skills in class....
Fitness Fun with Our Miami Dade Students!
This week our amazing Miami Dade students had the opportunity to visit Caution Crossfit for an unforgettable workout experience! They jumped, lifted, and stretched their way through a fantastic session, all while learning the importance of staying active and healthy....
January is Mentoring Month!
Mentors play a vital role in shaping our future by offering guidance, encouragement, and support when we need it most. Whether it's helping us navigate a challenge, inspiring us to reach our goals, or just being there to listen, mentors make a lasting impact. This...
A Night to Remember at the Friendship Journey Gala!
A Night to Remember at the Friendship Journey Gala! The HDS Foundation had an incredible evening celebrating friendship and community at the Friendship Journey Gala. We are beyond honored to have received the Community Champion Award, recognizing our dedication to...
POV: Ringing in the Holiday Season
What an incredible time we had at the Miami Lakes Festival of the Lights! From the dazzling lights to the festive music and holiday cheer, it was truly a magical night. A huge thank you to the Graham Company for organizing such an amazing event and bringing the...
Florida Coalition Homelessness Conference Highlights! Day 3
Florida Coalition Homelessness Conference Highlights! Today, I had the privilege of attending two incredible sessions at the Florida Conference on Ending Homelessness, each filled with powerful insights and calls to action. The Criminalization of Homelessness This...
Day 2 Highlights from the Florida Coalition Homelessness Conference
Day 2 Highlights from the Florida Coalition Homelessness Conference We started the day with a powerful plenary session, I’m Not Broken: Offering Hope to Solve Homelessness. Jesse Leon shared his inspirational journey of overcoming human trafficking and homelessness....
Day 1 Reflections from the Florida Coalition to End Homelessness Conference
Reflections from the Florida Coalition to End Homelessness Conference Day 1 was an inspiring journey of learning and advocacy! Plenary with Dr. Rajni Shankar-Brown: Amidst the challenges of poverty, homelessness, and rising injustices, we were reminded that healing...
39th Annual Main Street Festival of Lights
Join us for a night of lights and community at the 39th Annual Main Street Festival of Lights on November 23rd! Stop by our tent to learn more about the HDS Foundation and our work supporting teens and young adults with Autism. We can't wait to share our mission with...
Join us as we celebrate our 16th anniversary!
Join us as we celebrate our 16th anniversary! HDS Foundation has been a source of empowerment, creating opportunities and fostering growth within the Autism Community. It’s been an incredible journey filled with memories, growth, and all of YOU who make this community...
Community Champion Award recipient
Thank you, @thefriendshipjourneyfl for this incredible honor! We are deeply grateful to be recognized as your Community Champion Award recipient. This recognition strengthens our commitment to empowering teens and young adults on the Autism Spectrum and fostering a...
Unity Day
“Unity to be real must stand the severest strain without breaking.” Mahatma Gandhi
Proud to come together for Unity Day
We’re proud to come together to build a stronger community, promoting kindness, acceptance, and inclusion all year long. Check out our video to see our team showing up in unity for this important cause.
Growth, Empowerment and Community Service
On Friday, October 4th, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. team had a fun outing to Publix to gather supplies for the Harvest Drive! The students teamed up in groups of 3 to 4, each armed with a $25 gift card to shop for specific items from the Harvest Drive list. This annual...
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
️ October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month ️ Join HDS Foundation to raise awareness, support survivors, and encourage early detection. Every step we take helps in the fight against breast cancer. Whether it's sharing information, getting screened, or supporting loved...