As Autism Awareness Month comes to a close, we continue to shine a light on individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the possibilities that they create through their differing abilities. Throughout the month, HDS Foundation has shared community resources, stories about our grantees, and profiled a young adult who was part of our ASDY-Tech Employment Program.
While many of our Community-Based Instruction events for our grantee B.R.I.D.G.E.S. programs at Cypress Bay High School and Homestead Senior High School had to be canceled amid the COVID-19 pandemic, our students have been participating in our program virtually via Zoom Communications. Our teachers are hosting virtual mock job interviews and require for students to get dressed up just like they would for an in-person interview. Students have been learning how to complete job applications and resume building.
The HDS Foundation’s unique niche focus is on aiding young adults to make the transition from high school to post-secondary education, gainful employment, and independent living. The Foundation recently launched a new program called Toolbox for Success. This multi-level tool helps ASD families by providing resources for the many complex components involved with transitioning autistic teens and young adults. These components range from communication, personal appearance, social skills, situational skills, dressing appropriately, educational qualifications, and job skills. The information is pared down, helping parents to pick and choose the components that their child can work through at his or her level.
Our HDS Companies has also participated in raising awareness during Autism Awareness Month. We lit-up the exterior of our Miami Lakes Corporate Offices in Blue, and our team members wore Blue on World Autism Awareness Month. We invite you to view the Latin Business Today interview with Cristina Miranda Gilson, CEO of HDS Companies and founder of the HDS Foundation. During the interview, Cristina shared her views, HDSF resources, as well as her personal experiences raising her daughter, who is a thriving young woman attending the University of North Florida and living independently on campus.
To view the interview of our CEO, Cristina Miranda Gilson, with Latin Business Today on this matter, click here or follow us on social media!
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