HDS Foundation Celebrates Autism Acceptance Month
More than 50 years have passed since the first National Autism Awareness month was observed in the United States in April 1970. This month’s events are meant to increase understanding of Autism and promote the inclusion of those who fall within the Autism Spectrum.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological condition that affects how people communicate, socialize, and behave. It is called a “spectrum” because the symptoms and severity of ASD vary widely from person to person. While some people with ASD have mild symptoms and function well in society, others have more severe symptoms and require additional support.
A shift began in recent years, and today the Autism community is calling on all media outlets to shift their messaging from “Autism Awareness Month” to “Autism Acceptance Month” to promote the growing need for acceptance within the community in preparation for any news coverage in the weeks ahead. The HDS Foundation joins a growing group of leading disability organizations across the country in supporting this terminology. This includes raising awareness about the challenges that people with Autism encounter, as well as celebrating their talents and abilities. It also includes advocating for policies and opportunities that support people with Autism and their families, such as education, employment, accessible housing, affordable health care, and comprehensive long-term services.
Over the last 14 years, the HDS Foundation has provided programs and service opportunities that promote independent/semi-independent living for teens and young adults with ASD and related abilities. Their programs support developing work and daily living skills and socio-educational transitional experiences through school-based partnerships. The Foundation aims to help this growing population with diverse abilities bridge the gap and support their post-secondary journey, strengthening their chances for meaningful, long-term employment and self-sufficiency.
For the second consecutive year, the HDS Foundation has partnered with Clear Channel Outdoor during April to host a Public Service Campaign. The campaign aims to encourage the community to accept the uniqueness of everyone with Autism and encourages people to be aware, understanding, and kind.
To learn more about the HDS Foundation or to make a donation in support of their mission, please visit hdsfoundation.org.
A Special Guest Visits the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students and facilitators warmly welcomed Kate Gilson Miranda, a Junior Board Member of the HDS Foundation, who served as a guest speaker during the Career Experience Series. Kate was delighted to tell them about her personal journey, from high school to post-secondary education, and the experiences that shaped her career. She candidly spoke about the challenges and obstacles she faced during this time and how she overcame them, inspiring the students to pursue their dreams despite any setbacks they may face.
Kate shared insights into her career choice in education, detailing the experiences that led her to it, the required training, and necessary skills, and spoke about both the positive and negative aspects of teaching, including salary and benefits. She also highlighted the activities in high school that helped her prepare for a career in teaching.
As a teacher, Kate spoke about her responsibilities in the classroom, reflecting on how her childhood dream of playing teacher with her dolls came true. She shared her passion for working with children and her belief that education is a powerful tool for change. Overall, Kate’s personal journey and valuable insights left a lasting impression on the students, motivating them to pursue their dreams with determination and perseverance.
Kate emphasized the importance of being involved in school clubs and extracurricular activities throughout high school. She shared her personal experience of being a Chorus and Best Buddies member, highlighting how these activities helped her develop strong skills and helped her to communicate better with her peers and teachers. She encouraged the students to explore their interests and passions outside of the classroom and to get involved in activities that would enhance their skills and knowledge. By doing so, they will not only develop as individuals but also gain valuable experiences that will help them in their future careers.
During the conclusion of her presentation, Kate shared a special card that was given to her by her former teacher and facilitator, Donna Mansolillo. She expressed how important Ms. Mansolillo was and still is in her life and how much the card meant to her. Kate felt that it was something worth keeping and treasuring. The students were impressed by the fact that Kate still had the card after all these years, and her gesture left a deep impression on them. It served as a reminder of the significant impact that teachers can have on their students’ lives and the importance of showing appreciation for their efforts.
Following Kate’s excellent presentation, she took the time to visit some of her former teachers. They were all thrilled to see her and expressed how proud they were of her achievements. One of her former teachers was so inspired by Kate’s presentation that she asked if she could come back and speak to her students about her journey after high school. Kate’s response was enthusiastic: “Of course!”
Kate’s willingness to share her experiences and insights with others is a testament to her commitment to education and the positive impact it can have on individuals’ lives. Her visit and presentation left a lasting impression on the teachers and students, inspiring them to pursue their passions and never give up on their dreams.
A special thank you goes out to Kate Gilson Miranda for taking the time to visit and share her inspiring journey with the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class. Her presentation was not only informative but also motivating, leaving a lasting impression on the students who are currently in the same position she was eight years ago. Kate’s willingness to share her insights and experiences serves as a beacon of hope for those who are just starting their own journey. Her visit was a valuable contribution to the students’ education, and we are grateful for her time and dedication to empowering the next generation.
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Get a Lesson in Self-Advocacy
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students welcomed Ally Walford from the Family Network on Disability, who came out to speak to them about self-advocacy this week.
Ally took the opportunity to emphasize the value of self-advocacy and the five areas that students should concentrate on Knowledge of Self and their Rights, Communication, Tools for Empowerment, and IEP Participation.
Students were actively asking questions about how to advocate for themselves as Ally went over each component. Destiny shared with the class that her grandmother was her advocate and shared how she wants to help others that are less fortunate than she is. Ally recognized Destiny’s passion for becoming an advocate and invited her to be part of workshops for other students. Destiny was thrilled and is looking forward to the experience.
The students enjoyed Ally’s presentation and look forward to welcoming her back next month when Ally presents to the students: The Nuts & Bolts of Self-Determination.
Runners and Walkers… Get Set, Ready, and Go!
The ESE teachers at Homestead Senior High School organized a 5K Buddy Run/Walk for their students, which was held just before Spring Break. Throughout the last few months, students signed up to become a “Buddy” with a student in the Exceptional Student Education Program. ESE students were then partnered with a “Buddy” to either walk or run together. Among the more than 200 5K Buddy Run/Walk participants were 100 ESE students and 100 “Buddies.”
The team at HDS Foundation is honored to support this event which brings inclusion, acceptance, and friendship to all the students who participated. We sponsored the Medals for all 5K Buddy Run/Walk participants this year.
We look forward to the next Homestead Senior High School 5K Buddy Run!
Team HDS Foundation
The Heart of Special Olympics
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had the opportunity to participate in the Special Olympics at their high school. Students demonstrated their abilities in the relay race, long jump, and softball throw. Before the day’s events, students took time to go outside with their classmates and practice to be ready to compete. They were all so excited to participate and had a fantastic time. When they weren’t participating, they were cheering on their classmates.
The Special Olympics movement has grown to be an international helping to build communities where people with intellectual disabilities are treated with respect and given the opportunities they deserve. It allows the students to train for the different events and strive to achieve their best. The best part of the Special Olympics is that it helps to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and share gifts, skills, and friendships.
We are very proud of the students who participated in the Special Olympics and look forward to next year’s event!
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