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 cause.
We’re so proud of their dedication to creating a more inclusive world—one step at a time!
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 be seen, heard, and valued. Let’s break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and uplift voices that deserve to be heard!
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 crayon drive, supporting young patients at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.
Dollar Tree: Students followed a list to purchase items for chemo kits, carefully assembling them back at school before handing them over to the HOSA Club for delivery to Joe DiMaggio Hospital.
Through these trips, the students not only practiced essential life skills but also gave back in a meaningful way.
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 pens around the school! Afterward, they celebrated with a pizza party and exchanged letters and snacks they bought at Target. It was a day full of joy, growth, and community spirit!
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 innovative microenterprises, we saw incredible vocational programs that provide hands-on training and employment opportunities!
We also had the privilege of speaking with Alyssa L. Schneider, who shared her inspiring journey as a college student at UNF despite being told she wouldn’t make it. Her poetry about her autism experience is truly powerful!
At UNF, we met with Amber from the THRIVE Program, learned about the Student Accessibility Center (SAC) and its role in supporting students with disabilities, and explored USoar, UNF’s newest program helping students with intellectual disabilities gain academic, social, and career skills. All in all, it was a fun and insightful day! Huge thanks to THRIVE, NFSSE, the Student Accessibility Center, and USoar for an unforgettable experience!
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...
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...
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...
Best Buddies Organization
“Best Buddies are the family we choose for ourselves.” - Best Buddies Organization