
National Disability Employment Awareness Month!
It’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month! This month, we celebrate the incredible contributions of workers with disabilities and raise awareness about the importance of creating inclusive work environments for everyone.
At HDS, we believe in the power of diverse talent. People with disabilities bring unique skills, perspectives, and creativity that help drive innovation and success in every field.
Let’s champion equal opportunities, break down barriers, and build workplaces that are truly inclusive. When we create space for everyone, we empower individuals and strengthen our communities.
Join us in celebrating the achievements of employees with disabilities and advocating for more inclusive hiring practices. Together, we can create a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

American Women’s Business Day
American Women’s Business Day honors the accomplishments and contributions of women in business in the United States. It highlights the growing number of women entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals who continue to break barriers in the business world. “You can often change your circumstances by changing your attitude.” – Eleanor Roosevelt, Former First Lady of the United States

Happy Birthday, Temple Grandin!
Happy Birthday, Temple Grandin! Your brilliance and compassion inspire us all. Here’s to another year of making a difference! Thank you for leading the way for those of us in the neurodivergent community. You are truly an inspiration.

Best Buddies Organization
“Best Buddies are the family we choose for ourselves.” – Best Buddies Organization

National Homeownership Month
National Homeownership Month, celebrated each June, honors the American dream of owning a home. It recognizes the importance of homeownership in providing stability, building wealth, and fostering community. This month highlights programs and policies that support homebuyers, especially those from underserved communities, helping more people achieve the joy and benefits of having a place to call their own.

Reaching the Special Needs Community Through the Arts.
During the 2023 Career Series, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had the privilege of meeting Gustavo Padrino, the Community Engagement Manager at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Gustavo shared his journey from college to employment and explained how he...

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. ...

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...

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...

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...

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...
HDSF B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Learn about Tequesta Native Americans
Each year, as part of the Community-Based Instruction (CBI) field trips, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students spend a morning at Peace Mound Park in Weston, learning about the history of the Tequesta Native Americans. The 8.16-acre neighborhood park with waterfront views...

HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Turn the Classroom into a Wood Shop for the Day
What a terrific day for the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students as they put on their wood-maker hats and choose what they wanted to build: a race car, pinball, or soccer game from Home Depot pre-cut wooden kits. Each student had the opportunity to create the project of their...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Get a Taste of Patriotism
Patriotism and barbeque are what the HDSF B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students enjoyed during their lunch outing at Mission BBQ. Before the students headed to the restaurant, they reviewed the menu and decided what to order for lunch. The challenge was to order a main entree,...
Cypress Bay High School ESE Transition Fair & College Night
The HDS Foundation (HDSF) enjoyed participating at Cypress Bay High School ESE Transition Fair & College Night. In preparation for the event, Program Manager Liz Falk assisted the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. teacher, Alma Gonzalez, and Job Coach, Paula Wright, in helping...