Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month!
March marks the beginning of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month!
Throughout this month, we have the incredible opportunity to shine a light on the unique abilities, talents, and perspectives of individuals with developmental disabilities. It’s a time to celebrate their strengths, champion inclusivity, and raise awareness about the importance of creating supportive and accessible communities for all.
Join us as we embark on a journey of understanding, empathy, and advocacy. Let’s challenge stereotypes, break down barriers, and foster environments where every person, regardless of ability, can thrive and contribute meaningfully.
Throughout Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, we’ll be sharing stories, resources, and initiatives aimed at promoting acceptance, empowerment, and equal opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. Together, let’s build a more inclusive world where everyone is valued, respected, and embraced for who they are.
Join us in celebrating Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month! Together, we can make a difference.
Happy National Mentoring Month
Guide, inspire, and make a difference in someone’s life. Become a mentor today! Happy National Mentoring Month to all the Mentors out there in our community!
We R.I.S.E. for Autism Golf Classic
We are excited to share our inaugural We R.I.S.E. for Autism Golf Classic, presented by HDS Companies on Friday, April 26th at @jacarandagolfclub. Swing into action to support our programs for teens and young adults with Autism.
Register now at www.werisegolfclassic.org/.
Highlights of 2023
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students demonstrated valuable life skills during their Community Based Instruction field trip to Panera. Students practiced ordering takeout which showcased their independence, while incorporating budgeting skills emphasizing responsible decision-making. Additionally, the experience provided an opportunity to enhance social skills through interactions in a real world setting, contributing to their overall development.
HDS Foundation Supports The Friendship Journey Gala
What a beautiful evening we shared together at The Friendship Journey 4th Annual Friendship Gala this past weekend! Friends, families, non-profits, and city officials all came to support the mission of The Friendship Journey: Creating connections amongst friends of all abilities through meaningful experiences.
HDS Foundation needs your daily vote to win the 211 Broward Community Choice Award!
We are proud to share that our HDS Foundation is a Nominee for the 211 Broward, 2023 JM Family Enterprises Community Choice Award. This award is presented to a nonprofit organization that is making an impact through its Programs and Services in the lives of...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Become Candlemakers!
Today, as part of their Community-Based Instruction (CBI), our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had the opportunity to try their hand at making candles. The team at ScentsAbility Candles, a nonprofit that offers an innovative social enterprise and serves as a source of...
HDS BRIDGES Student & U.S. Army JROTC Lightning Battalion Cadet, Katelyn Promoted to Cadet Sergeant
Katelyn is a Junior in our HDS Broward County Public High School B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program. She enlisted in the U.S. Army JROTC Lightning Battalion in her Freshman year to fulfill a PE required credit, but she soon came to appreciate the program's leadership and sense of...
It’s Movie Time!
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had a fantastic time on their Community-Based Instruction (CBI) field trip to the local movie theater to enjoy the movie Stranger World. Since each student is given a gift card as part of our HDS Grant to use during their weekly CBIs,...
“Tis the Season to Give”
This past week, both of our Cypress Bay HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. programs celebrated the holiday season at Chili's Bar & Grill, enjoying friendship and a delicious lunch. They all ordered burgers, chicken nuggets, chicken fajitas, and more. But the one thing they all...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Bowl for the Lucky Strike
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students headed out for fun with their peers to practice their bowling skills; their motto was "Be bold and go for the strike!" When students arrived at the bowling alley, they first had to find their correct bowling shoe size and then change...
Our Chairman and President featured this week in Voyage MIA Magazine’s “Shout Out Miami” series
We were featured this week in Voyage MIA Magazine's “Shout Out Miami” series. Thank you to Voyage MIA for showcasing how our programs are preparing young people with Autism and related abilities to succeed. Read more at http://bit.ly/3HiSQTV.
Giving Is Better Than Receiving!
Today the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students headed on a shopping trip to Walmart to purchase holiday gifts for their siblings. This Community Based Instruction is designed to help students practice their budgeting skills as students are given a specific budget. One of the...
Ice Cream Sundae Challenge!
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class participated in an Ice Cream Sundae Challenge for their Community Based Instruction activity this week. The day before the event, students were put in teams of 3-4. They had to work together to decide what flavor ice cream and 3 toppings...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students take on the “Secret Elf”
This holiday season, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students took on the "Secret Elf" title for the morning as they headed out to Walmart to do some holiday shopping for their friends! The mission was: to stay under $25 (including tax) and purchase the items that were listed...