What is Best Buddies International?
Best Buddies is a nonprofit international organization that aims to create friendships, leadership skills, and employment opportunities for those with intellectual and developmental disorders (IDD). This includes people with Down Syndrome, Williams Syndrome, Autism, undiagnosed disabilities, and more.
With nearly 2000 chapters worldwide, the goal of Best Buddies is to integrate those living with IDD into society, meaning schools, the workplace, and more, where they are usually neglected or rejected.
Watch the video below to learn a little more about the organization's mission.
How does it work?
Each chapter of Best Buddies International, whether it's at a middle school, high school, or college campus, brings people with IDD and people without IDD together to create an integrated atmosphere. Chapters plan their own events and outings, like going to a baseball game, going bowling, or holiday parties.
Besides group events, a huge part of Best Buddies is the one-on-one friendships, where someone with IDD and someone without IDD are paired as buddies. Together they do things friends would do, like go to dinner, go bowling, see a movie, or go shopping. The possibilities are endless.
Best buddies also works with people with IDD to help secure paid jobs and develop their public speaking, advocacy, and leadership skills.
Why is it important?
Best Buddies promotes inclusion, acceptance, and awareness of those with IDD. Many people living with IDD aren't included at school, in workplaces, and in communities as a whole.
With the help of Best Buddies, those with IDD are able to form friendships, make connections, become more confident, find jobs, and feel valued in society as a whole.
Watch the video below to better understand the impact Best Buddies friendships has on those with IDD, their families, and those without IDD involved.
How to get involved:
1. Join a chapter.
With nearly 2,000 chapters worldwide, there's bound to be one near you. Search here for a chapter near you.
2. Advocate.
Spread the word about Best Buddies by sharing this article, a Best Buddies video, or by following Best Buddies social media accounts and sharing their posts. Anything helps.
3. Donate money.
Click here to donate to Best Buddies International.
Click here to shop Best Buddies clothing, accessories, and more.
4. Volunteer.
Click here to volunteer.
5. Attend an event.
For a listing of upcoming events, please click here.
To learn more:
Visit the following websites to learn more about Best Buddies International, IDD, and more.
