Best Buddies International is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This community-focused organization works to end the social, physical, and economic isolation of the 200 million people worldwide with IDD. By participating in these programs, volunteers and participants help build a more inclusive world where everyone has a chance to succeed and belong.
Understanding Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
Before diving into the programs, it is helpful to understand the community being served. Intellectual and developmental disabilities, or IDD, is a term used to describe various conditions that are usually present at birth and affect a person’s physical, intellectual, or emotional development.
Common examples of IDD include Down syndrome, autism, Fragile X syndrome, and various other cerebral or neurological conditions. People with IDD often face barriers to social interaction and employment, which is where the mission of inclusion becomes vital.
The Four Pillars of Best Buddies
The organization organizes its efforts around four key pillars. Each pillar addresses a specific area of life where people with IDD may need additional support or opportunities to thrive alongside their peers.
1. One-to-One Friendships
This is the flagship program and perhaps the most well-known. It matches people with IDD with peers without disabilities to form meaningful, lasting friendships. These matches are based on age, gender, and shared interests.
- Middle and High School: Students are paired with classmates to promote inclusion within the school environment.
- College: University students mentor and befriend adults with IDD in their local community.
- Citizens: This program pairs adults with and without IDD in the professional world or local neighborhoods.
- e-Buddies: An online platform that facilitates friendships through secure email and social media for those who may not have a local chapter.
2. Integrated Employment
Finding a job is a major milestone for independence, but people with IDD often face high unemployment rates. The Jobs program helps participants secure competitive, integrated employment where they work alongside coworkers without disabilities and earn a fair wage.
The program provides support throughout the entire process. This includes help with building a resume, practicing for interviews, and providing on-site job coaching to ensure the employee and the employer are both satisfied.
3. Leadership Development
Advocacy is a powerful tool for change. The Leadership Development program trains people with IDD to become self-advocates. Participants learn how to share their stories, speak in public, and educate others about the importance of inclusion.
Through the Ambassadors program, individuals develop the confidence to lead their own chapters or speak at large events. This shifts the narrative from being a recipient of help to being a leader in the community.
4. Inclusive Living
The Inclusive Living initiative focuses on providing integrated housing for adults with and without IDD. In these communities, residents live together as roommates, fostering an environment of mutual support and shared responsibility. This model promotes independence while ensuring a built-in social network is always available.
How to Get Involved
Getting involved is straightforward, and there are options for people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you want to volunteer your time, participate in an event, or start a local chapter, your contribution makes a difference.
Join a Local Chapter
The most common way to participate is by joining an existing chapter at a school or in your city. You can search for local chapters through the organization’s official directory. Once you find a chapter, you will go through an application and matching process to ensure a good fit with a new friend.
Participate in the Friendship Walk
The Friendship Walk is the premier fundraising and awareness event for the organization. These walks take place in cities across the country and bring together thousands of people to celebrate inclusion. It is a family-friendly event where you can meet members of the community and see the impact of the programs firsthand.
Donate and Support
If you do not have the time to volunteer, financial contributions are always needed to keep the programs free for participants. Donations go toward training staff, organizing events, and expanding the Jobs program to new cities. You can often find specific fundraising campaigns, such as the “State Showdown” or holiday giving initiatives, which allow you to support your local region.
The Benefits of Social Inclusion
Inclusion is not just beneficial for the person with a disability; it enriches the lives of the volunteers as well. Participants often report that their “buddy” becomes one of their closest friends, providing a new perspective on life and challenges.
For the participant with IDD, these programs provide a sense of belonging and a support system that might otherwise be missing. It builds self-esteem and provides the tools necessary to navigate the world with confidence. In the workplace, inclusive hiring practices have been shown to improve company culture and increase employee retention.
Conclusion
Best Buddies International provides a vital service by bridging the gap between people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through friendship, employment, and leadership, they are creating a world where everyone is valued for their unique contributions. If you are looking for a way to make a tangible impact in your community, joining or supporting these programs is an excellent place to start. For more information on navigating social services and community programs, explore our other articles on local volunteering and professional development.