Best Buddies Is Creating a More Inclusive World Where Everyone Has the Chance To Thrive

Best Buddies International fosters inclusion, opportunity, and meaningful connections for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Through a comprehensive range of programs, the organization strives to end social, economic, and physical isolation for more than 200 million people with IDD worldwide. By focusing on its five key pillars—One-to-One Friendships, Integrated Employment, Leadership Development, Inclusive Living, and Family Support—Best Buddies is building a more inclusive world where people with and without disabilities can thrive together.

Empowering Lives Through Connection and Opportunity

The One-to-One Friendships program connects individuals with and without IDD, fostering meaningful relationships that boost confidence and social skills. The Integrated Employment initiative helps individuals with IDD secure fulfilling jobs, allowing them to earn an income, pay taxes, and actively contribute to their communities. Meanwhile, the Leadership Development program provides training in advocacy, public speaking, and leadership, empowering individuals with IDD to become champions of inclusion.

Building Community and Strengthening Families

Best Buddies’ Inclusive Living program creates integrated residential communities where individuals with and without disabilities live together, promoting independence and social engagement. Additionally, the Family Support initiative equips families raising children with IDD with essential resources and guidance, ensuring they have the tools to support their loved ones. These programs work in tandem to create a society where people with IDD are seen, heard, and valued for their contributions.

Events that Drive Awareness and Engagement

Throughout the year, Best Buddies hosts a variety of events to engage communities and raise awareness for its mission. Signature events like the Best Buddies Friendship Walk and Best Buddies Challenge unite thousands of participants in celebration of inclusion while generating crucial funds for programs. The annual Champion of the Year competition honors individuals who go above and beyond to advance the organization’s mission. Additionally, various community-based initiatives encourage businesses, schools, and volunteers to take part in fostering inclusion.

Best Buddies' Vision for the Future

To further its impact, Best Buddies has set ambitious goals for the next decade, including increasing the number of school and community chapters to 7,000, securing 3,800 jobs for individuals with IDD, training 15,000 Buddy Ambassadors, and expanding its residential living spaces. By engaging more than one million individuals through events and recruiting 5,000 Best Buddies Champions, the organization aims to create a future where inclusion is the norm. These efforts will impact over four million people worldwide, ensuring that individuals with IDD have the support and opportunities they deserve.

Getting involved with Best Buddies is both easy and rewarding. Whether through donations, volunteering, attending events, or joining a chapter, there are many ways to make an impact. Businesses can also support inclusive employment by hiring a Buddy. Every effort—big or small—helps foster meaningful connections and opportunities for individuals with IDD. Together, we can create a more inclusive and accepting world where everyone has the chance to thrive.