Home - Best Buddies International

We are the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the
social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million
people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

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We are the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical
and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities (IDD).

We are the world’s largest organization dedicated to
ending the social, physical and economic isolation of
the 200 million people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities (IDD).

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We are the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the
social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million
people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Best Buddies Friendship participants, Tom Brady and Katie Meade, promote a Best Buddies Florida License plate using Tom Brady's image

We are the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical
and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities (IDD).

We are the world’s largest organization dedicated to
ending the social, physical and economic isolation of
the 200 million people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities (IDD).

We are the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the
social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million
people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

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We are the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical
and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities (IDD).

We are the world’s largest organization dedicated to
ending the social, physical and economic isolation of
the 200 million people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities (IDD).

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Best Buddies has teamed up with Autism Speaks and Special Olympics to create pathways to employment and leadership opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental differences.

Delivering Jobs For Employers & For Employees Tablet image

Best Buddies has teamed up with Autism Speaks and Special Olympics to create pathways to employment and leadership opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental differences.

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Best Buddies has teamed up with Autism Speaks and Special Olympics to create pathways to employment and leadership opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental differences.

LEARN MORE

One-to-One
Friendships

Builds friendships between people with and without IDD, offering social mentoring while improving the quality of life and level of inclusion.

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Integrated
Employment

Secures jobs for people with IDD, allowing them to earn an income, pay taxes, and support themselves.

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Leadership
Development

Educates and empowers people with and without IDD, to be leaders, public speakers and advocates.

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Inclusive
Living

Providing a vibrant, integrated living opportunity for people with and without IDD.

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“Picture your best friend. Now imagine your life without that person. For people with developmental disabilities, the laughter and excitement of a best friend is only a dream. Best Buddies is a lifeline to the joy of having and being a friend.”

Cindy Crawford
Supermodel & Best Buddies Global Ambassador

“All of us need to open our minds and consider people with IDD as qualified, dependable employable candidates. These individuals are dedicated, skilled workers whose involvement in the workforce is relevant for all society.”

Carlos Slim Helú
Chairman and CEO, Telmex

“Best Buddies gives people with special needs a chance to speak up, be heard and advocate for themselves and others within their community.”

Maria Shriver
Journalist & Best Buddies Global Ambassador

How You Can Help

Man Holding a poster size check from Best Buddies Sponsor, Hublot in a crowded stadium

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A Global Volunteer Movement

Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to nearly 3,000 chapters worldwide, positively impacting the lives of over 1.3 million people with and without IDD. Best Buddies programs engage participants in each of the 50 states and in 56 countries and territories around the world

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