MIAMI, Aug. 31, 2023 — Best Buddies International, the groundbreaking international nonprofit founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), will host its inaugural online Historically Black Colleges and Universities Accessibility and Inclusion Symposium on Sept. 14, 2023, from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. EST.

The symposium will unite students, faculty and administrators from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Service Institutions (MSIs), community leaders and corporate partners to discuss the best methods to create a more inclusive culture on HBCU and MSI campuses to support students with learning differences.

Industry and educational trailblazers will lead panel discussions on capacity building, workforce diversity, identities and disabilities and more. The symposium will also feature student-led panels on career and community service opportunities focusing on building inclusive social and workplace environments. Attendees will engage in group discussions with university and industry professionals to address broader community issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.

Guest panelist and presenters include:

• Dr. Ann Knettler – Vice President, Educational Leadership at Delaware State University
• Boris “Bluz” Rodgers – Three-time Emmy Award-Winning Spoken Word Artist and Director of Creative Engagement for Blumenthal Performing Arts
• David Quilleon – Vice President of Global Operations at Best Buddies International
• Dr. M. Evelyn Fields – Dean of the College of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences and Special Assistant to the Provost at South Carolina State University.
• Dr. Paris Adon – Director of the Office of Student Services at Howard University
• Terry Bankston – Executive Director, Office of Career Services at Delaware State University

“We are excited to engage students, higher education leaders and supporters during this symposium to discuss challenges and strategies for supporting students with IDD at HBCUs and MSIs, discuss pre-college supports and offer guidance on helping students excel in college and prepare for future careers,” Joseph Canty, Best Buddies International’s director of diversity, equity and inclusion, said.

Best Buddies International invites all HBCU leaders, faculty, staff and students, alongside current Best Buddies participants, nonprofit leaders, community partners and anyone passionate about creating inclusive communities on HBCU campuses. To register for the event, click here.

ABOUT BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIONAL:

Best Buddies® is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to nearly 3,000 elementary school, middle school, high school, and college Friendship and Promoter chapters worldwide. Today, Best Buddies’ nine formal programs — Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies®, Jobs, Ambassadors, Promoters and Inclusive Living— engage participants in each of the 50 states and in 56 countries and territories, positively impacting the lives of over 1.3 million people with and without disabilities around the world. In many cases, as a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities secure rewarding jobs, live independently, become inspirational leaders and build lifelong friendships. For more information, please visit www.bestbuddies.org or connect with us via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

For more information about the HBCU Accessibility and Inclusion Symposium and/or media inquiries, please contact:

Jacob Pasternack, Manager of Marketing and Communications

305-374-2233, ext. 209

JacobPasternack@bestbuddies.org