Best Buddies International

Jobs Participant, Zack Smith is holding a white football next to an NFL sign.

Zach Smith

Integrated Employment Program,
Jobs Participant

“My life has improved in so many aspects since securing my job as a Statistician at the NFL." – Zach

Integrated Employment Program,
Jobs Participant

Zach Smith

“My life has improved in so many aspects since securing my job as a Statistician at the NFL." – Zach

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Integrated Employment Program, Jobs Participant

“My life has improved in so many aspects since securing my job as a Statistician at the NFL." – Zach

Zach Smith

Ian & Rohan

Friendship Program Participants

“When I was young, I told my parents I would never make any friends. Then, along came Rohan. We’ve been best buddies ever since! ” – Ian (featured left)

Friendship Program Participants

Ian & Rohan

When I was young, I told my parents I would never make any friends. Then, along came Rohan. We’ve been best buddies ever since!” – Ian (featured left)

“When I was young, I told my parents I would never make any friends. Then, along came Rohan. We’ve been best buddies ever since!” – Ian (featured left)

Friendship Program Participants

Ian & Rohan

Best Buddies Leadership Ambassador, Allie.

Leadership Development Program,
Ambassador

Allie Henley

“I became a Best Buddies Ambassador because I want to advocate for myself, and my peers within the IDD community.” – Allie

Leadership Development Program,
Ambassador

Allie Henley

“I became a Best Buddies Ambassador because I want to advocate for myself, and my peers within the IDD community.” – Allie

Leadership Development Program, Ambassador

Allie Henley

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Caroline and AC

Best Buddies Living Residents

“I love Best Buddies Living because it lets me use my independent living skills. And, I love the group dinners and activities!” – AC Heigl

Two Best Buddies Living Program participants are preparing a salad by cutting tomatoes in a kitchen.

Best Buddies Living Residents

Caroline and AC

“I love Best Buddies Living because it lets me use my independent living skills. And, I love the group dinners and activities!” – AC Heigl

Best Buddies Living Residents

Caroline and AC

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Florida residents only

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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).

Katie Meade, a Best Buddies Participant and an American model, stands next to Tom Brady, American football quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. Both are wearing Tom Brady shirts excusively designed merch for Best Buddies. Tom Brady has partnered with Best Buddies to launch a new Florida specialty license plate, with proceeds benefitting Best Buddies.

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).

A group of Best Buddies cyclists ride along a police motorcade in the Miami Skyline

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).

One-To-One Friendships

Two female Best Buddies participants smiling while standing back to back

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

A male Best Buddies Jobs participant working in an office and wearing a suit.

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

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Leadership Development

A female Buddy Ambassador standing at a podium delivering a speech

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

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Inclusive
Living

A group of Best Buddies Living roommates with and without IDD eating pizza in their kitchen

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 headshot

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 headshot

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

Male buddy pair sitting on stairs with arms over one another's shoulders

Donate

Tom Brady and Katie Meade at a Best Buddies event

Attend An Event

Shop

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 47 countries around the world

Find Local Programs