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).

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).

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).

Best Buddies Friendship Walk Small Slider Banner

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

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

Donate

Attend an Event/Challenge/Walk

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 2,900 chapters worldwide, positively impacting the lives of over 1.25 million people with and without IDD. Best Buddies programs engage participants in each of the 50 states and in 54 countries around the world.

Find local programs

News and Stories

Olivia Culpo Doesn’t Regret Being Public About Her Vulnerability (EXCLUSIVE)

BFF Goals! Teacher and Woman with Intellectual Disability Celebrate 20-Year Bond on Friendship Day

Record low unemployment creates opportunities for Americans with disabilities

Cindy Crawford

Carlos Slim Helú

Maria Shriver

How You Can Help

A Global Volunteer Movement

News and Stories

Best Buddies International