Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to nearly 2,500 chapters worldwide, positively impacting the lives of over 1.2 million people with and without IDD. Best Buddies programs engage participants in each of the 50 states and in 50 countries around the world.
-
We are the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 millionpeople withintellectual 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 millionpeople withintellectual 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 millionpeople withintellectual 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).
One-to-One
Friendships

Integrated
Employment

Leadership
Development

Inclusive
Living

-
“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