Expanding Opportunities for Inclusion and Friendship

Miami, FL / Guatemala City, Guatemala — September 16, 2026 — Best Buddies International, the leading global nonprofit dedicated to ending the social, physical, and economic isolation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), proudly announces the launch of Best Buddies Guatemala. This expansion marks another important step in the organization’s continued global growth and its mission to create a more inclusive world for people with IDD.

The launch of Best Buddies Guatemala is made possible through a partnership with the Instituto Neurológico de Guatemala, a pioneering organization that has supported individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism and their families since 1961. Through comprehensive educational and therapeutic programs and a multidisciplinary approach, the Institute works to promote each individual’s development, autonomy, quality of life, and full participation in society.

“At Best Buddies, we believe friendship is the foundation of inclusion,” said Anthony Shriver, Founder of Best Buddies International. “Launching in Guatemala is an exciting and meaningful step forward for our global movement. Through our partnership with the Instituto Neurológico de Guatemala, we are building a powerful platform for connection, dignity, and opportunity—and moving closer to a world where people of all abilities are valued and included everywhere.”

Initially, Best Buddies Guatemala will focus on implementing the organization’s Friendship Program, creating opportunities for people with and without intellectual disabilities to build genuine, meaningful, and lasting friendships. The first phase of the program will take place in Guatemala City, building on the Instituto Neurológico de Guatemala’s existing relationships with schools and universities to create inclusive spaces where these connections can grow.

During its first year, Best Buddies Guatemala aims to establish formal partnerships with educational institutions and engage volunteers in the Friendship Program. Looking ahead, the organization envisions expanding its programming and incorporating additional components of the Best Buddies model, including employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

With more than six decades of experience, the Instituto Neurológico de Guatemala brings extensive expertise in inclusive education, specialized therapies, vocational training, employment inclusion, and support for families and caregivers. Its deep understanding of the Guatemalan context, combined with a strong network of educational institutions, businesses, organizations, and communities, will help adapt the Best Buddies model to local needs and create sustainable opportunities for inclusion.

Through this partnership, Best Buddies International and the Instituto Neurológico de Guatemala share a vision in which people with intellectual disabilities have equal opportunities to participate in their communities, make decisions, build meaningful relationships, and pursue their own life goals with greater autonomy and quality of life.

“The launch of Best Buddies Guatemala represents another step toward the country we want to build: one in which people with intellectual disabilities participate fully in their communities and have the same opportunities to build friendships, grow, and live with dignity. After 65 years of supporting individuals and families, we know that inclusion is something we build together,” said a representative of the Instituto Neurológico de Guatemala.

The launch of Best Buddies Guatemala reflects Best Buddies International’s continued commitment to expanding its global reach and ensuring that individuals with IDD are empowered to form friendships, develop their potential, and participate fully in society.