Best Buddies in Maryland recently sent a group of 58 enthusiastic leaders to the 2024 Best Buddies Leadership Conference (BBLC) at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. This annual event brought together nearly 2,000 participants from across the United States and over fourteen countries, all united by a shared passion for disability rights and inclusion.

The theme of this year’s conference, “Every Buddy Belongs,” underscored the importance of creating inclusive environments where everyone, regardless of ability or background, is valued and embraced. Our Maryland participants embodied this message as they engaged in panels, collaborated with peers from around the globe, and deepened their commitment to advancing inclusion in their schools and communities.

One of the standout moments for Maryland was the introduction of the Transitions track. This program, which launched in Maryland just last year, provided high school students with disabilities unique opportunities to explore post-secondary options and build essential life skills. The success of the Transitions track at BBLC is a testament to the growth and impact of this program in our state.

Among the attendees was Andrew Pace, a Best Buddies in Maryland Jobs Participant, who experienced BBLC for the first time. Reflecting on his time at the conference, Andrew shared, “I had THE best time at BBLC! I met so many people from around the world. I loved the energy and learned a lot to bring home. I’m already counting down the days until BBLC 2025!”

The impact of BBLC on our Maryland leaders is undeniable. The knowledge, friendships, and inspiration they gained will empower them to continue growing their programs and implementing inclusive practices throughout their communities.

We invite you to view the full photo album from the conference and join us in celebrating the achievements of our Maryland attendees. Together, we look forward to building on this momentum and bringing even more students to next year’s conference, scheduled for July 18th – 21st, 2025.

To learn more about Best Buddies and how you can get involved, visit bestbuddies.org/bblc.