{"id":187919,"date":"2025-04-03T14:31:11","date_gmt":"2025-04-03T18:31:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/?p=187919"},"modified":"2025-04-04T19:17:01","modified_gmt":"2025-04-04T23:17:01","slug":"best-buddies-international-celebrates-best-buddies-month-championing-inclusion-for-individuals-with-intellectual-and-developmental-disabilities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/2025\/04\/03\/best-buddies-international-celebrates-best-buddies-month-championing-inclusion-for-individuals-with-intellectual-and-developmental-disabilities\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Buddies International Celebrates Best Buddies Month, Championing Inclusion for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\">[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<em><strong>Launch of the Eunie\u2019s Buddies Campaign \u201c#WithYou,\u201d A Nationwide Movement Supporting Families of Individuals with IDD<\/strong><\/em>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;187904&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<strong>Miami, FL. March 31, 2025<\/strong> \u2013 March is Best Buddies Month, a time dedicated to celebrating individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Best Buddies International, the largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people worldwide with IDD, is proud to amplify its mission throughout this important month.<\/p>\n<p>What started in 1993 as a one-day event has become a month-long celebration promoting one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for individuals with IDD. Best Buddies Month aligns with National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (March) and World Down Syndrome Day (March 21), bringing global awareness to the importance of fostering meaningful connections and advocating for individuals with IDD. Through a series of nationwide events, educational initiatives, and social media campaigns, Best Buddies highlighted the achievements of its participants and the vital role of in creating a more accepting world.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBest Buddies Month is a testament to the power of connection and the incredible impact of friendship,\u201d said <strong>Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Best Buddies International<\/strong>. \u201cThis month isn\u2019t just about awareness\u2014it\u2019s about action. Whether it\u2019s joining a Best Buddies program, championing our mission in schools and workplaces, or simply extending a hand of friendship, everyone has a role to play in building a more inclusive world.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In honor of Best Buddies Month and World Down Syndrome Day, Best Buddies also launched a new online campaign, #WithYou, to support <strong>Eunie\u2019s Buddies<\/strong>. This mentorship program pairs experienced parents and caregivers of children with IDD with families who are expecting or have a young child with IDD up to 8 years old. The program, named in honor of Eunice Kennedy Shriver and launched last year, offers guidance, emotional support, and vital resources to help them navigate their journey. With mentorship, 68% of caregivers felt more comfortable in caring for their child; 54% found it easier to advocate for their child\u2019s needs; and, 47% reported feeling less stressed. In just one year, Eunie&#8217;s Buddies has expanded its in-person presence to four cities while offering nationwide virtual support to families. With over 100 active families currently benefiting, the program is making a profound impact by providing essential resources and community for parents navigating an IDD diagnosis.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEvery parent wants to give their child the best possible start in life, but for families of children with IDD, the path can feel uncertain and overwhelming,\u201d said <strong>Kennedy Shriver<\/strong>. \u201cEunie\u2019s Buddies is more than a program\u2014it\u2019s a lifeline. By connecting parents with experienced mentors who have walked this journey, we\u2019re ensuring that no family has to navigate it alone.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Throughout this month, leaders of industry and celebrity supporters, families and Best Buddies nationwide are showing their support for individuals with IDD and their families:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The Eunie\u2019s Buddies video campaign<\/strong> &#8211; <strong>#WithYou<\/strong> &#8211; is a social media-driven video campaign that empowers participants of Eunie\u2019s Buddies to share their &#8220;then vs. now&#8221; journey, reflecting on their initial experience upon receiving the diagnosis and how their perspective has evolved, while highlighting the profound impact of connecting with someone who has walked a similar path. Participants are highlighting the power of friendship, community, and support\u2014encouraging their followers to get involved and amplify the mission.<br \/>\n<div class=\"shortcode-wrapper shortcode-spacer clearfix\"><div class=\"spacer\" style=\"height:1px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n<li>Instagram: <a href=_-806.html target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/share\/BAHgLVJJ7l<\/a><\/li>\n<li>TikTok: <a href=_-807.html target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/t\/ZT2guuC5A\/<\/a><\/li>\n<li>YouTube: <a href=_-808.html target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/x8CE_i8Hl2g<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Facebook: <a href=_-809.html target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/share\/v\/1A3E5mUguX\/?mibextid=wwXIfr<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>To join the Eunie&#8217;s Buddies movement, share these videos or record your own story, tagging @EuniesBuddies and using the hashtag #WithYou. You never know which parent might need to see this today.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>In honor of World Down Syndrome Day on March 21, <strong>The Today Show<\/strong> once again welcomed individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), their families, and their Best Buddies to the show in collaboration with Best Buddies, the world\u2019s largest organization dedicated to ending the isolation of the 200 million people worldwide with IDD. Participants included Kennedy Garcia, an actress with Down syndrome, and Tara Sanders, a Best Buddies Ambassador and buddy of journalist Savannah Guthrie. <a href=19031350989057314511904.html?s=46\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Watch The Today Show segment<\/a>, and check out <a href=index5e99.html?img_index=10&amp;igsh=a3Mza2VhcjAxdXl3\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>co-host Al Roker\u2019s<\/strong> Instagram post<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;187912&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1743705202497{margin-top: -15px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]\n<ul>\n<li>After the Today Show segment, <strong>Actress Kennedy Garcia<\/strong>, the first person with Down syndrome to land a recurring role on daytime television, appeared on PIX11 to share her journey and role as a Best Buddies Ambassador. <a href=_-511.html target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Watch her inspiring interview here<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Anthony Kennedy Shriver<\/strong> appeared on the podcast \u201cPushing Forward with Alycia\u201d to celebrate Best Buddies Month and discuss the organization\u2019s mission, programs, and life-changing impact. <a href=index73b6.html?srsltid=AfmBOop3znzm3BaFClE6AEqO4c0ub5QtnzJhNSbYWqu-VPd58z-pGBTf\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Listen to his interview here<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Throughout March, Best Buddies participants in <strong>school chapters are celebrating Best Buddies Month<\/strong> by wearing Best Buddies gear and sharing their stories on social media, hosting community service events, and working with school administrators to spread awareness through newsletters, morning announcements, organizing inclusive events and collaborations with other campus clubs, and more.<br \/>\n<div class=\"shortcode-wrapper shortcode-spacer clearfix\"><div class=\"spacer\" style=\"height:0px;\"><\/div><\/div>\nSupporters can join the movement by sharing their stories on social media tagging @BestBuddies and tagging #WithYou, and advocating for inclusive communities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For more information about Best Buddies Month and how to get involved with Best Buddies International year-round, visit <a href=_-225.html target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<p style=\"font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;\"><strong><u>About Best Buddies<\/u><\/strong><br \/>\nBest Buddies<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated\u202fto establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to nearly 3,000 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. <span class=\"TextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body\">Today, Best Buddies\u2019 12 formal programs \u2014 <\/span><\/span><em><span class=\"TextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body\">Elementary Schools, Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies\u00ae, Jobs, Ambassadors, Promoters, Transitions, Inclusive Living <\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body\">and <\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body\">Eunie\u2019s Buddies<\/span><\/span><\/em><span class=\"TextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body\">\u2014 engage participants in<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body\">\u202f<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body\">each of the 50 states and in 45<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body\">\u202f<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body\">countries, positively <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body\">impacting<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body\"> the lives of <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body\">nearly one<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body\"> million people with and without disabilities around the world.<\/span><\/span> In many cases, as a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friendships. For more information, please visit bestbuddies.org or connect with us via <a href=_-337.html target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Facebook<\/a>, <a href=_-338.html target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Instagram<\/a> or <a href=_-339.html target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Twitter<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Best Buddies launched the Eunie\u2019s Buddies campaign, #WithYou \u2014 a nationwide movement supporting families of individuals with IDD through mentorship, resources, and community during Best Buddies Month and World Down Syndrome Day.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":187905,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[802,228],"tags":[4714,85,146,87,715,726,703,4708,176,4678,4676,4675,89,1678,1707,4713,4661,4659],"class_list":["post-187919","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bestbuddiesmonth","category-press-releases","tag-withyou","tag-advocates","tag-anthony-kennedy-shriver","tag-best-buddies","tag-best-buddies-ambassador","tag-best-buddies-international","tag-best-buddies-month","tag-best-buddies-programs","tag-down-syndrome","tag-eunice-kennedy-shriver","tag-eunies-buddies","tag-family-support","tag-idd","tag-intellectual-and-developmental-disabilities","tag-mission","tag-national-developmental-disabilities-awareness-month","tag-today-show","tag-world-down-syndrome-day"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Best Buddies International Celebrates Best Buddies Month, Championing Inclusion for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities - Best Buddies International<\/title>\n<!-- Added by HTTrack --><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /><!-- /Added by HTTrack -->
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