Liam Haskill, 17, started the Best Buddies chapter at Rock Island High School at the beginning of the school year, to pair students with disabilities up with a peer buddy.

Working to make Springfield more inclusive, Best Buddies held their Friendship Walk at Lincoln Land Community College. The event serves as a way to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities build friendships and find jobs.

Best Buddies ensures that students of all abilities have access to the same opportunities for social interactions and experience.