Best Buddies Massachusetts

So often, we take for granted all the academic and extracurricular activities that are available in our schools and local communities. For a child or young adult with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD), there is typically not equal access to these activities. Our schools find it challenging to meet the academic needs of these students, let alone the extras that improve their quality of life, build self-esteem, and create mutually enriching friendships.

Best Buddies of Western MA creates inclusive opportunities for high school and middle school students with IDD by fostering one-to-one friendships with their non-disabled peers, creating integrated group events, and offering student leadership opportunities. We have over 1,000 students participating in this program throughout the Pioneer Valley!

Our program makes it easy for students to look past abilities or disabilities - and to truly see each other as friends! We facilitate friendships between students with and without disabilities based on similar interests. We are not in the business of mentoring - we are in the business of authentic friendships!

Additionally, we provide students with leadership development opportunities and empower them to become leaders in the disability rights movement.  Every year, we bring  students to Indiana University for the Best Buddies International Leadership Conference where students are offered trainings on leadership, public speaking, and advocacy.