Andrea Thompson EEX 3241 Kelly J. Grillo, PhD Fall 2011 Andrea Thompson EEX 3241 Kelly J. Grillo, PhD Fall 2011

 A non profit world wide program dedicated to promoting one on one friendships.  Founded by Anthony Kennedy Shriver  1500 Chapters strong The Mission: To establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to- one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Vision To put Best Buddies out of business.

 In November the 15 th Annual Buddies Miami Gala was held. This was an Italian gala event with many well known figures visiting. In November the 15 th Annual Buddies Miami Gala  June 2, 2012 Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port will be held in MA. This is a cycling adventure followed by a concert and clambake  Third Annual Best Buddies Palm Beach Gala is to be announced soon with a private concert by Michael McDonald concert.  September 8, 2012 Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle, another cycling event followed by a BBQ at the Hearst estate  October 20, 2012 Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Washington, D.C.  MORE to come. Best Buddies draws a dedicated crowd who support this organization.

 Dates spent with best buddies: August 29 th, August 30 th, September 6 th, September 12 th, September 13 th, September 19 th, September 20 th, September 26 th, September 27 th, September 30 th, October 3 rd, October 4 th, October 6 th, October 6 th, October 7 th.  What I did: Interviewed returning Best Buddies, helped new Best Buddies register online, interviewed the local chapter coordinator all about the program, interacted/planned activities for best buddy partners during school hours and contributed to the local Zoobathon event

 Ms. Metheny has been active with Best Buddies for a few years. Every year she recruits general ed. students into the program to pair up with her students with ASD. I spent over 15 hours working with the Tavares Middle School chapter.  Each student with ASD was paired up with a General Education student. The GE students came to the classroom for one hour each day to socialize, play games and develop friendships.  A Zoobathon was organized and conducted netting over $1000 for the Best Buddies program.

 The students I worked with were all middle school aged students; however the organization is world wide, inclusive of all age groups.  The students were all English speaking, but world wide all languages are included.  The seven students with disabilities in this group have autism spectrum disorder, but Best Buddies is open to students of all disabilities.

 We met in Ms. Metheny’s classroom. The General Education students came to the classroom.  We set up tables with board games, the Wii games, and music.  A few times we set up construction paper, markers and colored pencils for a multicultural project  Unfortunately, pictures are not available of the classroom.

 This organization is everywhere. I can become involved at any school.  There is world wide support and networking.  It is fun! All students benefit. I see no drawbacks or hindrances to the program.  Getting connected with a local chapter or setting up a chapter is easy.  General education students usually get credit for the time spent with special needs students during school hours.  The organization is huge and well supported nationally.

 Excellent way for students with disabilities to learn social skills by peer practice opportunities  Great “baby step” introduction to transition from school to community living by learning how to interact with others in a casual setting  Safe environment for learning nonverbal and proximity skills

 I plan on becoming a member hopefully in my next Internship setting.  Once hired at a school, I plan on starting a new chapter or joining with an existing chapter.  I’d like to coordinate events with other Best Buddies chapters.  My goal is to enlist as many General Education students as possible to become buddies.

 Best Buddies seems like the best way to educate others about students with disabilities in the most relaxed atmosphere.  Best Buddies gives students with disabilities opportunities to make friends during school hours; a much desired goal for all middle and high school age students.  Best Buddies breaks down barriers between General Education students and Students with disabilities.  Best Buddies is fun for all students.

 TIA is difficult to arrange while a full time student, but a great way to broaden the educational experience.  TIA is more interesting if the selection is a personal desire for a future goal, not just fulfilling a requirement  The experience was rich due to the commitment from the teacher who runs the Best Buddies chapter. I want to imitate her enthusiasm.  Very rewarding experience!