At the annual Valentine’s Dance last month, University students and adults alike gathered to play games, enjoy snacks, make crafts and hit the dance floor in style. For many participants, this dance is among the favorites of the many events run by Best Buddies, an international organization working to build meaningful relationships and opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities — often referred to as IDD.
The IDD community worldwide is disproportionately affected by social and emotional isolation, with nearly 40 percent of people with IDD reporting feelings of profound loneliness. Moreover, communities often lack adequate social networks that foster relationships between people with and without disabilities, often due to social stigma and a shortage of integrated community involvement opportunities. Best Buddies provides a support system for individuals who are often not given the support they need or deserve.
March is designated Best Buddies month, a global celebration dedicated to promoting their mission of fostering individualized friendship pairings, developing leadership skills and creating inclusive social and living environments for people with and without IDD…