{"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":"
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]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=”187904″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]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

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

\u201cBest Buddies Month is a testament to the power of connection and the incredible impact of friendship,\u201d said 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

In honor of Best Buddies Month and World Down Syndrome Day, Best Buddies also launched a new online campaign, #WithYou, to support 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’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

\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 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

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