Ohio University's chapter of Best Buddies, an international organization, builds relationships and creates a fun environment for people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The organization creates pairs of “one-on-one friendships for people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities,” according to Bobcat Connect.
Corey Rogier, a senior studying integrated healthcare studies and president of Best Buddies, said these pairings are beneficial to people with intellectual disabilities as they help to ease social anxiety.
“A big benefit is definitely getting in that social interaction and becoming more comfortable being around individuals and just making those friendships,” Rogier said.
A big part of what the organization does is having fun bonding events.
“Here at OU, most of the time, we just hang out with a big, giant group and then the buddy pairs go off and hang out outside of the meeting,” Rogier said.
Stephanie Thomas, a sophomore studying middle childhood education and buddy director for Best Buddies is in charge of putting the buddy pairs together.
“We usually have little buddy matching parties, and then Best Buddies meets every other week,” Thomas said. “On those off weeks, we encourage the buddies to get together, hang out … just spend time getting to know each other and having fun.”
Thomas said Best Buddies has had a very positive effect on her life.
“I’ve gotten to know so many people who are very like-minded, who share the same love for helping people with intellectual disabilities and creating those bonds with them,” Thomas said.
Best Buddies also works with Passion Works Studio, a non-profit organization that works to create opportunities for people to connect and explore through making art.
“We’ve had a really good time just exploring the local opportunities for people both with and without intellectual disabilities,” Thomas said.
The President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities estimates seven to eight million Americans experience intellectual disabilities. Nearly one in 10 families is directly affected by a person with an intellectual disability.
Eva Manning, a sophomore studying intervention specialist and treasurer for Best Buddies, said making connections in the organization has been very beneficial for her.
“Making these connections through Best Buddies has made me a more confident, patient and understanding person,” Manning said via email.
For both Thomas and Rogier, the Best Buddies Friendship walk was a highlight of their time in Best Buddies.
The Best Buddies Friendship Walk raises money to support Best Buddies and their efforts to end the isolation of people with intellectual disabilities from society.
“It’s cool to see everyone gather at one place to share and to see what they’re passionate about,” Rogier said.
Rogier encourages students who are interested in getting involved with Best Buddies to reach out over Bobcat Connect and come to a meeting.
“We just do fun things like arts and crafts, movie nights, things along those lines,” Rogier said. “It’s a nice little break away from academics during college.”
