Best Buddies: Now is the Time to Make a Difference

The last few months have been challenging as social distancing and safety precautions have disrupted our daily lives. We’ve endured quite a lot so far this year. Yet through these challenging times, I’m inspired by people who show empathy, strength and kindness.

The global pandemic has taken a toll on all of us—emotionally, mentally and physically. If you’re like me, you’ve probably sought new ways to cope, give back and support others who are struggling.

There’s never been a better time to embrace virtual ways to maintain meaningful connections with others by celebrating friendship and inclusion. 

We’re less than a month away from the Best Buddies Friendship Walk—the leading walk in the United States that supports inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (also known as IDD).

Best Buddies is the world’s largest organization dedicated to empowering people with IDDs. They’re passionate about teaching life skills such as securing a job, public-speaking, self-advocacy, communication and building friendships with the IDD community.

My “a-ha moment”

Being involved with this wonderful organization has been a blessing to me. And I recently had an “a-ha moment” that amplified my passion for serving this community.

Before the pandemic, the unemployment rate for adults with intellectual and development disabilities was 81%. The Best Buddies Job Program matches qualified, skilled individuals with IDD with businesses seeking enthusiastic and dedicated employees. Best Buddies develops partnerships with employers, assists with the hiring process and provides ongoing support to both the employee and employer.

As Kforce’s COO, I see first-hand how this pandemic is impacting people’s careers and livelihoods. No one has been immune to the devastating reach of COVID-19. The IDD community is included, and they’ve taken an exceptional hit.

Today, a staggering 51% of Best Buddies participants in Florida have recently lost their jobs. This breaks my heart. As business leaders, I am confident we can create positive change.

What can we do to provide more jobs for this affected population? The training that Best Buddies provides this untapped talent pool is exemplary. Best Buddies Jobs candidates bring a range of skills, abilities and qualifications to employers. Businesses benefit from a more diverse and inclusive workplace, positive employee morale and a culture steeped in corporate social responsibility.

As business leaders, I believe it’s our responsibility to embrace neurodiversity and commit to an inclusive workforce.

The pandemic has delayed progress in this area, but this is the perfect time to plan for the future. I encourage fellow leaders to consider: How can we ingrain these talented individuals into our work community?

Ways you can help

I’m a believer in what Best Buddies is doing—giving the IDD community a platform where they can feel safe, secure and build friendships. As a member of Best Buddies, we seek to help these individuals become productive members of society.

If it’s in your heart to help others, there are several ways to get involved.

• Business leaders, please join me in discovering how to provide jobs for people with IDDs. For more information on the Best Buddies Job Program, click here.
• Consider becoming a volunteer. If you have a passion for helping others, this could be a place for you to contribute. Click here for more information.
• If you aren’t positioned to influence your organization’s hiring strategy and are passionate about helping others, consider becoming a buddy. Many of these individuals simply need a friend—a buddy to talk to and do normal things with.
• Feeling cooped up at home? Get some exercise and join our virtual walk on June 20th, 2020. Become a part of our virtual community by donating and/or walking.