I’M IN TO ADVOCATE

200 million people worldwide with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)

7-8 million Americans with IDD (3% of general population)

Part of normal differences between individuals Marginalized group not based on lack of ability, but on

lack of opportunity

INTELLECTUAL & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIESPrevalence

Before 1989: Social isolation, institutionalization, lack of independence, lack of educational opportunities

1989: Segregation exists between individuals with and without IDD

1990’s: Americans with Disabilities Act 2000’s: Lack of education about disability rights—

created stigmas about people with IDD Rosa’s Law: Replaces “mental retardation” with

“intellectual disability”

OUR HISTORY1989 to Present

Purpose: Makes sure that people with disabilities have the same rights as everyone else.

Persons with disabilities… Are free to make their own choices Are to be treated fairly Have rights to take part and be included in the community as

everybody else Are to be respected and accepted for who they are Should have opportunities as everybody else Should have access to transportation, facilities, and information Should be respected for who they are and their abilities

OUR HISTORYConvention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Social Isolation Employment

Discrimination Lack of

Acknowledgement

Social Inclusion Equal Employment

Opportunities Self Advocacy,

Leadership Development, and Empowerment

NEEDWhy Best Buddies is a necessary organization

CHALLENGES SOLUTIONS

OUR MISSIONServices We Provide

ONE-TO-ONE FRIENDSHIPS

INTEGRATED EMPLOYMENT

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Always refer to an individual as a person, not as a disability or condition

Focus on unique traits and abilities

Choose language that empowers rather than marginalizes

Refer to people by their name!

DISABILITY AWARENESSPeople First Language

Have you heard statements like this:

Maria performed well, despite being in a wheelchair… Jason succeeded at his job, even though he has autism… Alex is a talented musician, considering he has a disability… Liam was able to overcome his disability and graduated from high

school…

How can we avoid language like this?

DISABILITY AWARENESSEmpowering Language

Spread the Word to End the Word Why the R-Word?

DISABILITY AWARENESSThe R-Word

Recognizing difference does not create inequality Inequality is a result of placing value judgements on

those differences We should not ignore difference in order to

appear unbiased These differences are a part of an individual’s identity Ignoring them may be confusing or upsetting A component is only a piece of the whole

All people are complex and unique

DISABILITY AWARENESSSocial Justice

What role do WE play as Best Buddies participants in the big picture?

DISABILITY AWARENESSWhere are we now?

Your friendship with your buddy is an essential part of the big picture…

Universal Inclusion, Respect, and Opportunities for people with disabilities starts with you and your buddy.

BEST BUDDIESThe Big Picture