Programs at Best Buddies

Emma Whitner represents the best a college athlete can achieve, maintaining a high GPA of 3.7 while simultaneously participating in competitive diving with the University of Florida. In addition to her diving with the Florida Gators, Emma Whitner has also been included on the University of Florida Dean’s List and been named an All-American Scholar.

As a high school student, Ms. Whitner participated in Best Buddies International, an organization dedicated to supporting one-on-one friendships, leadership development, inclusive living, and opportunities for jobs and careers for individuals living with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

The Best Buddies Friendship Program focuses on building friendships and decreasing the social isolation those with disabilities can often experience. There are programs for adults, middle schoolers, high schoolers. Included are e-friendship options, where individuals can interact on social media and chat platforms. Participants are matched with a friend they will interact with for a minimum of one year, typically starting at the beginning of the school year for school programs.

Buddies communicate at least once a week via phone, email, or other methods, and meet up at least twice a month during the year. Group activities and events are also hosted by local Best Buddies chapters, and pairs are monitored to ensure a quality match. Best Buddies hosts Friendship Walks all over the United States for participants to enjoy with their buddies.