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 DISABILITIES Prevalence

 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 HISTORY 1989 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 HISTORY Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities

 Social Isolation  Employment Discrimination  Lack of Acknowledgement  Social Inclusion  Equal Employment Opportunities  Self Advocacy, Leadership Development, and Empowerment NEED Why Best Buddies is a necessary organization CHALLENGESSOLUTIONS

OUR MISSION Services 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 AWARENESS People 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 AWARENESS Empowering Language

 Spread the Word to End the Word  Why the R-Word? DISABILITY AWARENESS The 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 AWARENESS Social Justice

What role do WE play as Best Buddies participants in the big picture? DISABILITY AWARENESS Where 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 BUDDIES The Big Picture