Mission
Best Buddies Switzerland is an organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Who We Serve
The IDD community that Best Buddies serves includes, but is not limited to, people with Down syndrome, autism, Fragile X, Williams syndrome, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury and other undiagnosed disabilities.
Programs
Best Buddies is the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our programs empower the special abilities of people with IDD by helping them form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure successful jobs, live independently, improve public speaking, self-advocacy and communication skills, and feel valued by society.
One-To-One Friendships
Best Buddies Switzerland is launching a pilot Friendship Program in Zurich to builds friendships between people with and without IDD, offering social mentoring while improving the quality of life and level of inclusion.
BESTBUDDIES® Colleges, High Schools and Universities
This initiative is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse school environment for people with IDD, at a time in their lives when social and emotional development play a critical role.
BESTBUDDIES® Citizens
This program helps people with and without IDD to make sincere friendships and get involved in their local community.
e-BUDDIES®
Through this email-based program, an IDD participant communicates online with a person without IDD.
Integrated Employment
Best Buddies Switzerland is launching a pilot Jobs Program in Geneva to secure jobs for people with IDD, allowing them to earn an income, pay taxes, and support themselves.
BESTBUDDIES® Jobs
This initiative connects IDD qualified individuals with companies looking for motivated employees. Through the Jobs Program, Best Buddies develops partnerships with employers, participates in the hiring process and ensures ongoing support for both the employee and his employer.
It is estimated that about 85% of adults over the age of 18 with intellectual and developmental disabilities are not gainfully employed in their communities. In the United States, Best Buddies Employment supports full-time participants who, over a 30-year period, will be able to earn more than $1 million in revenue and contribute approximately $1 million to the economy. $250,000 through taxes – instead of costing the government about $750,000 each in federal income assistance and health care benefits.
Leadership Development
Educates and empowers people with and without IDD, to be leaders, public speakers and advocates.
BESTBUDDIES® Ambassadors
This program allows people with IDD to acquire the skills to speak in public, but also to gain the self-esteem and confidence to carry out advocacy and advocacy, as well as those of their peers and peers. Best Buddies, within local communities, businesses and administrations.
BESTBUDDIES® Promoters
This initiative offers young people the opportunity to advocate for people with IDD and participate in the creation of local chapters and Best Buddies programs through the organization of special events aimed at to raise awareness of the disability rights movement.
Inclusive Living
Providing a vibrant, integrated living opportunity for people with and without IDD.
BESTBUDDIES® Residence
Provides opportunities for people with and without IDD to live together in a vibrant educational community, helping all residents with employment, financial literacy, continuing education and life skills while working to achieve their personal goals.
