{"id":80410,"date":"2015-11-11T19:51:35","date_gmt":"2015-11-11T19:51:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/?p=80410"},"modified":"2019-11-12T16:38:02","modified_gmt":"2019-11-12T21:38:02","slug":"ae-partnering-with-best-buddies-international-to-raise-awareness-and-encourage-opportunites-for-people-with-intellectual-and-developmental-disabilities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/2015\/11\/11\/ae-partnering-with-best-buddies-international-to-raise-awareness-and-encourage-opportunites-for-people-with-intellectual-and-developmental-disabilities\/","title":{"rendered":"A&E PARTNERING WITH BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIONAL TO RAISE AWARENESS AND ENCOURAGE OPPORTUNITES FOR PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES"},"content":{"rendered":"

NEW YORK, NY, Nov. 11, 2015 \u2013 A&E Network will premiere the new original docu-series “Born This Way,” following a group of seven young adults born with Down syndrome along with their family and friends in Southern California. The six-episode, hour-long series from Bunim-Murray Productions premieres Tuesday, December 8 at 10 PM ET\/PT.<\/p>\n

Cameras follow the young men and women of “Born This Way,” as they pursue their passions and lifelong dreams, explore friendships, romantic relationships and work, all while defying society’s expectations. In their willingness and courage to openly share their lives, through a lens that is not often shown on television, we learn they have high hopes just like anyone else. The series also gives voice to the parents, allowing them to talk about the joy their son or daughter brings to their family, and the challenges they face in helping them live as independently as possible.<\/p>\n

“We are proud to be airing this important and extraordinary series and hope it will inspire meaningful conversations about people with differences,” said Elaine Frontain Bryant, EVP & Head of Programming A&E Network. “Born This Way\u2019 is a show with honesty, humor and heart that celebrates and embraces diversity.”<\/p>\n

“There is a freshness and honesty in the way these young adults lead their lives; something we could all learn from them. We are enormously thankful to them and their families for participating in this project,” said Jonathan Murray, Executive Producer.<\/p>\n

“I’m so incredibly proud to see \u2018Born This Way\u2019 highlight the outgoing personalities and amazing abilities of Best Buddies participants like Rachel Osterbach and Sean Mcelwee,” said Anthony K. Shriver, Founder and Chairman, Best Buddies International. “It is my hope that this show will demonstrate to society that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are just like everyone else and should be fully included in our communities, our workplaces and our lives.”<\/p>\n

A&E has partnered with celebrated global non-profit organization Best Buddies International and committed to an on-air PSA featuring Anthony K. Shriver and Best Buddies program participants in support of promoting opportunities and increasing awareness for people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities.<\/p>\n

The cast of \u201cBorn This Way\u201d includes:<\/p>\n