IDD: Call To Action

I don't ask for very much action very often, but this is a good cause that my dad forwarded me earlier this week. Please read the letter below and if you are so inclined, join the fight to give people with disabilities opportunities just like everyone else. Thank You!


Dear Best Buddies Supporter,

Last week, a landmark agreement was reached between the Justice Department and Rhode Island, which will serve as a precedent for years to come and bring a much-needed change in the other 49 states. Click here for the article:http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/04/09/us/developmentally-disabled-get-more-workplace-protections.html?referrer
Doors once closed will begin to open for people with IDD to move forward as contributing members of our vital workforce. Best Buddies is poised, at the forefront of the supported employment movement, to maximize the opportunities for people with IDD across the country.

Anthony K. Shriver visits
Best Buddies Jobs participant
Arjun Hemphill at the Audi of America Headquarters.
For over 25 years, Best Buddies International has focused its efforts on including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
With the unemployment rate for people with IDD at 76%, we must work to engage this group of workers. Today, our Best Buddies Jobs program has expanded to eight cities in the U.S. and is now launching in several cities throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, and Asia. The goal of our employment program is to continue our mission of inclusion in the workplace so that people with IDD can share the same benefits as any work and experience the joy of being a contributing member of our global workforce.
People with IDD are enormously talented, loyal, hard-working, and driven individuals who can contribute to the workplace. Individuals with IDD are making significant contributions every day to businesses small and large; they change the landscape of corporate cultures positively. Their skills and abilities can't be overlooked any longer.
I challenge corporations worldwide to hire people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With outstanding resources and proper support, it is an ideal time to invest in this incredible group of people to assist in growing revenue, improving customer relations, and effectively managing your operations.
Don't miss out on hiring this skilled, talented pool of workers. Please join me in supporting the work of Best Buddies Jobs and fostering a bright future for people with IDD to secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders, and make life-long friends.


With gratitude,




Anthony K. Shriver
Founder & Chairman, Best Buddies International