On a recent visit to the James J. McBride Special Education Center, a group of Brentwood’s Best Buddies volunteers became acquainted with their new friends at the first meet and greet of the year. I was invited to tag along to see what it really means to be a volunteer, a buddy, and a friend.
Accompanied by Upper Division Service Learning Coordinator James Hughes, and Elena Cardenas and Joon Kim, two of the Best Buddies advisors, the students arrived at McBride and began to partner up with their buddies in a covered area of the playground. There was no hesitation or fear or sense of uncertainty. There was only excitement, laughter, hugs, and immediate connections among the students.
Watching our students adapt to the needs of their buddies was inspiring. One peer was led around the playground by the arm at a fast pace while she and her buddy talked nonstop. Another was cautiously reaching out to his buddy who was huddled nervously in a corner, and another gently fed her wheelchair-bound buddy a sandwich, softly encouraging him to take small bites.
Sydney T., this year’s chapter President, says that her reason for being a buddy is personal. “My brother has Asperger’s Syndrome, so I have always been connected to people with disabilities, and I have tried to help people understand because I have a brother who isn’t always understood by others. So I got involved because I want others like my brother to feel special.â€
Several other volunteers have the same personal connection to lesser abled people, which in turn has inspired them to want to serve. Gabbie R., for example, who has a friend with an autistic brother, explains, “I always saw him as a regular person even though he did some things that were different. All people with intellectual disabilities should be treated normal and not be told there’s something wrong with them. They should have friends and experiences and shared memories like everyone else.â€
According to their website, Best Buddies is a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant, international organization that has grown from one original chapter to almost 1,500 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. As a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with IDD secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friendships.
At the Upper Division Activities Fair this year, over 100 students signed up to be Best Buddies volunteers, by far the most popular activity on a long list of options. Out of those interested, 43 “peers,†as they are called, have been assigned to 43 buddies at McBride, which is one of 18 LAUSD special education schools.
Principal Tim Bays states that McBride provides a comprehensive educational program for severely disabled, culturally diverse children and young adults, ages 3 through 22 years. “Our dedicated teachers, paraeducators, and support staff provide a quality program for students with mental retardation, autism, cerebral palsy, orthopedic involvement and developmental impairments.†The McBride buddies represent a range of disabilities from moderate to severe impairments—most have full mobility, while some are in wheelchairs; some are unable to speak. But at the meet and greet last week, the excitement felt by peers and buddies alike was palpable. They shared a snack and looked forward to all of the fun they are going to have throughout the year, like at the upcoming Halloween March to be held on our campus on Monday, October 31. Also planned for the year: parties around the winter holidays, Thanksgiving, and Valentine’s Day, as well as the “Semi-Prom†to close out the year in April. Plans for a bowling event and the creation of a garden space at McBride are also in the works.
Members of the Brentwood School chapter begin in the 9th Grade as observers, participating in events and meeting the buddies. Once a student has participated in the program for a year, s/he can apply and interview for the position of associate. If s/he has been an active associate member in the program during the previous year, s/he will be promoted to the peer position. Members who attend all of the gatherings and meetings and form a real connection with a buddy may continue to be involved in the program.
While there is no formal training process for peers and associates, students are informed at the first chapter meeting of the year that they have to be compassionate, caring, and patient with their buddies. Advisor Elena Cardenas says, “We talk to them about the various disabilities our buddies have and mention to them that if they cannot handle the implications of these disabilities, then they should not be part of Best Buddies. The advisors, along with the chapter officers, observe all of our members and see how they interact with the buddies. If issues arise, the advisors at McBride work with the peers and associates directly to instruct them on what to do in response to their buddies’ needs.â€
McBride faculty member Mike Whitfield sent the following message after the meet and greet: “As a teacher of students with intellectual disabilities, it is completely refreshing to be partnered with an organization that genuinely reaches out to our student population, in a meaningful way that makes them feel ‘special’ for all the right reasons! Our children and young adults, who often are made to feel isolated from society, are embraced and appreciated by their buddies, just the way they are. The love and camaraderie that develops between our students and their buddies is a joyous thing to experience, and we as staff members are indebted to you all for the impact you have on our kids’ lives! We thank you and look forward to many more years to come!”
Kim Fernandez, McBride faculty member and Best Buddies coordinator, says, “Best Buddies is a phenomenal program. The students at McBride look forward to Best Buddies with their friends from Brentwood School every year. It is an excellent opportunity for my students to learn age-appropriate social skills and to interact with non-disabled peers…The students at Brentwood School have been very welcoming and accepting of their McBride buddies. Brentwood students serve as excellent role models for my students. I have seen improvements in my student’s communication skills and self-esteem through participation in the Best Buddies program. I am touched by the efforts that Brentwood School has put into the program and truly believe that the students from your school have made a positive and long lasting effect on my students.”
Our students are giving their time, but more importantly, they are opening their hearts for all the right reasons as participants in the Best Buddies program. To be comfortable in situations that some would find uncomfortable, to be brave when those around you are insecure, and to be compassionate towards those who are struggling to belong—these are some of the special qualities of a Best Buddies volunteer. And, as I observed at McBride last week, our students possess them all in great abundance.
