[ teaching & learning ]

Best Buddies club promotes friendship, inclusion

H

igh school is a time when most kids just want to fit in. But for students with disabilities, fitting in can be a challenge. At Massapequa High School in Nassau County Long Island, the Best Buddies club, co-advised by NYSUT Board member Tomia Smith, helps smooth the way by giving general and special education students a path to forge real friendships.

“Students with disabilities have so many people trying to educate them … but they also need friends,” said Smith, Massapequa Federation of Teachers, explaining that the goal is to match general education “peer buddies” with students with disabilities “buddies.”

Established as a nonprofit in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies is an international volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program has 57 high school, 23 middle school, three elementary school and 28 college chapters throughout New York state. It also offers the Best Buddies Citizens Program to match adults with disabilities with community volunteers for weekly and monthly social interactions. “It’s a great opportunity to develop an adult friendship with someone who really needs it,” said Smith.

She started the district’s Best Buddies club program over 15 years ago with English teacher Jennifer Tucker, Massapequa FT, after transferring from the elementary to the high school to participate in the building’s life skills program as a speech language pathologist. Today, tech teacher Keith Jones, Massapequa FT, serves as co-faculty advisor to the club’s 100-plus members who meet biweekly for group social activities like arts and crafts or karaoke.

Tomia Smith headshot
photos Provided
NYSUT Board Member Tomia Smith started Massapequa High School’s Best Buddies club with English teacher Jennifer Tucker.
Massapequa Best Buddies club posing together
The 100-plus members of the Massapequa Best Buddies club meet biweekly for fun activities like group games, arts and crafts and karaoke.
“We usually have around 15 buddies to match with peers to develop friendships beyond the club meetings,” said Smith explaining that other students participate as associate members who socialize during general meetings. Peer buddies commit to at least one weekly virtual contact, such as texting or phoning their buddy, and one monthly in-person meetup, either in or outside of school, although some club members do more. The goal is simple friendship.
Best Buddies club logo

“We start the year with a potluck dinner so the families can meet and get to know one another,” said Smith explaining that accountability is maintained through regular peer/buddy check-ins about interactions. A roster of seven club officers, including one leader with disabilities, determine biweekly activity schedules, participate in leadership conferences and trainings and network with other club leaders across Long Island and beyond. Club fundraisers, like an annual flapjack breakfast the club holds at a local Applebee’s, go toward program dues to help develop and support new clubs. Massapequa recently began clubs at the elementary and middle school levels, said Smith.

“The program is just as rewarding for general ed students as it is for the special ed population,” said Smith noting that many of the buddies, peers and associates have thanked her years later for the club. “Several friendships have lasted for years after high school … one included her buddy in her wedding.”

To learn more, visit BestBuddies.org.