Oswald Best Buddies is a program that pairs students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) with typically developing peers to create one-to-one friendships. The program was founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, the nephew of President John F. Kennedy.
Best Buddies has been shown to have a number of benefits for both students with and without IDD. For students with IDD, the program can help to improve social skills, communication skills, and self-esteem. It can also help to reduce isolation and loneliness. For students without IDD, the program can help to increase empathy, understanding, and tolerance. It can also help to break down stereotypes and prejudices.