The beginning of SGA’s Jan. 28 meeting started with an open-podium opportunity for any non-members of SGA to address the Senate with any student agenda.
Sydney Greene, Secretary for the Best Buddies program, gave a presentation on what defines a person by their disorders such as down syndrome or autism.
Intellectual Development Disabilities, better known as IDD, can be described as a person being in a wheelchair or being blind, possibly by having some other visual disability that puts a label on that individual. Best Buddies is an international non-profit that provides resources and assistance for people with IDD. The University of North Carolina Wilmington has its own chapter on campus that reaches out to connect those with IDD to their peers.
In her presentation, Greene provided examples and thoughtful tips to help bridge the gap between students and their peers who deal with some form of disability. “They have varying levels of cognition and are people just like us, so we never want to be calling them kids or talking down to them,” said Greene. “This can be very harmful and not take their special interests and talents into account. They are peers and we want to treat them as such.”
Greene continued with a more informative approach, sharing that globally, only 3% of the population has a form of IDD and less than 20% of those people are in the work force.
The UNCW Best Buddies chapter is part of the Transition Partners for Young Adults program, which partners with New Hanover County Public Schools, and works with young adults ages 18 and up to help support those with IDD and the community. By extending their services and resources, it can advance someone with IDD in social circles, living skills and financial responsibilities.
“Our goal is to set up folks with IDD for success so that they can go above and beyond,” said Greene. “We try to share events that make us known to everyone on campus. This way students and the community have a place where we all can succeed by working together.”
SGA Vice PresidentBarrett Butler noted to the committee that SGA and Best Buddies would be coming together for future events and wanted to provide background information on the organization and how everyone could help.
To get involved or to hear about their stories and events, visit bestbuddies.org or you can follow their Instagram @best.buddies.uncw
