Generation ROC: Students with disabilities shine at the Best Buddies conference

Rochester, New York – After a significant learning experience, a group of dedicated and distinctive students came back to educate persons with disabilities on independence and inclusion.

The closest Buddies program is all about developing together and meeting some of your closest friends. After putting those words into practice at an international leadership conference in Bloomington, Indiana, this committed group of local teenagers has just returned.

“I really, truly adored it.” “I’m amazed at how responsible and mature I am,” student Claire McLaughlin remarked.

But getting there was the first obstacle to overcome!

On the day of the IT outage, we were scheduled to arrive by plane. Mentor Josh Miles stated, “The students handled it with ease: a flight turned into a bus ride, which was canceled, which turned into us driving down. “They accepted every single change, even the ones that were difficult and frustrating.”

After arriving, the students and mentors immediately immersed themselves in a variety of enjoyable activities and workshops on independence, job training, and advocacy for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities.

Student Lilly Keen stated, “I learned a lot about how to be a good leader and how to do a lot of fun things for my chapter.”

Student Katie Frost continued, “I learned how to be included from my entire friend group to be included in Best Buddies.”

To give these young leaders the best chance of realizing their dreams, the conference and Best Buddies program aim to enhance their connections, communication, and self-confidence.

Diego Santiago, a student, declared, “I want to be a pop star.” “Become well-known and amazing!”

Miles remarked, “I’m really proud of them and everything they’re able to do. It’s just amazing to see them in an environment where they can grow beyond what they might be able to in a lot of other areas.”

According to the pupils, they are prepared to learn more about how to ensure that “every buddy belongs” and how to take care of themselves and their peers.

Liz Waltz, a student, remarked, “I like it when everyone is trying to evolve with the Best Buddies program.” “I want to understand that we can all be different people.”