Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT) today introduced the Best Buddies Empowerment for People with Intellectual Disabilities Act of 2008.  This bill seeks to expand the acclaimed Best Buddies program through federal grants, allowing the organization to raise awareness of their services and ultimately help many more Americans living with intellectual disabilities learn valuable social skills, obtain job coaching, and become more independent members of their communities.

Dodd is a senior member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) and chair of its Subcommittee on Children and Families.  Hatch is also a senior member of the HELP Committee, and both senators are longtime advocates for the Best Buddies Program.

“I am very proud to be introducing this bill today,” said Dodd. “While our nation has taken great steps toward insuring better legal rights for those with intellectual disabilities, there is still more work to be done. We need to do all we can to remove the negative stereotypes and social isolation that are all too often a fact of life for Americans living with disabilities. I commend the Best Buddies program for the immense work they have done to break down these stigmas and I look forward to the progress that can be made with an expansion of this valuable program.”

“The Best Buddies program has proven to be very effective in Utah,” said Hatch. “Unfortunately, there are still many areas in our country and the world that lack programs designed to help those with mental disabilities integrate into mainstream society. That’s why I support strengthening and expanding this outstanding program.”

 “Senator Dodd has been a tireless advocate for people with intellectual disabilities his entire career,” said Anthony Kennedy Shriver, chairman and founder of the Best Buddies program. “And, Senator Hatch has been a friend to people with special needs his entire life. Best Buddies, and, indeed, the nation, is fortunate to have such advocates.  Because of their leadership, I am looking forward to impacting the lives of hundreds of thousands of people with special needs.  Thanks to Senator Dodd and Senator Hatch, this Act will make our nation a worldwide model for inclusion.”

Founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant, international organization that has grown from one original chapter to more than 1,400 middle school, high school, and college campuses worldwide.  The organization has accredited international programs in 40 countries, with additional ones under active development.  Their six formal programs – Best Buddies Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies and Jobs – positively impact more than 350,000 individuals with and without intellectual disabilities annually. As a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual disabilities secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, and make lifelong friendships.  For more information, please visit www.bestbuddies.org.

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