More Alike than Different

We are more alike than different. Those are the founding words of Best Buddies, an international organization that promotes friendships between people with and without disabilities. The world is full of unique and talented individuals who should not be defined by their disabilities, rather, their capabilities. We should be celebrating differences. We should not be focusing on what people cannot do, rather what people can do. Unfortunately, we are quick to judge others and will form an opinion within the first couple minutes of meeting someone. We need to take a step back, to see the world through the eyes of others. There are over seven billion people on the planet. We all come from different walks of life; however, we are united in the sense that we are all human beings, with human emotions, who yearn to be accepted and loved for who we are.

As children, when verbally insulted by a fellow classmate, we used to hide behind a facade, puffing out our chests and declaring, “Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” What a false statement, a weak crutch to support our injured egos. Words hold immense power and effect people in different ways. The word, “retard,” is an ugly bitter word that is derogatory to both people with and without disabilities. One of Best Buddies’ missions is to spread awareness of the “R-word.” I have noticed that this word has crept into the everyday vocabulary of several individuals, “Man, this class is so retarded. The teacher is a complete retard.” The word is used flexibly, as a noun or as an adjective. Unfortunately, the majority of the speakers do not realize they are offending nearby listeners. The “R-word” is an outdated term that used to describe people with special needs, but now is used to describe something that is considered dumb or stupid. The new “R-word” should be respect. We should respect everyone.

Best Buddies promotes people-first language. We do not say “they are a special needs student,” we say “they are a student with special needs.” This simple phrasing brings awareness to the fact that they are a person before they are a disability. In Africa, tribes say, “I see you,” instead of the standard, “How are you?” Often times, the response to “How are you?” is, “Good,” regardless of whether or not a person is actually good. The greeting of “I see you” recognizes a person not only as a person, but also as an equal.

We are IN for INCLUSION! That was the theme of the 2015 Best Buddies Leadership Conference held in Bloomington, Indiana. People from more than fifty different countries came together to support individuals with specials needs. We spent three days sharing our experiences, listening to motivational speakers, and collaborating with people from all over the world to promote the acceptance of people with special needs. Often times, individuals with special needs will feel left out, and discriminated against, because of their special needs. Lauren Potter, who played Becky Jackson on the hit television show “Glee,” made a surprise appearance and talked about the trials and tribulations she faced becoming one of the first actresses with Down Syndrome. Lauren stressed the importance of feeling included and being treated just like anybody else. Essentially, we need to follow the Golden Rule: treat others the way you want to be treated. I am writing this essay because I am IN to make a positive difference in the world by spreading awareness about the similarities between individuals with and without special needs!

Best Buddies strives to create one-to-one friendship matches to ensure that a buddy, someone with special needs, is paired with an involved student who will treat them just like any of their other friends. I feel honored because my buddy, Joe, specifically requested to be with me. He is a complete social butterfly and wants to be friends with everyone. Literally everyone. He has Williams Syndrome and loves to interact with people. He works in the dining hall on campus, and smiles at everyone he meets. Unlike most people, he is not afraid to go over and strike up a conversation with a simple, “Hey, how is it going?” We talk every couple of days on the phone and he always ends the conversation with, “I love you, Jen. You are my heart. I know that you’ll be there for me whenever I need you.” He is one of the sweetest and happiest guys I know and I wish that more people could see him for who he is, and not for what his disabilities are. Through Best Buddies, I get to advocate for individuals like Joe by showing the world that we are more alike than different.