Legislator Howard J. Kopel recently attended the holiday show put on by students in Oceanside High School’s Best Buddies Program.
The Best Buddies Program pairs students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in one-to-one friendships with high school students.
In the past, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have not had the opportunity to have friends outside of their own special education classroom. By introducing Best Buddies into public and private high schools, participants are crossing the invisible line that too often separates those with disabilities from those without.
Best Buddies High Schools also offers students a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills. With the support of school faculty and Best Buddies staff, students lead and direct the chapters in their schools.
Shown in photo: Legislator Kopel and fellow Legislators Denise Ford and Laura Curran join with the members of Oceanside High Schools Best Buddies.