Best Buddies: Do Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities Make Lasting Friendships as Perceived by the College Students?

Abstract

The research included in this field report addressed inclusion and how it was defined. This research discussed environmental and natural supports with definitions and what they entailed. Specifically, this study addressed the Best Buddies program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) with peer-mentors (natural supports) and whether they make meaningful friendships. The college students who participated in the survey had a one to one relationship with the individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID). The method of data collection was a survey emailed to the participants. The data analysis was done using descriptive statics. The presentation used were charts and graphs to show the information and to help readers understand the relationship between the college student and the individual with IDD and the rationale for using this method was for the protection of the participants and time constraints. The findings through the survey showed that individuals with IDD can have meaningful relationships.