In its inaugural year, the University of North Georgia’s (UNG) student chapter of Best Buddies has been recognized as Georgia’s Outstanding Chapter of the Year for colleges and universities for 2023-24.
Best Buddies International, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) by fostering friendships and inclusion.
Dr. Amy Williams, professor of elementary and special education at UNG, serves as the faculty adviser for the chapter. After collaborating with the local nonprofit ConnectAbility, Williams helped establish the program, which connects UNG students with community members diagnosed with IDD.
“It fills such a void for our college campus to have this type of connection with the community,” Williams said.
Since its launch, the chapter has organized various inclusive activities, including a Halloween costume party in partnership with ConnectAbility and attending UNG sporting events together.
Inspired by her brother with Down syndrome, University of North Georgia (UNG) senior Izzie Keaton has taken the lead in fostering an inclusive environment on campus. The Kennesaw, Georgia, native, who is pursuing a degree in interdisciplinary studies, is the president and founder of UNG’s Best Buddies chapter.
Keaton’s passion for working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) motivated her to establish the organization.
“I’ve always wanted to do something more with the IDD community and people with special needs and different abilities,” Keaton said. “We are so grateful to be able to provide a more inclusive environment.”
Best Buddies, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating friendships and opportunities for individuals with IDD, now has a growing presence at UNG thanks to Keaton and her fellow students.
Lilly Shipp, the chapter’s vice president, played a key role in launching the group alongside Keaton.
For Chelsie Reed, a senior from Ellijay, Georgia, studying management with a concentration in entrepreneurship, the experience has been eye-opening.
“We all want to get to know people and have these experiences,” Reed said. “It opened my eyes to the number of people we have on campus and off campus that want to get to know each other.”
The UNG Best Buddies chapter continues to expand, bringing together students and community members to promote friendship and inclusivity.
