SHOUT Utah Sammys Buddy Program

Buddy programstudents with disabilities and their general education peers are paired together and meet at least once a month for activities that encourage inclusion, acceptance and normalizing differences. Buddy program directors work with teachers in planning skills-based activities that create genuine connection. Activities have included: breakfast and bingo, kitchen and cooking skills, crafts for sensory play and fine-motor development, holiday celebrations, Buddy bracelets, Buddy olympics, and even field trips such as bowling. Our goal is to create authentic learning experiences that help both special education and general education students learn and grow together and truly see each other as friends. Students demonstrate adaptability, resilience and leadership as Sammys Buddy program uses creative ways to help them connect and grow.

Kindness campaignin 2020 we launched our first school-wide kindness campaigns with the goal of promoting kindness and inclusion in an active, impactful way. Thousands of students have now participated in these programs. Throughout the campaigns, students write notes, wear kidness bracelets and pins, and make a pledge to focus on kindness and inclusion. They also particpate in lessons and activities that promote engagement in real-world settings. Over several weeks students watch for others acts of kindness and nominate peers for recognition and awards. The kindness campaigns help transform classrooms and playgrounds into places of safety, encouregment, advocacy, and inclusion.

Inclusion libraryin 2021, Sammys Buddy program began a new initiative, inclusion libraries. We provide a library of books for each participating classroom and school library that builds understanding, celebrates differences and promotes inclusion, kindness, advocacy, and disability representation. Additionally, we host presentations by authors, activists, students, and leaders within the diability community to share their life experiences as they encourage students with disabilities, and their typical peers, to speak up and speak out for inclusion and equality. Our buddies learn invaluable lessons that will make them better friends and stronger leaders.