Designer: Samuel Cahuao
For years, Orange United has worked to bring students with disabilities together with their peers at school. Now, the club is taking on a new partnership with an organization called Best Buddies.
Orange United’s main goal is to get students with disabilities more involved in the school community and has been around since 2015. Best Buddie’s goal is to encourage inclusivity and reduce isolation for people with IDD (Intellectual and Development Disabilities). Both Orange United and Best Buddies work together to make the school a better and more welcoming place for everyone.
“Best Buddies is an international nonprofit organization that pairs individuals with disabilities with their typical peers. This club is not really changing. It’s just making it more about those one-to-one friendships,” Intervention Specialist and Adviser Emma Bloecher said.
Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is the world’s largest organization to end social, physical and economic isolation among the 200 million people with IDDs, according to the Best Buddies website.
Earlier this school year, Best Buddies reached out to the high school and other schools in the district to partner up with them.
“Best Buddies reached out to us. It’s happening in multiple schools all in Olentangy. It’s going to be more of a pattern in the district that Best Buddies are reaching out and asking schools to start a chapter,” Bloecher said.
The club Orange United isn’t changing; it is just starting a new beginning alongside Best Buddies. They still plan to focus on one-on-one friendships and building meaningful memories.
“My favorite memory has definitely been playing UNO because it is one of my favorite games that everyone can enjoy,” sophomore club member Camdyn Michaelson said.
The club plans to utilize flex periods to meet a minimum of two times a month where they can participate in activities and bond both in and outside of school.
However, the club is not only about activities. The friendships made from these events can help students try new things they wouldn’t expect to try.
“It kind of takes you out of your comfort zone. Not everybody is super comfortable with making new friends, let alone with students with disabilities,” Bloecher said.
Unlike other school clubs that center on a shared hobby or interest, Best Buddies focus on something more personal. For students who may feel that this club takes them out of their comfort zone, they end up realizing the impact and importance it has.
“It takes a lot for our peers out in the building to take the chance to join it, but then once they do, they realize, like our kids, that they just want to have friendships like everybody else, and it’s a super special connection that they’ll probably have for the rest of their lives,” Bloecher said.
Even though the club is centered on fostering meaningful friendships, the club members additionally hope to show others how rewarding those connections can be.
“I wish students knew that you don’t have to have a ton of time for this club. Just come to meetings when you can, and you will be welcomed! Don’t be afraid to come join because we have so much fun, and you will make awesome new friends,” Michaelson said.
Although joining a new club seems intimidating, Orange United members can ensure that anyone can join and still make a difference.
For some, the club’s impact goes beyond the friendships they make at school. It also comes down to personal experiences and passions.
“The club is special to me because people with a disability have my heart. My mom is also a special education teacher, so I love getting to hang out with other kids my age and get to know about them,” sophomore club member Kennedi Connell said.
Orange is more than just a school club. It is an inclusive community built on friendships and connections that can last a lifetime. High school is better together and joining this club can help one be a part of an environment that can make everyone feel special.
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