Jessica's Story

My best bud is more than just a good friend. Stacey and I are both part of the Best Buddies chapter at our school, a program that matches students who have intellectual disabilities with other students.

Actually, I met Stacey before I became involved with Best Buddies. I'd been working with disabled students and was assigned to a girl who was deaf. I was sitting with her in the office when Stacey was brought in. Stacey is not only a person with intellectual disabilities, but she can't speak and has a hard time walking and sometimes uses a wheelchair. Her teacher asked if I would sit with Stacey for a while and that was the beginning of our friendship. Soon afterwards, I joined Best Buddies and we were officially paired.

At first, I thought it'd be difficult to communicate with someone who doesn't speak. But I decided to learn American Sign Language so I could talk with Stacey. We also make a communication book with words and pictures. Now Stacey can communicate with others who do not know how to sign. Teaching her to use the book was really great because I know I helped her reach out to more people, including her family.

Mostly I just like hanging out with Stacey. We do a lot of regular things together, like when she sees a boy she'll tell me if she thinks he's cute. And she likes to listen to music. She doesn't really understand the lyrics or have a favorite band, but she enjoys the beats and sounds. I've even danced with her in her wheelchair. Stacey's still a teen and she wants to do things other teenagers do.

It can take Stacey a while to warm up to new people, but when I walk into the room, she smiles. She's happy when she knows I'll style her hair or paint her nails. It makes me feel good to know that doing something so simple puts Stacey in a good mood.

As Best Buddies chapter president for my school, I'm trying to get more kids involved so they can meet friends like Stacey. My advice about interacting with individuals who have intellectual disabilities is to not be afraid. It can be scary to meet someone different, but remember they're probably scared and nervous to meet you, too. Once the kids are comfortable being around you, then they're really fun to be with. And it's a good feeling to know you can teach someone something that makes their lives better.