TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Hundreds of people spent Saturday mornings on a walk of the best fellow friendship, raising awareness, raising funds and providing opportunities for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Ardin Ross and his mother Tonya were among the crowds who appeared to make a difference.
“When he was born, we were given very negative qualities and we had the support to know that there is a community, and you weren’t doing it alone. There’s hope when others try to tell you,” Tonya said.
Tonya came out to support Aldin, but the two have been attending these walks for 17 years.
“He can’t communicate, he can’t walk, he can’t feed himself, he can’t dress, he can’t wear them all, he does all of them. He’s great,” she said.
Best Buddies strives to help create a more accepting and inclusive community.
“Here, our mission is to really end the quarantine of people with IDD. So we do that through five different mission pillars: one-on-one friendship, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support.”
“It gives back to the community and people with disabilities and shows the impact of all chapters in Tampa Bay and across the nation because it’s one of the greatest things we can do, so bring it back to the disability community.”
People went out for walks, played games, danced and helped make Tampa Bay more inclusive.
Joshua Felder joined us as one of the best members of her when she was in middle school.
“I was once a shy boy who didn’t know much about the real world, but I was embarrassed because I was protecting myself, because I knew it was autistic and a lot of people were bullying me,” he said.
He said the organization changed his life.
“It definitely helped me get out of my shell, and it definitely helped me discover my hidden talent. For example, I love dancing. If you didn’t know, I love writing, and I’m an actor,” Felder said.
All funds raised will help to provide opportunities for the organization’s initiatives.
“We are trying to make this world more inclusive, not just because of our obstacles, but because of our unique abilities,” Felder said.
“Don’t knock them out or count them. They can do great things, they have skills you don’t know, they have God’s gifts you don’t know.
Click here to learn more or join our best companions.
