Best Buddies International is starting a brand new program in the Seattle area for adults with developmental disabilities.  This is called the “Citizens Program” and is for adults to be matched with a non-disabled adult for friendship.  The Citizens Program is NOT connected to a school or university.  So instead of the programs at Seattle U. and UW that include group activities on campus, this program focuses on matching up two people in friendship who spend time together each month anywhere they want in the community.

Rules and Requirements:

  • Participants must be people with intellectual or developmental disabilities age 25+
  • Participants commit to a one-on-one friendship match for the length of the calendar year (January – December)
  • Participants commit to hanging out with peer buddy a minimum of twice a month and to make contact (text, phone, etc.) at least once a week.
  • Please note, the peer “buddies” are members of the Seattle community who have expressed interest in being friends with people with disabilities.  They are not trained professionals and cannot take responsibility for supervision, personal care support, or behavior support.  They do complete a criminal background check and get basic training and support from the Best Buddies Washington Leadership Team

The Arc of King County is recruiting adults with DD connect with this program.  Giving limited space and high interest we will conduct a lottery.  To enter your name into the lottery, provide the following information to Robin Tatsuda (rtatsuda@arcofkingcounty.org) by the end of the day on Sunday, December 16th.

                Full Name of Individual with Disability:

                Birthday:

                Gender:

                Diagnosis:

                Home Address:

                Email Address:

                Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Name and Contact info (if applicable):

 Names will be drawn and folks notified on December 17th.  For questions, contact Robin Tatsuda (rtatsuda@arcofkingcounty.org).