“In high school, I witnessed how separated neurodiverse students were in school and was disappointed,” said Taylor Hall, current Best Buddies president and third-year student in the speech pathology and audiology undergraduate program. “Everyone deserves respect. It is why I chose this club – it fills my cup.”

Best Buddies is an international organization promoting one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership, inclusive living and family support. The Best Buddies club at the University of Nevada, Reno fosters one-to-one friendships between college students, including people who identify as having a disability or as neurodiverse. Historically, individuals who identify as having a disability have been segregated in educational and work settings and even in the community. The Best Buddies program is changing this by providing the opportunity for all people to be included in their local campus and community life.

With 63 members as of this month, Best Buddies has been steadily growing on campus since its launch in 2011. Best Buddies paused briefly during the pandemic and restarted in 2024 with Jessica Stewart, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, assistant professor in speech pathology and audiology, at the helm as the faculty advisor. Although Best Buddies is student-driven, she provides support and direction for the club.

“Friends are so important,” said Stewart. “I am honored to be a part of an organization and club that supports friendship and inclusion on campus and in our community.”

Best Buddies is an official club with the Associated Students of the University of Nevada (ASUN) and in her presidential role, Hall speaks during classes, at club fairs and during NevadaFIT, the freshman intensive transition program that takes place a week before school officially starts, preparing students for higher education.

Members who join Best Buddies have flexibility in involvement that is tailored to meet the needs of each individual member. Members who wish to be matched with a buddy are paired in one-to-one friendships and provided with support to promote a healthy friendship. Other members are involved in event planning, fundraising, social media, training and more. Best Buddies strives to meet the needs of all members, the campus and the community.

Meetings are held the second Friday of each month on campus; the final meeting for 2025 will occur on Dec. 12. Each meeting includes an educational moment from Best Buddies leadership as well as an activity. The meetings are an opportunity to bring people together and a great way to learn more about Best Buddies and how to be an inclusive friend.

Best Buddies has five officers who drive the club, including the president. The University of Nevada, Reno chapter is one of two options in Northern Nevada. The other Best Buddies chapter is at Damonte Ranch High School where Bella Gongaware serves as president. Las Vegas has chapters at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and most high schools.

“I have a close friend from middle school with a disability who experienced bullying from students, family and even teachers,” said Gongaware, president of the Damonte Ranch chapter, who is in her senior year. “Her disability was hidden, and it seemed that only her parents and I could recognize her struggles. Today, she is doing great and has a bright future, but that situation helped me realize that I can also help other students with disabilities feel welcome, included and on the path to success.”

Damonte Ranch Best Buddies started in November 2024 and currently has 20 members with plans to expand.

Students can join Best Buddies to connect with neurodiverse students on campus and build relationships that will build connections to the University and the community. Those interested can apply online or connect on Instagram.  

“I love people for their differences, what makes them unique,” said Hall. “We are all people after all.”