Students with disabilities and their general education peers are paired together and meet at least once a month for activities that encourage inclusion, acceptance and normalizing differences. Buddy Program directors work with teachers in planning skills-based activities that create genuine connection. Activities have included: breakfast and bingo, kitchen and cooking skills, crafts for sensory play and fine-motor development, holiday celebrations, buddy bracelets, Buddy Olympics, and even field trips such as bowling. Our goal is to create authentic learning experiences that help both special education and general education students learn and grow together and truly see each other as friends. Students demonstrate adaptability, resilience and leadership as Sammy’s Buddy Program uses creative ways to help them connect and grow.