Our Mission
Our mission is to normalize difference and build community and connection between students with and without disabilities.
Our Vision
Our vision is a compassionate society that genuinely accepts disability and difference.
Our Values
Our values are:
- Connection. We believe students of all abilities deserve connection with their peers.
- Respect. We foster and inspire mutual respect among students and their community.
- Learning. We teach understanding beyond the label of disability.
- Joy. We create experiences that inspire joy, fulfillment, empathy, and compassion.
- Advocacy. We recognize systematic barriers and encourage students to be a voice for change.
The Program
Sammy’s Buddy Program pairs students with disabilities with their typical peers. The current model pairs a general education class with a special education class within each participating school. The program works with teachers and curriculum directors to plan activities that encourage social and life skill development, leadership and inclusion. Students meet for monthly Buddy activities that result in growth for all involved. General education students participate in a parallel leadership curriculum. All supplies for the activities and lessons are provided by Sammy’s Buddy Program. Our goal is to create authentic learning experiences that help both special education and general education students learn and grow together.
Strategic Plan Overview
Sammy’s Buddy Program’s strategic plan for 2024-2027 is a roadmap that guides our efforts to normalize di erence and create an inclusive community.
The plan builds on the foundation of 25 years of impactful work, serving more than 37,000 students across 59 schools in Denver and Salt Lake City. With a renewed focus on governance, funding, program growth, outreach, and visibility, this plan ensures sustained success and expansion.
Guided by this plan, Sammy’s Buddy Program strives to cultivate inclusion and community between students both with and without disabilities. We have created action plans to achieve the strategic plan goals. The plans including specific tasks, persons responsiblie, timeframes and resources needed and will be used to measure our progress.
Measurable outcomes include expanding the reach of the program by adding three schools per year in each state; improving school culture by fostering inclusion and engagement; and enhancing understanding and acceptance of disability among articipants. In addition, growing community partnerships, building a robust board of directors, and diversifying and increasing funding will help us achieve our strategic goals.
At the heart of our work stands the ongoing commitment to building community through the values of connection, respect, joy, learning, and advocacy. Above all knowing that the impact of the programs will benefit students now and throughout their lives. This is why Sammy’s Buddy Program exists.