MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Best Buddies is dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Kiontis Gallion wants people to know he has autism. He's sharing his life experiences for April's Autism Awareness Month to support acceptance and inclusion.

What You Need To Know

  • Best Buddies is dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)

  • There are 200 million people with an IDD

  • Best Buddies fosters one-to-one friendship matching for students and adults

  • The organization will host a friendship walk Saturday, May 4 in Oconomowoc

Gallion called autism an ability, not a disability and wants people to “be better than yesterday.” Gallion said, “we can’t change the world unless we change ourselves.”

He first became involved with Best Buddies at 17 and told us it’s been an amazing journey. 

According to Best Buddies, it’s the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). 

In Wisconsin, the organization has many facets which includes friendship, jobs and leadership. Program manager Megan Messmer oversees the citizen’s program.

“After high school and college when individuals graduate they kind of have their social circle shrink a little bit, so we try to facilitate meaningful friendships through one-to-one matches where we match an individual with an IDD to someone without to form hopefully a long lasting friendship,” said Messmer.  

There are numerous ways to get involved with the organization, from making a donation to taking part in one of the Best Buddies friendship program. There’s also a friendship walk planned for Saturday, May 4 in Oconomowoc. 

Watch the full interview with Best Buddies above.

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