Connecting Kids with Disabilities and Neurotypical Students Through Online Games and Conversations

Connecting Kids with Disabilities and Neurotypical Students Through Online Games and Conversations

Connecting Kids with Disabilities and Neurotypical Students Through Online Games and Conversations

About Us

Friend in Me is a social group connecting kids with disabilities and neurotypical
student volunteers through free, fun online games and conversations via
Zoom on a one-to-one basis every week. Buddies are paired up before each Zoom.
On the Zooms, buddies are put into individual breakout rooms where they
talk and play games for around 30 minutes. Sometimes buddies just hang out
and talk or share an activity together such as an art project. The program is able
to accommodate kids with a wide range of abilities and diagnoses and parents/aides
are welcome to facilitate the interaction if necessary. Scheduling is flexible and is
done every week so kids can change their times whenever they want.

How It Works

Sign ups

Each week, volunteers are sent a Google sheet and participants are emailed a Sign Up Genius link. Scheduling is super flexible. Volunteers and participants can sign up for as many or as few days as they like each week.

Buddies

After signing up for a session, participants and volunteers are paired up ahead of time based on age, gender, and compatibility. Although we try to keep buddies together (if desired), we sometimes have to switch them due to scheduling conflicts.

Zoom

On our Zooms, buddies are put into individual breakout rooms where they have one-on-one conversations and play games with one another.

Our Goal

We hope to help develop lasting relationships between our buddies!

Our Team

Julia Sansing

Founder

Julia is a freshman in college. She decided to start Friend in Me after she saw how hard it was for her brother to get social opportunities with neurotypical peers. She loves getting to know all the new kids that join.

Xin Van Horn

Co-Director

Xin is a junior in high school. She has made many friendships with kids through Friend in Me and she loves seeing the friendships blossom between our buddies. She loves getting to know everyone who joins and hopes to be meet more!

Drew Sansing

Co-Director

As the twin brother of a kid with disabilities, Drew has a lifetime of experience in building connections with those who have verbal and/or social challenges. Drew enjoys hanging out with all of his buddies on Friend in Me.

Ariana Mirsalimi

Session Host

Ariana is a freshman in
high school. She has met
many new wonderful friends
through Friend in Me and looks
forward to meeting more in the
future. She has loved watching
buddies and volunteers learn
more about friendship and its
many forms.

Arshia Pathania

Session Host

Arshia is a junior in
high school. She loves
volunteering and hosting sessions
for Friend in Me. She has made
many friends and learned a lot
from the program. She hopes to
continue being a part of it and
helping it grow to new heights.

FAQs

Can I request a volunteer?

Absolutely! We try to pair individuals who we think would be good buddies, but please let us know if you want a specific person.

As a volunteer or participant, can I sign up multiple times a week?

Yes! You can sign up for any available slots.

If my buddy doesn't arrive on time, what happens?

If your buddy is late, we will keep you in the waiting room until he/she arrives. If he/she is unable to join after 10 minutes, we will try to pair you with somebody else.

What is your cancellation policy?

If you can't make it to a Zoom you are already signed up for, we request that you let us know a minimum of 24 hours in advance so we can find another buddy to replace you.

Can I always expect to get the same buddy?

We do our best to keep buddies together every week. However, scheduling conflicts may force us to switch them around. If you are signed up for more than one Zoom on a particular week, you are most likely not going to get the same buddy every day.

How old do I have to be to volunteer/participate in Friend in Me?

We welcome anyone from ages 8 to 18.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to email us at

info@friendinmegroup.org

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