Best Buddies, an organization on campus in which students interact one-on-one with people who have intellectual or developmental disabilities, is hosting its first talent show event on Sunday.

This organization, that currently has 225 active members at the University, pairs a college member up with a person with intellectual or developmental disabilities (age 21 or older), and the pair attends social events, including multiple parties throughout the year, hosted by the organization. This allows those with intellectual or developmental disabilities to interact with people outside of their usual setting and develop friendships with college students.

WHO: Best Buddies and college members will be in the show, and the audience is open to the public.

Best Buddies is the largest organization that focuses on individuals who have intellectual or developmental disabilities, and nationally the organization has a campaign that holds employers accountable to decrease discrimination in the workplace, said Chandler Shields, a senior majoring in public relations and special events coordinator for Best Buddies at the University.

WHAT: The main event is a Best Buddies’ talent show called “The best talent show on Earth.” The event is free and will have popcorn and a photo booth for attendees.

WHEN: Best Buddies’ show will take place on Sunday, Feb. 26 at 6 p.m.

WHERE: The event will be held in the Ferguson Center Theater.

WHY: Shields said she thinks the event will be really special for the buddies because they get to showcase their talents to the community. “This is an opportunity for these buddies, that may never have had the chance to be on stage, to be recognized for their talents,” Shields said.