Buddy Up bridges of friendship for young adults with disabilities | Fusion - WeRIndia

When Moneisha Gandhi and Gopika Kapoor faced the challenges of helping their children, Mihaan and Vir, transition into adulthood, they found inspiration in an unexpected friendship.

Both boys, with unique neurodivergent needs—Down Syndrome and autism, respectively—struggled to maintain social connections.

A baking activity brought the two together, sparking a friendship that transformed their lives and led to a groundbreaking initiative.

Witnessing the positive impact of this bond, Moneisha and Gopika co-founded Buddy Up. It is a platform designed to foster meaningful connections among young adults and teens with disabilities.

Initially, Buddy Up was launched as a Facebook group. Later, it grew into a comprehensive app during the pandemic. The app addressed the increasing demand for social interaction in a virtual environment.

The Buddy Up app allows users aged 18 and above to create profiles based on age, interests, and location, facilitating chats and video calls.

Safety and accessibility are central features, including measures to verify identities and accommodate visually impaired users.

Its mission is simple yet profound: to create an inclusive space where individuals with disabilities can form lasting friendships.

Since its launch five weeks ago, the app has attracted 1,184 sign-ups, with nearly half managed by caregivers.

Users report increased confidence and emotional well-being, validating the platform’s transformative potential.

Parents like Smitha Pathak highlight the community-building aspect of Buddy Up, which connects not only individuals with disabilities but also their caregivers, fostering shared growth and understanding.

For Mihaan, Buddy Up has opened new doors. From forming a band with friends to confidently navigating public spaces, his life has been enriched by meaningful connections.

Moneisha and Gopika aim to make Buddy Up sustainable while preserving its accessibility and inclusivity.

Their innovation not only addresses loneliness among neurodivergent individuals but also offers a beacon of hope for families navigating similar challenges.

Through Buddy Up, Moneisha and Gopika have transformed a personal challenge into a universal solution. Besides, it proves the power of connection in overcoming isolation and fostering empowerment.

Image Credit: Buddyup Website Screenshot

Image Reference: https://www.buddyup.network/