4-H professionals and volunteers must work to make sure that youth, regardless of their physical or mental conditions, have the opportunity to be fully involved in the 4-H program. All youth--whether rich or poor, gifted or disabled--deserve the chance to reach their fullest potential.

About 19% of youths have disabilities or special health care needs, and 6% of youths experience developmental, emotional, or behavioral needs (National Survey of Children's Health, 2016). Despite the benefit of afterschool programs and protections of the ADA, these young people are not participating in afterschool programs at equal rates as their nondisabled peers. In 2016, a national survey of children showed that 20% of youths do not participate in an afterschool activity, but for youths with developmental, emotional, or behavioral needs, the rate of nonparticipation is 32% (National Survey of Children's Health, 2016).

Boyd County 4-H strives to provide programming for all youth of Boyd County including special needs students.  Therefore, 4-H Barnyard Buddies Farm and Field Day was offered to youth through ages 18 marketed to those with special needs.  The farm and field day consisted of several stations: sensory feed tubs, photo booth, craft stations, different animal species, snacks, and a petting zoo.   The grand finale was a performance by the Boyd County 4-H Equestrian Drill Team.

Partners for the 4-H Barnyard Buddies Field Day included:  Boyd County 4-H Council, Boyd County District Board, Cannonsburg Elementary Special Needs teachers, Boyd County 4-H volunteers, Boyd County 4-H Saddleites club, Boyd County Cooperative Extension staff, University of Kentucky summer intern, and a local newspaper.

There were the following participants: 35 youth with special needs, 36 family members of those special needs youth, and 41 volunteers.

The Boyd County 4-H agent had each participating family complete a registration and questionnaire.   All participants learned something from the event and requested more information about Boyd County 4-H programming for future participation.  Every parent or guardian that the 4-H agent spoke with was so appreciative of the opportunity to attend an event marketed for his/her special needs child/children.   The Barnyard Buddies program plans to continue as a partnership with the Boyd County 4-H livestock and horse clubs.   Boyd County   4-H was privileged to offer an opportunity to the special needs youth a chance to learn a variety of skills in emotionally and physically safe environments with opportunities for inclusion.