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Inclusive Health

Healthy Communities

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Special Olympics Healthy Communities began in 2012 with an investment from the Golisano Foundation. As of 2024, Healthy Communities has been activated in 154 Special Olympics Programs  and has yielded athlete engagement, increased attention to health from athletes and caregivers, and significantly increased health systems partnerships. Through support from the Golisano Foundation, and in the United States in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Special Olympics Healthy Communities works to increase access to quality health care and effective prevention programming to improve the health of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

In addition to raising awareness about health disparities facing people with IDD, Healthy Communities activates public and private sector partners to adopt more inclusive practices, train and empower athletes and caregivers to become vocal advocates, and ultimately make it possible for people with IDD to live healthy lives in their own communities.

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Through the Healthy Communities model, Special Olympics Programs are undertaking key health activities, including the following:

  • Training health professionals, workers and students to provide quality care to people with IDD.
  • Conducting Healthy Athletes screenings in local communities with help from clinical volunteers;
  • Developing partnerships and referral networks so that people with IDD have places to go to receive further care;
  • Partnering with governments, health-care entities and community advocate groups to support efforts that increase access to care and prevention programming;
  • Providing ongoing health education and prevention activities to athletes in areas such as: physical activity; nutrition; hydration; malaria prevention, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).
  • Supporting and training family members, athletes and coaches as health advocates, most notably through the Health Messenger program for athletes.
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Healthy Communities Resources

Access materials designed to give users an overview of Healthy Communities and year-round health programming. Learn how Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® events and Healthy Communities programming are closely-linked and complementary for maximum impact on the health and well-being of athletes.
Articles about Healthy Communities

This Is Special Olympics

From the World Winter Games Turin 2025 to promoting inclusive health, education and sports, the message of Special Olympics athletes highlights limitless opportunities for the New Year.
6 Min Read

SO Senegal Coach Wins Olympic Values Education Program Recognition

"Disability is not a barrier to doing sports. You can live your passion with a disability."
1 Min Read

Celebrating World Health Day with Equitable Care

Everyone’s health needs should be included in the healthcare system, and people with intellectual disabilities deserve to have access to a healthcare environment that best addresses their specific health needs.
1 Min Read