Community Impact

Ministry of Youth Affairs commits to advance inclusive sport and education in Sierra Leone

For many patients, especially those with intellectual disabilities, a routine visit to the doctor's office is anything but routine. Interactions with the healthcare system can expose inequitable access, overstimulation and stigmatized perceptions. To train care professionals in improving these interactions and building inclusive healthcare spaces, Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., offers Autism Behavioral Consult services for tailored care in medical settings. Providing tools and resources for medical staff and parents, the program makes procedures and treatments more approachable for children with communication, sensory and behavioral sensitivities.

Special Olympics International was honored to join the Embassy of France in Washington, D.C. to host Partners in Diplomacy: Advancing Inclusion Through Sport, bringing together ambassadors, government leaders, diplomatic representatives, and Special Olympics Athlete Leaders.

Hosted by Special Olympics North America athlete reporter RJ Nealon, this episode of Inclusion Revolution Radio features guest Dr. Kara Ayers, parent advisor and co-researcher for the Disabled Parenting Project. Part of the National Research Center for Parents with Disabilities, the Disabled Parenting Project was developed as an online community to foster connection and interaction among parents and prospective parents with disabilities.

Inside Victoria Fertitta Middle School, celebration isn’t just filling the gym—it’s filling every corner of the campus. After years of intentional work to ensure every student feels seen, invited, and valued, the school is marking a milestone: national recognition for inclusion. The school will be recognized by ESPN and Special Olympics North America as a National Banner school. National Banner status is one of the highest honors a school can earn through Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools®—recognizing campuses where inclusion isn’t occasional but embedded in daily culture.

After the passing of his twin brother and father, Special Olympics Philippines athlete Kim Edwards (Edward), and his mother Jacquelyn, faced immense grief.

Hannah Teter and her brother, Amen Teter, grew up snowboarding, inheriting a love for the sport from their parents.

On Wednesday, 1 April 2026, the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis formally committed to the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion, marking a significant step forward in the nation’s efforts to expand opportunities for persons with intellectual disabilities.

On World Day for Physical Activity, we’re highlighting Athlete Leaders and a coach who have taken on a variety of leadership roles to empower athletes to stay active year-round. Get to know them!

On this episode of Inclusion Revolution Radio, we are highlighting the power of perseverance, partnership and possibility in a conversation between host Novie Craven and brothers Kyle and Brent Pease, world-renowned push-assist athletes, disability advocates and co-founders of The Kyle Pease Foundation.

A weeklong series of site visits across Ireland highlighted innovative partnerships, athlete led initiatives, and institutional leadership advancing inclusive health for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Under the theme “Global Visions, Local Actions: Innovation and Sustainability in Sport Management,” the conference fostered dialogue on sport governance, innovation, sustainability, and the social impact of sport.