The following is an excerpt from K 12 Dive's article, “‘Special Olympics Reaches Historic Milestone: 10,000 Schools Unified:"
A national movement accelerating social inclusion among young people with and without intellectual disabilities (ID) has reached a historic milestone. Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® (UCS) programming now partners with 10,000 schools, from Pre-K through university, in 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Together, these schools are fostering more positive climates and showcasing the gifts of every student.
Since 2008, Special Olympics has played a transformative role in cultivating inclusive school environments where students of all abilities thrive. A bridge has been built extending inclusion from the athletic field into the classroom. The UCS strategy, adopted by at least one school in 25% of U.S. school districts, offers a three-tiered model that not only encourages inclusion but equips young people with critical leadership and career-readiness skills. As one student noted, “Being part of the UCS program has helped me develop leadership skills and prepare for future employment opportunities. It’s a pathway to success for all students.”
