Health
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), despite the severe need and higher health risk, people with intellectual or developmental disabilities are often denied health services, community interventions, and there is a lack of targeted interventions and programs for the population. Healthcare professionals who volunteer with Special Olympics have found that Special Olympics athletes are at increased risk of secondary health issues.
Special Olympics Health, made possible by the Golisano Foundation, is creating a world where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have every opportunity to be healthy.
Inclusive health means people with intellectual or developmental disabilities are able to take full advantage of the same health programs and services available to people who do not have a disability. Currently, people with intellectual or developmental disabilities face significant challenges in accessing quality health care and obtaining opportunities that promote fitness and wellness, resulting in pronounced health disparities and reduced life expectancy.
Special Olympics’ health programming focuses on improving the physical and social-emotional well-being of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities by increasing inclusion in health care, wellness and health systems.
Special Olympics International Health Framework
The Special Olympics International Health Framework aims to improve the health and well-being of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through a comprehensive approach. It focuses on four key pillars: Prevention, Assessment, Training, and Health Systems.
Currently there are eight disciplines being offered:
- Fit Feet Fit Feet is a podiatric screening for Special Olympics athletes and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
- FUNFitness FUNfitness is a physiotherapy (physical therapy) screening that examines the flexibility, strength, balance , and aerobic fitness of Special Olympics athletes and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Healthy Hearing Healthy Hearing provides comprehensive hearing screenings, hearing aid maintenance and minor repairs, hearing aid fittings, and audiologic services, such as earwax removal, to Special Olympics athletes.
- Health Promotion Health Promotion focuses on healthy living, healthy lifestyle choices, and nation-specific health issues.
- Opening Eyes® Opening Eyes® program provides non–dilated vision screenings, refractions, and fabrication of prescription eyewear to Special Olympic athletes.
- MedFest MedFest was created to offer the physical exam that all athletes need prior to participating in Special Olympics sports programming.
- Strong Minds Strong Minds is an interactive learning activity focused on developing adaptive coping skills.
- Special Smiles® Special Smiles® provides comprehensive oral health care information, including free dental screenings and instructions on correct brushing and flossing techniques to Special Olympics athletes.
Nutrition Education with Empire Family of Brands
Understanding that athletic performance and overall well-being begins with optimal health and nutrition, Empire has partnered with Special Olympics Canada to create nutrition education resources that empower Special Olympics athletes with the essential knowledge and resources to fuel their potential.