Why We Do Health

In Canada, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) experience more health challenges and face barriers to accessing care. Many encounter significant barriers that make it difficult to access essential health services or participate in health promoting programs that others routinely receive, resulting in significant health disparities and reduced life expectancy. Special Olympics Canada is working to change this by ensuring every athlete has the opportunity to be healthy and to live well.

Good health empowers athletes to train, compete, and enjoy life to the fullest.

Inclusive health ensures people with IDD can access the same health programs and services as those without a disability. However, many continue to face significant barriers, including limited access to care, difficulties navigating the healthcare system, and a lack of healthcare provider training. Health professionals working with Special Olympics Canada have observed that individuals with IDD are at greater risk of secondary health issues — conditions that are often overlooked or misunderstood. The World Health Organization also reported that, despite these elevated health risks, people with IDD are frequently denied services and community interventions.

Special Olympics Canada addresses these challenges with practical, solution-driven programs. Our health initiatives enhance physical and social‑emotional well-being by promoting inclusion in healthcare and health promotion systems. We also provide hands‑on opportunities for healthcare providers and students, equipping them with the skills to communicate effectively and support individuals with IDD. This approach strengthens the healthcare workforce and ensures athletes receive compassionate, person‑centered care.

Participation in Special Olympics programming significantly reduces health risks and improve health outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

These improvements also create an economic benefit of $100‑150 million through reduced healthcare costs and stronger, more inclusive communities.

This is why we do health: to close the gap, to build inclusive systems, and to ensure that every Canadian with IDD has the opportunity to thrive.

Healthy Athletes

Healthy Athletes is a global program that provides free health screenings and education for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). As the largest public health program in the world for this population, Healthy Athletes provides free essential health screenings, education, and referrals to care — helping bridge critical gaps in health access.

Healthy Athletes screenings often uncover health issues that athletes were unaware of, connecting them to follow up care and improving long-term health outcomes. At the same time, healthcare providers gain valuable hands-on experience and training in working with, communicating with and supporting individuals with IDD. This builds stronger skills in the health workforce and reduces barriers in the wider health system.

In Canada, Healthy Athletes is delivered through local Chapters and at National Games. The program includes a comprehensive range of disciplines such as vision, hearing, dental care, foot care, physical therapy, nutrition and healthy lifestyle education, emotional well-being, and basic medical screenings.

Healthy Athletes is an important program because it improves health outcomes, builds skills in healthcare providers, and ensures athletes are included in health systems worldwide.

Latest Health Research

Special Olympics Canada collaborates with health researchers across the country to better understand the needs of athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These partnerships help to guide new programs, improve health outcomes, and strengthen inclusion in healthcare systems.

For the latest health news, research findings, and resources, explore the information below:

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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. 

Since 2007, Special Olympics Canada has provided over 35,000 free health screenings, trained over 4,000 health professionals and students and provided new prescriptions to over 3,800 athletes, many of whom received free prescription eyewear. This includes Physical Exams, Vision and Eye Health, Audiology, Dentistry, Nutrition, Mental and Emotional Health, Podiatry and Physical Therapy.  Healthy Athletes has discovered undetected health problems, alleviated pain and provided health services that otherwise would not be available.