Health & Wellness
In communities across the state, there is a misconception that people with intellectual disabilities, including Special Olympics New York athletes, receive the same quality of healthcare as the general public. For many reasons—including access—that simply is not the case.
In communities across the state, there is a misconception that people with intellectual disabilities, including Special Olympics New York athletes, receive the same quality of healthcare as the general public. For many reasons—including access—that simply is not the case.
Join our fight for #InclusiveHealth
Everyone deserves the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.
That’s why we are working to create a culture of inclusion that will dramatically improve the health of our athletes and their peers in an environment of dignity and support for health, fitness and quality of life.
Despite severe need, people with intellectual disabilities are often denied health services and die on average 16 years sooner than the general population. Staying physically active is an important part of training for sports while maintaining and improving overall health.
Special Olympics health initiatives are creating a world where people with intellectual disabilities have every opportunity to be healthy. These are made possible by the Golisano Foundation and in collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
We are pleased to offer Virtual Health & Wellness Forums – an online space for individuals with ID, families, caregivers and coaches to engage with health-focused individuals/organizations such as healthcare providers and fitness specialists. Archived recordings are available here to view after the live presentation is complete.
Healthy Communities is a Special Olympics health program addressing the severe health disparities and healthcare inequity faced by people with intellectual disabilities (ID) through immediate and long-term community-based solutions. Healthy Communities is working to increase access to quality healthcare, educational resources and prevention programming to improve the health status of people with ID.
To address the health disparities this program offers:- Free health screenings in 8 different medical disciplines (Healthy Athletes)
- Training for health and fitness professionals specific to serving persons with a vast array of intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Partnerships with local health organizations and practices to provide quality, inclusive care to individuals with ID
- Opportunities to participate in community sports, fitness & wellness programs and activities.
Healthy Athletes® is a Special Olympics program that provides free health screenings and health education in a fun, welcoming environment with a focus on removing the anxiety people with intellectual disabilities often experience when faced with a visit to a medical professional.
Healthy Athletes offers screenings in eight disciplines for podiatry, physical therapy, hearing, vision, dental and mental health and more.
Inclusive Healthcare Provider Directory
To assist our athletes and their families with preventative and follow-up healthcare, we have created an Inclusive Provider Directory. The directory includes contact information for healthcare providers and clinics/organizations that accept at least one form of Medicaid and have experience working with people with intellectual disabilities. The directory is updated regularly.
Are you an inclusive provider or do you know of a provider who should be added to our directory? Contact us at health@nyso.org.
Did you utilize our Provider Directory to receive care? If yes, please let us know by filling out this survey.
Health Advisory Council
The Special Olympics New York Health Advisory Council was established in 2020 with the purpose of addressing matters which affect the health and well-being of Special Olympics NY athletes and the wider ID population. Composed of medical and health professionals and community stakeholders who are knowledgeable about the field of ID and sports, members contribute to Special Olympics NY’s state-wide strategy to provide equitable healthcare and health services to individuals with disabilities.
Focus areas of the Health Advisory Council include:
- Clinical-Advocating for inclusive health care and services for the ID population
- Education- Supporting educational and training components of Special Olympics NY health programming
- Advocacy- Developing community partnerships to support Special Olympics NY health objectives and advocacy efforts
