Special Olympics

Today marks the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark civil rights law that provides protections and expands opportunities for people with disabilities. Since it was signed into law in 1990, the ADA has contributed to greater accessibility across many areas of daily life, including access to health services. Making health services inclusive includes creating environments where people with disabilities can receive care that meets their individual needs. The ADA protects people with all types of disabilities, including intellectual disabilities (ID), and requires public places to be accessible and to make reasonable modifications so people with disabilities can use them. For people with ID, those modifications may include sensory-friendly spaces, plain language communication, longer appointment times, and telehealth options. Since 1990, remarkable progress has been made in advancing the accessibility of health services for people with disabilities. At the same time, gaps in implementation continue to create barriers to equitable access to care for people with ID. As we celebrate the ADA and continue to advance its goals, hear from Special Olympics Health Messengers across the United States as they share what accessibility in healthcare systems looks like to them. ⭐ #InclusiveHealth #SpecialOlympics #ADA36 #ADAAnniversary

“When we compete, we’re fighting for a more inclusive world. We are champions on the field and for this cause.” Let’s wind down #GlobalWeekofInclusion with the inspiring "Inclusion Manifesto" a heartfelt voiceover by athlete leader Nyasha Derera of Zimbabwe.

As we celebrate Global Week of Inclusion, Special Olympics East Asia is showcasing a unique initiative: "Embracing Diversity, Advocating Inclusion." During an event at Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park. Athletes, families, teachers, volunteers, and others came together in a fun event focused on promoting unity and understanding. Join us and #ChooseToInclude: https://brnw.ch/21x4qWH #GlobalWeekofInclusion #SpecialOlympics

Eleven years ago today, Avril Lavigne reminded us we were all meant to "Fly" during the Opening Ceremony for the #SpecialOlympics World Summer Games at the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. As we observe #GlobalWeekofInclusion, remember there is a light inside all of us; it's never hiding; you just have to light it. How will you #choosetoinclude?

🌍⚽ Looking back on an unforgettable week in Paris during the Unified Football World Cup, it's hard not to be inspired by what inclusion looks like in action. With 24 Unified teams from 23 countries, footballers with and without intellectual disabilities came together on one pitch, united by a shared love of the game and a common goal: building a more inclusive world. The competition was incredible, but the real story was the friendships formed, barriers broken, and moments that reminded us that our differences make us stronger. As we celebrate #GlobalWeekOfInclusion, we are reflecting on the power of sport to create belonging, challenge perceptions, and bring people together across cultures, languages, and backgrounds. Paris showed us what's possible when everyone has a place on the team. Special Olympics France | Special Olympics Europe Eurasia #PlayUnified #ChooseToInclude #Paris2026UFWC

Special Olympics is proud to team up with the @nationalstutteringassociation for #globalweekofinclusion to help raise awareness, foster understanding, and create more inclusive spaces where every voice is valued and heard. Communication is about more than words; it's about connection, confidence, and belonging. 💙 Join us as we celebrate the power of acceptance, respect, and authentic self-expression. How will you #ChooseToInclude? #SpecialOlympics

As we celebrate Global Week of Inclusion, we’re also celebrating that Dr. Teck-Hock Toh has dedicated his career to ensuring children with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive the health support they need to thrive in Malaysia Dr. Teck-Hock Toh says, “We need to create a society that is actually inclusive, so people can live in a healthier way.” Join us as #SpecialOlympics works to build a better, more inclusive world where everyone can thrive! #InclusiveHealth #ChooseToInclude Special Olympics Asia Pacific

During #GlobalWeekOfInclusion, Special Olympics Cameroon athletes joined Lions Clubs International volunteers, partners promoting corporate social responsibility (CSR) and modern environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives, and Roots & Suits Empower to plant trees across Douala. This effort went beyond environmental sustainability; it created a lasting symbol of inclusion, hope, and community. 🌱💚 The long-term vision is to illuminate these trees during future Global Weeks of Inclusion, turning them into beacons that highlight the power of inclusion, the strength of love, and the promise of hope for all. Together, we are planting more than trees; we are planting opportunities, belonging, and a brighter future for generations to come. This year, we celebrate the thousands of volunteers like our partners at Lions Club International building a more inclusive world, one act at a time. Get involved today: https://lnkd.in/gytr_uNk Special Olympics Africa #VolunteerYear #ChooseToInclude #IVY2026 #SpecialOlympics

🎮 An exciting day in Orlando: Amy Wise, #SpecialOlympics Senior VP of Global Marketing, teamed up with Special Olympics Florida athlete and gamer Tyler Sanchez to help power up "Team up for Special Olympics Creator Community" at GCX. This exciting new initiative brings together creators to champion inclusion and celebrate the incredible spirit of our athletes around the world. Join us in creating more opportunities to connect, play, and build communities where everyone belongs. #GlobalWeekofInclusion #ChooseToInclude

The world needs more inclusion. You can help build it. Become a Special Olympics volunteer today. Act now: https://brnw.ch/21x4pbD #VolunteerYear #ChooseToInclude #IVY2026 #GlobalWeekofInclusion