Our goal is to make health and fitness more accessible.
Despite severe need and higher health risks, people with intellectual disabilities (ID) are often denied health services and die on average 16 years sooner than the general population.
Special Olympics Health, made possible by the Golisano Foundation and in collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is creating a world where people with intellectual disabilities have every opportunity to be healthy.
Inclusive health means people with intellectual disabilities are able to take full advantage of the same health programs and services available to people who do not have disabilities. Our athletes face significant challenges in accessing quality healthcare, fitness and wellness, resulting in pronounced health disparities and reduced life expectancy. Special Olympics’ health programming focuses on improving the physical and social-emotional wellbeing of people with intellectual disabilities by making healthcare and health systems more inclusive.
In Minnesota, we are committed to improving the health of individuals with intellectual disabilities by promoting fitness and providing free health screenings.
