Inclusive By Nature : Capital Hill Day 2018

Last week I had the honor of working with Special Olympics Global and representatives from all 50 states During Capital Hill Day 2018. Capital Hill Day gave each state the opportunity to sit down face to face with government officials and discuss the advancement and need to preserve support for programs created to provide equal opportunity to those with Intellectual Disabilities. 

From Start To Finish

Myself pictured with Special Olympics Director or World Games & Competition Editra Allen. 

I've worked with Editra since 2015 as a Unified Sports Ambassador. Thanks to Editra, the rest of the Special Olympics Staff and Athletes I have been to grow alongside the organization over the course of the last 3 years.

Bringing Home The Hardware

Special Olympics has grown substantially over the course of the last 3 years. Athletes and representatives can now be seen at the largest sporting, music and even culinary events across the globe. 

Home Away From Home

Myself with the representatives form Wisconsin as we sat down with Paul Ryan's office to discuss health and Unified Champion Schools. 

As a former packer this hit close to home. 

#GoPackGo

Home State of Mind

My biggest highlight of the weekend was working alongside South Dakota's Special Olympics Branch to ensure programs continue to advance in my home state. 

Common Ground

I've grown up knowing the Thune family and though a distant relationship there was always a high level of respect and pride for his accomplishments in office, but more so his character. We even had a chance to talk about our experiences at South Dakota State University #GoJacks

The Purpose

Special Olympics strongly supports legislation that guarantees the rights, full participation, and integration of people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Special Olympics recognizes the progress that the United States as a whole has made in eliminating the stigma, stereotypes, isolation, and discrimination that people with intellectual disabilities face – most importantly around access to sport, health, and education. We ask the United States Government to join Special Olympics in remaining vigilant against any erosion of provisions that have made a substantial difference in the lives of people with ID.

Lessons learned through Healthy Communities can be applied in other areas on innovative collaborations to achieve systems change for under-served populations.

The Golisano Foundation made a “big bet” of $37 million to increase access to healthcare for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) by partnering with Special Olympics and launching Healthy Communities. Now active in 57 communities around the world, the initiative is impacting change on a large scale through innovative partnerships and advocacy.

Our Goal: Schools that Welcome All People

The Unified Champion Schools approach incorporates Special Olympics sports and related activities while enhancing the youth experience and empowering them to be change agents in their communities. This requires a shift in current programs and paradigms from a focus on events to committing to a movement advocating for youth as leaders.