Introduction
Organized sports are important in American culture; we teach our children this at an early age. Swimming instruction can start as young as six months old and by age 5 T-ball and soccer are available. Team spirit is taught as early as kindergarten with mascots and school colors decorating every hallway. Middle school brings about organized team sports and by high-school the culture is cemented. Pep-rally's, homecoming games and events, trophy displays complete with record boards are all common in American high schools. Our culture encourages sports, not only for the competition aspect but also because we believe it instills important values into our children. Sports teach discipline, they teach dedication and the importance of teamwork. They teach one how to experience pride upon a win and how to gracefully take a loss. All of these values are important for success in adulthood; however, the opportunity to participate in school organized sports isn't available for all students. While some may have a physical disability that prevents participation, others have no physical ailment - they have intellectual disabilities that have kept them from playing sports with those who are abled. It is not that these children are not able to physically complete the acts of sports; they simple have a harder time comprehending rules and goals. With a little work and patience, most of these children can be taught how to succeed in the world of organized sport competition; we just have to give them an opportunity. For years, we did not provide any alternative; however, in the late 1950s, an organization sprung up that would allow these children to participate. Now in over 170 countries, the Special Olympics is providing the opportunity of sports and teamwork to millions of people around the world. Through their work, they have connected the abled and the disabled to help create a movement that aims to remove all stigmas and stereotypes around intellectual disabilities.
Task
The intellectually disabled
While it may be easy to see physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities are not always easily visible; however, they do affect almost 200 million people worldwide. The term "intellectual disability" refers to a broad range of definitions but they all refer to someone who learns at a slower pace and has difficulty with comprehension; the disability is diagnosed before age 18. The Special Olympics has athletes with a broad variety of labels including: fetal alcohol syndrome, cerebral palsy, down syndrome and autism. Athletes are taught to focus on their capabilities rather than their labeled disabilities.
Information on Intellectual Disabilities:
Changing our view on the intellectually disabled
There was a time in history when we institutionalized those who were intellectually disabled; there were no social opportunities for this group of people. We also used a different label for the group: retarded; in the past few years this term has become unacceptable although it still exists in old medical and legal definitions. During the late 1950s, Eunice Kennedy Shriver became an advocate; her emotional attachment to the subject came from her disabled sister. Determined to provide opportunities for achievement, she organized a camp in her backyard. The first Special Olympics were held in Chicago in 1968; the famous sporting complex Soldier Field was used as a platform. Over the last 47 years, the event has grown into a global event; the Special Olympics World Games was held in Los Angeles this past summer. One athlete, one team, one community at a time, the organization is changing the way we look at the intellectually disabled.
Short Video on Special Olympics
A Globalized Organization
There are thousands of localized special olympic organizations all across the globe. From Kenya to Wisconsin, each one uphold the values of the Special Olympics in an effort to help the intellectually disabled suceed in society. They work with communities to hire coaches, assistants, and health care providers in an effort to build relationships between the two groups. These relationships help both parties overcome the normal stereotypes and stigmas that burden the intellectually disabled. There is sure to be an organization in your area.
Evaluation
While society has come a long was in our views on the intellectually disabled, we still have a ways to go. Human beings often avoid things that are different or things they do not understand. Education of the public is an important tool in moving society forward; the Special Olympics also integrates this into its programs. It actively works to change the emotions and implications that come with the label of disabled. It does this through focusing on the abilities of each individual athlete and enforcing that success is capable regardless of specific abilities. It also provides programs that help educate the public on this group of people; these programs involve finding leaders within the intellectually disabled. Doing so, allows us to change our perception and breaks down barriers that prevent us from working together.
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XXqr_ZSsMg width:1480 height:1200]
Conclusion
Over the past 50 years, the Special Olympics organization has worked hard to provide the intellectually disabled with services that allow personal growth and development. Through organized sports, they are able to teach important life values such as hard-work, determination, teamwork and perhaps most importantly, personal achievement. In a society that once deemed them useless, the Special Olympics has created a platform where the intellectually disabled can show their worth to not only themselves, but also the world. Their success can be seen on the millions of athletes worldwide; some are adorned with glimmering medals, all radiate beaming smiles. Through working with communities, they have started a movement that is continuing to change our views; equality for all, regardless of disability, is ultimately the main goal. The organization does depend on volunteers and donations; if you would like to help in any way, any of the previous links can direct you to information.