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U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) support work that improves the overall health and quality of life for people living with disabilities, including those with intellectual disabilities.

A 5-Year Cooperative Agreement between Special Olympics and CDC began in 2016 and currently supports a range of health initiatives. These include the Healthy Athletes program that facilitates health screenings, health promotion and education; an expansion of access to follow-up care and wellness programing; partnerships with medical schools and health professionals to integrate appropriate training and education for the next generation of health professionals; and development of the largest data set on people with intellectual disabilities in the country—to better analyze the problem of health inequality and how best to address it. The partnership also elevates inclusive health to the national stage, targeting wellness, fitness, professional associations, medical schools, public health organizations, funders, and others to become champions of inclusive health.

Learn more about U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Special Olympics Athletes Lead the Way Toward Inclusive Fitness

The following is an expert from the CDC’s website post titled CDC and Special Olympics: Inclusive Health. For more information or to read the entire post, please visit the page here.
2 Min Read

Celebrating World Health Day with Equitable Care

Everyone’s health needs should be included in the healthcare system, and people with intellectual disabilities deserve to have access to a healthcare environment that best addresses their specific health needs.
1 Min Read

Youth Today features Special Olympics Data and Fitness Resources Designed Specifically for People with Intellectual Disabilities

An article from Youth Today discusses why individuals with intellectual disabilities are more likely to be overweight, and how Special Olympics data and resources are changing that.
1 Min Read

CDC and Special Olympics Partnership: Inclusive Health: Physical Fitness

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) support work that improves the overall health and quality of life for people living with disabilities, including those with intellectual disabilities.
1 Min Read

CDC Shares Special Olympics Mental Health Resources

To address the high rates of mental distress among adults with disabilities, the CDC posted helpful resources, including recommendations for people with intellectual disabilities from Special Olympics.
1 Min Read

CDC Quotes Special Olympics Chief Health Officer in Diabetes Resources for People with Disabilities

Special Olympics Chief Health Officer, Dr. Alicia Bazzano, MD, PhD, MPH, explains why people with intellectual disabilities have a higher risk of diabetes than the general population and how Special Olympics is addressing that gap.
1 Min Read

Strong Minds for Strange Times

Once the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Abby Resnick could no longer participate in competitions, coach floor hockey, and teach drum and tone for people with special needs. She started to look for new activities to do at home.
2 Min Read

Prevent Flu and Get a Flu Vaccine: What You Need to Know

(updated on 10/5/20) Getting a flu vaccine during 2020-2021 is more important than ever because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Flu vaccination is especially important for people who are at high risk for getting the flu, many of whom are also at high risk for COVID-19.
12 Min Read

Special Olympics Gymnast from California Leads Free Workouts alongside WWE Becky Lynch

Professional video shoots are full of flashing lights, loud noises and new scenarios. For someone with autism who has sensitivity to flashing lights, this setting can be overwhelming and intimidating. But Greg did not let that stop him from participating in the School of Strength fitness series.
1 Min Read

Additional Content

School of Strength: Class is in Session

WWE Superstar Drew McIntyre takes you through 10 exercises from the Unified Fitness Kit Cards that will help you improve your endurance, strength, and agility.

Fit 5

Fit 5 and Fitness Cards have been valuable resources for Programs looking to expand their fitness programming and initiatives.

Flu Vaccine Information and Resources

Resources that we have created and shared with Special Olympics athletes, coaches, volunteers, families and others around the world.

Flu Vaccine Information and Resources

COVID-19 is spread the same way that the flu is spread. So this year, Special Olympics is sharing flu education materials provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help our athletes practice prevention from possible exposure to both the flu and COVID-19.