#United States #Washington #Special Olympics #Intellectual Disabilities #health inequity

Special Olympics Unveils Global Health Report

On September 17, 2025, Special Olympics proudly announced the release of its latest report, titled Focusing on the Invisible. This document presents significant findings from the Rosemary Collaboratory, an initiative aimed at addressing the health inequities faced by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) around the world. These individuals often find themselves overlooked when it comes to health care and access to services, leading to alarming health disparities.

The report reveals that people with IDD disproportionately encounter challenging health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and mental health issues, to name a few. Bafflingly, they experience a reduced lifespan, often passing away 16 to 20 years earlier than the general population—a discrepancy often attributed to preventable or manageable health issues when provided with timely assistance.

Dr. Dimitri Christakis, Chief Health Officer of Special Olympics, emphasized that these inequities are fixable and stem from systemic neglect in prioritizing individuals with IDD. Instead of viewing these disparities as an inevitable part of life, he implores stakeholders to engage in active systemic reform. The report outlines how organizations can identify barriers and ensure equitable access to health services.

The Rosemary Collaboratory Initiative

In 2024, the Rosemary Collaboratory reached out to various health systems in 11 locations across nine countries, including Chinese Taipei, India, Ireland, and several states in the U.S. The objective was to evaluate the inclusiveness of people with IDD within these health systems.

Working alongside the Missing Billion Initiative (MBI), Special Olympics devised a comprehensive assessment tool consisting of about 60 indicators aimed at revealing gaps in accessibility and identifying key improvement areas. The strategy seeks to use the obtained data to catalyze better health system solutions targeting the unique needs of individuals with IDD.

The report garnered insights from surveys conducted with over 1,000 individuals and health workers in more than 50 countries, ultimately underscoring some glaring issues:
1. Communication Gaps: Only 52% of respondents with IDD reported consistently understanding their healthcare providers.
2. Decision-Making Limits: A staggering two-thirds of those surveyed do not have control over their health decisions.
3. Training Needs: Nearly 75% of health professionals surveyed indicated that training in disability-specific health care is essential for enhancing service delivery to individuals with IDD.
4. Data Deficiencies: A significant 66% of healthcare workers recognized that improved data collection on the health of people with IDD is vital.

Recommendations for Improvement

Drawing on these findings, Special Olympics developed four key recommendations for policy reform aimed at integrating individuals with IDD more effectively into health systems:

• - Governance and Leadership: Involve individuals with IDD in the decision-making processes influencing policy changes.
• - Person-Centered Care: Adapt health services to meet diverse and potentially invisible needs unique to this population.
• - Training for Health Workers: Ensure that health professionals acquire the necessary skills to provide quality care for individuals with IDD.
• - Enhanced Data Collection: Improve methods for collecting and utilizing health data on individuals with IDD.

Each recommendation comes with practical strategies, encouraging immediate action from governments and health system leaders. The importance of engaging persons with IDD in the creation and application of health system policies cannot be overstated; it lays an indispensable foundation for building equitable healthcare.

Conclusion

In light of this report, David Duncan, Chair of the Special Olympics Global Athlete Leadership Council, remarked on the necessity of including people with IDD in discussions that affect their health and lives, emphasizing that their perspectives are critical in shaping effective health policies.

To learn more about this significant report, the methodologies employed, and ways to participate in fostering inclusivity, visit Special Olympics. As we strive for a more inclusive society, it is crucial to regard health equity for individuals with intellectual disabilities not just as a goal but as an imperative for humanity.