Special Olympics is a global movement to create a better world by fostering the acceptance and inclusion of all people. By leveraging the power of sports, Special Olympics helps people with intellectual disabilities discover new strengths and abilities, skills, and success. Through its Young Athletes program, Special Olympics has been delivering life-changing impact with intervention through developmental play for children with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), ages 2 to 7 years old.
In this episode, Rebecca Ralston, Senior Director of Early Childhood and Preventive Health at Special Olympics International, discusses her role and how Special Olympics is supporting individuals with IDD and their families. One initiative is the creation of the Young Athletes Mobile app, a digital developmental tool to support the needs of children with IDD and their families through home-based developmental play. In this conversation, Ms. Ralston describes some of the features of the app and its benefits for children with IDD and their families. In conclusion, Ms. Ralston shares her advice for supporting the IDD community and Special Olympics, saying:
“I'd really encourage everyone to think about the ways that you can be more inclusive in your own life and that you can connect with people who are different and learn from them.” - Rebecca Ralston
Recommended Resources from the Interview
Find your Local Special Olympics Program: https://www.specialolympics.org/programs?locale=en
Special Olympics Young Athletes: https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/inclusive-health/young-athletes?locale=en
Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools: https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/youth-and-schools/unified-champion-schools?locale=en
