Creating a more inclusive world for people with intellectual disabilities

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In a world where inclusive education remains elusive for many children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, or IDD, Special Olympics — the world’s largest grassroots intellectual disability sports organization — is spearheading a transformative movement to create lasting change.

“Sport or play, if it’s done inclusively, is such a critical tool for learning and development,” explained Jackie Jodl, chief of global youth and education at Special Olympics. “You start building mindsets that are inclusive. You start building school communities that are inclusive, where students aren’t just physically in the same building … but they’re actually part of the social fabric of the community.”

At the heart of this work is the organization’s flagship the Unified Champion Schools program, which uses sports to foster social connections and build socially inclusive school communities. The results speak for themselves, with Unified Champion Schools reporting increased graduation rates, reduced bullying, and improved social-emotional skills.

However, Jodl cautioned that governments are not delivering on their inclusion promises, emphasizing that while there is plenty of discussion, there is a lack of tangible action, funding, and resources needed to turn commitments into reality within schools and classrooms.

She also warned about the challenges presented by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, on students with IDD. “Without deliberate action to really promote inclusive tech development, this AI revolution could exacerbate inequities, and it could leave students with IDD, 3% of the global population, even further behind,” she said.

In a conversation with Devex President and Editor-in-Chief Raj Kumar, Special Olympics’ Jodl discussed the top issues addressed in their annual State of Inclusion Letter, which highlights the progress, challenges, and opportunities in creating a more inclusive society for people with intellectual disabilities.