Presentation Title
The Special Olympics: Influences on policy and social supports for children within the United States
Abstract
This extensive literature review is an examination of the Special Olympics organization and how it has influenced policy, people, and social support for elementary level children, or athletes. This review will briefly look at the history of policy for students with disabilities over the past 60 years since the founding of the organization while also exploring the involvement of Special Olympics stakeholders in the Special Education services a student might receive at school. In addition, this review will look over positive outcomes of children who participated in the Special Olympics and explore how they accessed resources in their school and community. The review will take a look at resources such as service providers (e.g., physical therapy, occupational therapy), financing, assistive technology, and the modification of activities. The synthesis of current research will be helpful to guide those associated with the Special Olympics in understanding the role they play in the community as well as how they can most effectively support athletes in the organization.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Katherine Shepard
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
College of Education and Social Services
Program/Major
Elementary Education
Primary Research Category
Arts & Humanities
The Special Olympics: Influences on policy and social supports for children within the United States
This extensive literature review is an examination of the Special Olympics organization and how it has influenced policy, people, and social support for elementary level children, or athletes. This review will briefly look at the history of policy for students with disabilities over the past 60 years since the founding of the organization while also exploring the involvement of Special Olympics stakeholders in the Special Education services a student might receive at school. In addition, this review will look over positive outcomes of children who participated in the Special Olympics and explore how they accessed resources in their school and community. The review will take a look at resources such as service providers (e.g., physical therapy, occupational therapy), financing, assistive technology, and the modification of activities. The synthesis of current research will be helpful to guide those associated with the Special Olympics in understanding the role they play in the community as well as how they can most effectively support athletes in the organization.