Special Olympics Unified Schools strategies focus on creating and sustaining a positive school climate that values and manifests appropriate and effective engagement leading to inclusion, acceptance, respect and human dignity.
Special Olympics Unified Schools is funded by the US Department of Education that is implemented within elementary, middle and high schools across the nation. Its goal is to activate youth around the country in an effort to promote the importance of inclusive school activities.
A Special Olympics Unified Champion School has the following 3 Components:
Why be a Unified Champion School?
Special Olympics Unified Schools provides a framework, philosophy and set of practices that engage all students in activities that improve achievement and lead to lifelong success. Special Olympics Unified Schools is proven to enhance school climate. Special Olympics Unified Schools takes us from include to UNIFY, from special education students to all students, from adult-led to student-led, from sport opportunities to sports as a catalyst for social inclusion and attitude change.
Funding Opportunities
Schools can receive funding support for Unified Sports teams (including uniforms, equipment, transportation, and coaches stipends), club activities, and whole school involvement events.
Outcomes of Unified Schools
Students without disabilities hold more positive attitudes toward their peers with intellectual disabilities School communities of acceptance where students with intellectual disabilities feel welcome and are routinely included in, and feel a part of, all school activities, opportunities and functions More students with and without ID playing sports together.
Ready to Join Us?
Unified Champion Schools and Unified Sports Programs would like to thank our Play Unified Partner: