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Healthy Communities is a model Special Olympics Health program addressing the severe health disparities faced by people with intellectual disabilities (ID) through immediate and long-term community-based solutions. Healthy Communities is working to increase access to quality health care and prevention programming to improve the health status of people with ID.
To address the health disparities faced by people with ID, Special Olympics Healthy Communities program offers the following programs:
Special Olympics, in partnership with Health Plus Network, are conducting a weight management program called "Body Wise" for people of determination in Abu Dhabi. This program provides weight management support with nutritional guidance and advice to help maintain physical wellbeing.
Family Health Forums provide a space for the families and caregivers of people with intellectual disabilities to engage with health professionals, community leaders and social service providers.
The Forums introduce new families to Special Olympics and services provided through Healthy Athletes , Young Athletes and other community-based programs for people with intellectual disabilities, while also surfacing challenges that athletes and families face and how best to overcome them—with a special focus on bettering access to health care, education, and inclusive activities.
Physical fitness is a key part of the Special Olympics mission. Fitness is the state of optimal health and performance through adequate physical activity, nutrition, and hydration. In order for our athletes to be fit, they must practice healthy habits year-round and lifelong. Fitness programming empowers athletes and their supporters to take charge of their own health and fitness by providing necessary education, social support, opportunities and tracking of progress.
The Cooking club is an online cooking-based nutrition education program designed for youth with IDD/DD and a family member or caregiver. It focuses on peer-led activities with 5 selected Youth of Determination called Master Chefs who pre-record their recipe to share during the session. The program uses an active learning approach to teach food preparation, safety skills, nutrition knowledge & sustainability tips.
The Healthy Community Awarding Ceremony celebrates Special Olympics UAE's achievement of earning the Healthy Community title from Special Olympics International for its high standards in health programs. Supported by the Golisano Foundation, the event honors partners and hospitals that excelled in the Unified Healthcare training program, enhancing compassionate care for People of Determination. It also recognizes new graduates of the Health Messenger program, trained to advocate for healthy lifestyles and inclusion within their communities.
The Golisano Health Leadership Awards recognize health champions—leaders and organizations—that are making a significant contribution to equal access to health, fitness or wellness for people with intellectual disabilities. The award also promotes awareness for the progress and extraordinary efforts toward fulfilling the goals, values, and mission of Special Olympics Health work. This is the highest Special Olympics honor for health partners. For the year 2022, Abu Dhabi Public Health Center and Abu Dhabi Autism Center were awarded for their immense support.
For more information please contact
Health@specialolympics.ae
