Workbook final

093 - Unified Movement, Special Olympics Arizona, USA

ONTACT

Special Olympics Arizona, Inc.

Mr. Isaac Sanft

USA

+ 1 602 324 5667

VERALL GOAL

MISSION

The goal of the Special Olympics Unified Strategy for Schools and Youth seeks to positively impact the acceptance and

inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in educational settings and communities and reduce bullying and

exclusion, promote healthy activity and interactions, combat stereotypes and stigma, eliminate hurtful language in

schools, and engage young people in pro-social activities that lead to improved behavior and school climate. At its core,

this Strategy is not just about including students with disabilities, but unifying all students; shifting from adult-led

programming to student-led mobilization and action; from sports as recreation to sports as a catalyst for social inclusion

and attitude and behavioral change. The Unified Movement in Arizona is a unique and robust interpretation of the

Special Olympics Unified Strategy that accomplishes seed change and a school-culture shift toward inclusion through

awareness and advocacy activities led by youth with and without disabilities, school-based inclusive sports, inclusive

social clubs, inclusive physical education, inclusive health education, and direct communication.

HE SOLUTION THAT HAS BEEN DEVELOPED

The Unified Movement is an incorporation of Special Olympics Arizona (SOAZ) programs packaged for schools and

includes start-up funds, stipends, curricula, student and teacher training, equipment and program materials.

The Unified Movement is implemented one school at a time by recruiting and empowering youth leaders with and

without disabilities (Youth Activation Committees) who, with the support of teachers and school administrators,

establish inclusive social clubs (Unified Clubs) and carry the message of acceptance and unity to their peers through

disability awareness campaigns and advocacy for respect, such as person-first language and elimination of "retarded" as

a slur (Project UNIFY). The passion of the students to be a part of and drive the Movement has been the most powerful

force in breaking down historical stereotypes and social stigma for youth with disabilities.

Next, teachers are trained by SOAZ as coaches for inclusive sports (Unified Sports) and to teach integrated health

education (Healthy Lifestyle Education and Practice) as part of Unified Sports. Schools add an integrated Physical

Education class to their course catalogs with district-approved curriculum provided by Special Olympics Arizona (Unified

Sports Curriculum.) The Movement is sustained within each school through a unique fundraising campaign tailored to

their needs, in conjunction with local law enforcement and is supported by a statewide network of Mentors.