Post on 24-May-2018
Participation Guide
Special Olympics South Carolina • 1276 Assembly Street • Columbia, SC 29201 • (803)772-1555www.so-sc.org
Project UNIFYParticipation Guide
DID YOU KNOW about SO…• SpecialOlympicswasfoundedbythelateEunice
KennedyShriverafterbeginningasummerdaycampforinherbackyardforchildrenwithintellectualdisabilitiesin1963.
• The1stInternationalSpecialOlympicsGameswasheldatChicago’sSoldierFieldJuly19th-20th,1968.1,000athletesfrom26statesandCanadacompetedinathletics,aquatics,andfloorhockey.SouthCarolinasent5athletestothisimportanthistoricalevent!
• TheSpecialOlympicsmovementisin180countriesthroughouttheworld.
• SpecialOlympicsInternational(SOI)servesmorethan3.1millionathletesglobally.
• SOIofferstrainingandcompetitionopportunitiesin30Olympic-typesports.
• SpecialOlympicsSouthCarolina(SOSC)servesnearly18,000athleteseachyear.
• SOSCofferstrainingandcompetitionopportunitiesin23sportsincludingopportunitiesforUnifiedSports®Programsin17ofthosesports.
• Nearly1,000coachesvolunteertheirtimewiththeathletesofSOSCeachyear.
• Morethan10,000volunteersareinvolvedwithSOSCeventsannually.
• SpecialOlympicsisa501c3non-profitorganizationthatreliesoncharitabledonationsfromindividuals,businesses,foundations,etc.forallfundingtosupportyear-roundprograms.
SOSC Sports/Competition Schedule
MidWinter Games (Feb-March) - Charleston •Badminton •Bowling(21andover)•Basketball •Powerlifting•TableTennis •DiscGolf
Fall Games (Oct.-Nov.) - Greenville•Football(Soccer) •Bocce•RollerSkating •Golf•FlagFootball •Tennis•Volleyball
US Tennis Championships (March) - Hilton Head Island
Summer Games (May) - Columbia•Athletics(track&field) •Aquatics•Bowling(under21) •Cheerleading•Gymnastics
Other Sports/Competitions•Equestrian •AlpineSkiing•Kayaking •Sailing
What is Project UNIFY®?In2008,SpecialOlympicsNorthAmericawasawardedagrantfromtheUSDepartmentofEducationwithagoaltoactivatecommunitieswhereallyoungpeopleareagentsofchange,whofosteradvocacyforpeoplewithintellectualdisabilities.Toaccomplishthisgoal,theorganizationformedProjectUNIFY®,aprogramthatseekstoutilizeexistingstateSpecialOlympicsprogramsandinitiativesincombinationwithschools.
What is Project UNIFY® doing now?The2008-2009schoolyearwasthefirstyearforbeginningProjectUNIFY®programsinschools,with12schoolsparticipatinginSouthCarolina.Duringthe2009-2010academicschoolyear,30SouthCarolinaschoolswereinvolvedandreceivedsub-grantfunding,upto$1000,fromtheSpecialOlympicsSouthCarolinastateofficethroughtheProjectUNIFY®grantsupportingtheirspecificProjectUNIFY®programs.TheschoolshostactivitiesandeventswithanabundanceofinclusiveopportunitiesthroughSpecialOlympicsandProjectUNIFY®initiatives,whileexperiencinggreatsuccessinpromotingrespectforandacceptanceoftheirSpecialOlympicsathletesbytheirpeerswithoutintellectualdisabilities.
US Department of Education Special Olympics
North America
Special OlympicsSouth Carolina Special Olympics
Public Schools(through Sub-Grant Program)
ProjectUNIFY®supportsdistrictsandschoolsastheyestablishpartnershipswithintheschoolcommunitytoraisetheinclusivenessofthedistrict.ThereputationofSpecialOlympicsaddscredibilitytotheProjectUNIFY®program,whileensuringtoschoolsthattheyarepartneringwithaglobalnetworkofpeoplewhoaremakingadifferenceinthelivesofchildrenandadultswithintellectualdisabilities.
ProjectUNIFY®andSpecialOlympicswillbeseenasacatalystforthiswork-similartotheEffectiveSchoolMovementofthe1990’sandProfessionalLearningCommunityearlierinthisdecade.SpecialOlympicssportsandrelatedprogramsprovideplatformsforyouthtounderstandandtovaluetheirpeerswithintellectualdisabilities.Itempowersandactivatesyouthtocreateopportunitiesforandwiththeminsport,friendshipandadvocacy.ThiswillcreateashiftinexpectationandresultsforSpecialOlympicsinpubliceducationandschooldistricts.
Project UNIFY® Key CharacteristicsProjectUNIFY®iscommittedtoensuringthatthefollowingcharacteristicsofeffectivepracticeareinplaceandconsistentlyachievedinschools.
• Unifying Sports Programming Acommitmenttobringthediverseprograms
togetherfocusingonschoolcommunityandstudentdevelopment.
• Youth Leadership Youngpeoplerepresentingthediversityofthe
studentbodyareengagedinleadershippositionsandschoolsacknowledgethatyouthleadershipisapriorityfortheschools/programs.
• School-Community Collaborations Sustainablecollaborationsexistthatmutually
benefittheschoolandthecommunityandareacoreelementofProjectUNIFY®activities.
• Creating and Sustaining Relationships Acommitmenttobringyouthwithandwithout
disabilitiestogetherthroughprogramssothatallyouthbenefitandlastingfriendshipsandrelationshipsareformed.
• Communications Thenewsocialnetworkingmediatoyoung
peopleiscenteredtoallcommunication.Qualitycommunicationsstrategiesareemployedtoinformandinfluencecriticaleducationstakeholders.Inaddition,communicationandyouthproductsaresharedwithnetworksthatofferthegreatestopportunityforsuggestedstrategiestobeconsideredandemployed.
• Professional Development Creatingstructuredtimeforinitiative
practitionerstoacquireandenhanceknowledgeandskillstoeffectivelyimplementandsustainqualityproducts.
• Continuous Improvement Sustainableformalteamsfocusingonusing
dataforimprovement.Teamsconsistofallstakeholdersensuringthatdataisanalyzedandresulting“improvements”areappropriateandgearedtoprogramenhancement.
Ways in Which Programming is Combined:
• Pre-K/Elementary/Primary Schools-YoungAthletesProgram,SpecialOlympicsGetIntoItservice-learningcurriculum,UnifyDay,researchinginformationontheweb/activities,artprojectsandFansintheStandswithclassmatesandfamilymembers.
• Secondary/Middle Schools-UnifiedSports®teams,SpecialOlympicsGetIntoItservice-learningcurriculum,YouthSummitsandRallies,UnifyDay,StudentledR-Word:socialjusticeandadvocacycampaign,guestspeakers,websiteconnections,essaycontests,schoolassemblies,wellnesscampaignstiedtocurriculumandSpecialOlympicsactivities.
• Secondary/High Schools-UnifiedSports®teams,SpecialOlympicsGetIntoItservice-learningcurriculum,UnifyDay,Games,StudentledR-Word:socialjusticeanadvocacycampaigns,web-basedfriendshipswithnationalandinternationalSpecialOlympicsconnections,Beafancampaigns,essaycontests,editorialwriting,YouthSummits,AssembliesandRallies,YouthActivationcommittees,leadershiprolesinplanningandimplementingSpecialOlympicscompetition,mentoringmiddleschoolstudents,volunteeringwithElementarySchoolactivities.
School Climate
• ProjectUNIFY®focusesonchangingschoolclimatetobemoreinclusive,reduceimpedimentsandsustainprogramsthatcanbooststudentachievementforallstudentsaswellasthosewithID.Schoolpolicycurrentfocusisonacademiccompetencieswithlittletimeforprogramsnotfocusedonacademiccontent.
• ProjectUNIFY®createsadeliverysystemwithpartners,placesandmethodologiesthatcreateacriticalmassofyouthandadultleadersinyourcommunityorschooldistrict.Ithelpsfocuscompetingpriorities,fragmentedservices,unstablefundingandlowexpectationsforallstudentsandyouthincludingthosewithintellectualdisabilities.Successstorieswillhelpbreakthecomplacencyandlowexpectationsforintellectuallydisabledstudents.Itwillalsoprovidesupportandmethodstoimprovethequalityoflifeforstudentsandfamiliesintheschoolcommunity.
• ProjectUNIFY®providescoachingandtoolstohelpschoolleadersandteachersthinkdifferently,actdifferentlyandacttogether.Thiswillhelpyoungpeople,parents,teachers,schoolleaders,andpolicymakersbringprecisiontotheirpassion,ensuringthatallyoungpeopleengageinaninclusiveenvironment.
• ProjectUNIFY®isanewwayofdoingbusiness.Itfocusesonyouthasleadersandmajorcontributorstoprojectdesign,implementation,evaluationandsustainability.
• ProjectUNIFY®providesamethodtoconsolidateandalignseparatechange-focusedinitiativesunderwayandfocusonbiggoals.
• ProjectUNIFY®willsupportschoolleadersintheestablishmentofrelationshipsbetweenschoolsandlocal,regional,andnationalSpecialOlympicsOrganizations.
• ProjectUNIFY®willsupportschoolleadersintheirongoingdriveforfunding.ProjectUNIFY®willmodeltheinvestmentoffundsandhumancapitaltobuildacultureofcollaboration.Fundingwillbeprovidedforasetperiodoftimetoestablishpracticesofyouthengagement.TheprinciplesandpracticesoftheSpecialOlympicsprovideopportunitiesfordialoguewithlocalfunderswhocanunitewiththelocalSOProgramandschooldistrictaroundthevaluesoutlinedinProjectUNIFY®.
Community Building
• ProjectUNIFY®willsupportallschoolleadersinestablishingprocessesandmethodstochangeschoolclimatetocreateaschoolcultureofinclusion,respect,andhumandignityforallstudentsintheschool.Anengagedstudentisconnectedtotheirschoolandtheadultsworkingwiththem.
• ProjectUNIFY®isamethodtoestablishacollaborativegroupdedicatedtoyouthservice.Careproviders,educators,government,faith-basedandnon-profitagencyreps,andteenadvisorswhoareconcernedabouttheyouthinourcommunitycanbebroughttogethertoshareresourcesandorganizations.
• ProjectUNIFY®supportsstateandcommunityeffortstohelpyouthbychangingthewaytheybuildcoalitionsofyouthincludingthosewithintellectualdisabilities.Itprovidesanentrypointforschooldistrictstofindnewpartnerswherepreviouslytheschooldistricthasworkedindependently.
• ProjectUNIFY®willassistschoolleadersdevelopandsustainpartnershipswithSpecialOlympicsatthelocalandregionallevel.BothwillhaveanopportunitytocollaborateonpracticesthatsustainaclimateofinclusionforallstudentsratherthanaspecificmethodologythatislinkedtoProjectUNIFY®.Theymustdevelopasustainingclimateofinclusionforallstudentsandthisisamethodologytoaccomplishthisgoal.
• ProjectUNIFY®willworkschoolstoestablishpartnershipswithlocalorregionalSOprograms.SpecialOlympicsprogrammingisoftenspecialevents;moresystemicintegrationneedstobedonehere.Itismoreeffectivetoworkwithexistingprogramsthanattempttocreatenewprogramsthatwillcompeteforfundingandattention.
Resources
• ProjectUNIFY®isauniqueconversationstarterwiththosewhoareinterestedinstudentleadershipandschoolclimate.AsuccessfulpartnershipwithProjectUNIFY®andSpecialOlympicswillsupporttheschooldistrict’seffortstoattractfiscalresourcesbyexpandingtheopportunityforinvestment.
• ThisavoidsthedevelopmentofadependencyofaschooldistrictonSpecialOlympicsforfunding;freeingSpecialOlympicstofundotherprojectsinthefuture.ProjectUNIFY®incentivizesschoolstoeffortsthatcostlittleandaremoreaboutskills,knowledgeanddispositionsofthoseintheschoolsanddistrictsthanasetpurposethatendswiththelossoffunding.ItsupportsSpecialOlympicsintheirmissionwhileschoolsimproveschoolclimateforallstudents.
• ProjectUNIFY®providesamethodtoconsolidateseparatechange-focusedinitiatives,taskforces,andcoalitions.
Implications for Schools
Thebestschoolsarefindingthatthemainfactorsinimprovingstudentlearning-especiallythoseyouththatarechallengedornotworkingtoexpectationarethosethataremovingfromastandardizededucationalprogram.Theseschoolsmaynotoffereveryopportunitythatschoolsareknownfor.Rather,theseschoolsareledbyprincipalsandteachersthatarefocusedonstudentcentriclearning-wherelearningisincreasinglycustomizedtohoweachstudentlearnsbest,whererelationshipsandconnectionsbetweenteachers;studentsandauthenticlearningisroutine,andwhereschoolsaremorefocusedoncreatingopportunityandexpectationforallstudents,notthosewhomeetthemoldofstandardizededucation.
Thesepracticesandbeliefsincludesettinghighexpectationsandholdingstudentstothemforlearning,behavior,attitudesandattentioninclassandtheschoolhouse.Successfuleducatorsroutinelyadjusttheirteachingandpracticeswithyouthsotheydolearnandbehaveratherthanacceptinglessthanwhatisrightorallowingthemtounderperform.
Theydevelopandacquireinpartnershipwithyouth,learningmaterialsandlessonsinplacealignedwithwhatisassessedinclass,thegradelevelandschooldistrict.Theygiveyouthavoiceandopportunitiestocontribute,throughservice,totheirclassroom,schoolandcommunitysoweareworkingtogetherinarelationshipofcollaborationandauthentic-meaningfullearning.
Schoolsandcommunitygroupsdevelopingyouthshareacommongoalofpreparingthemforaworld,betterthanwhatweliveinnow.Wewillbelivinginaworldthatisbetterforallifwehaveaninclusiveschoolenvironmentthatfostersequity,justiceandengagementsothatallstudentsareactiveprincipledcitizensandleaderstodayaswellastomorrow.Theresultisaworldinclusivebynatureandcollaborativebypractice.ProjectUNIFY®commitstotheseeffortsandimpacts.AsTimShriver,ChairmanandCEOofSpecialOlympicsrecentlywroteaboutthewordsofhismother,“Aswehopeforthebestinthem,hopeisreborninus.”
Youth Engagement
• ProjectUNIFY®bringsanothermechanismtoincorporateyouthvoiceandleadershipinschoolclimatesandatthedistrictandcommunityleveltofostertheacceptanceoftheirpeerswithIDandimpactattitudesoftheentiregroup.Youthleadersareincreasinglyviewedasaprocessthatenhancesschoolcommunitychange.Improvementsofschoolclimateandchangealsocreaterelationshipsandprofessionaldevelopmentforteachers.
• ProjectUNIFY®willprovideteachersandschoolleadersstructuredtimeforinitiativememberstoacquireandenhanceknowledgeandskills.
Project UNIFY® MovementProjectUNIFY®isdesignedtochangeperspectives,improveattitudes,enhancerelationships,andboostacceptanceamongstudentswithandwithoutintellectualdisabilitiesthroughthecreationofschool-basedprojectsandsportsopportunitiesforSpecialOlympicsathletesandunifiedpartners.Inchangingperspectives,ProjectUNIFY®isreshapingtheoverallstereotypeoftheSpecialOlympicsmovementtoamoreinclusiveenvironmentforindividualswithandwithoutintellectualdisabilities.
Project UNIFY® is helping to restructure Special Olympics and inclusive opportunities by transitioning the thought process…
From To
• OneCountry’sMovement • AGlobalMovement
• Pity • Empowerment
• “Nice”thingtodo • Importantforsociety
• Anoccasionalevent • Apartofeverydaylife
• Acharity • Aglobalmarketingpartner
• About“thosespecialpeople” • Aboutallof“us”
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Road Map for Project UNIFY®
SchoolsparticipatinginProjectUNIFY®arerequiredtofulfillanumberoftasksthroughouttheirprojecttimeframe.TherequirementsarelistedbelowandarespecifictoElementarySchoolsandMiddle/HighSchools.
ElementarySchoolsshould:1) BeginaYoungAthletesProgram,
aUnifiedSports™programoratraditionalSpecialOlympicssportsprogramthatmustincludeUnifiedExperiences.Ageneraleducationclassorstudentvolunteersmustbeincludedinpracticesortrainingsessionsandcanserveaspeercoaches,additionalvolunteers,unifiedpartners,or“buddies”.
2) TeachatleastonelessonfromtheSpecialOlympicsGetIntoItcurriculumtothegeneraleducationclass.Eachofthefourlessonscanbedownloaded,freeofcharge,throughtheSpecialOlympicswebsite.
3) Implementatleastoneschool-wideactivitythatpromotesBeafan™and/orEndtheR-Wordcampaigns.ActivityideascanbefoundontheSchoolActivitiespagewithinthiskit.
4) MeetwithSpecialOlympicsstaffforface-to-facemeetingstodiscussyourspecificProjectUNIFY®program.
5) Submitamonthlylog.These“reports”willgiveSpecialOlympicsstaffabetterlookintoyourprogramandtheactivitiesyou’vedonethroughoutthemonth.ThiswillbeaverysimplerequirementandisoutlinedundertheMonthlyLogsdefinitionintheinitiativessectionofthiskit.
6) Organizesomesortofculminatingactivity.Thisactivitycanbeclassroom-based,school-basedorincludemultipleschoolsinyourdistrict/area.Theactivitycouldbeacompetitionorcouldbeyourschool-wideactivity.
7) Finally,youwillbeaskedtocompleteanonlinesurvey,providedbytheUniversityofMassachusetts,towardstheendoftheschoolyearwhichservesasanevaluationofthegrantproject.Thissurveywillbecompletedbyallschools,acrossthecountry,togatherstatisticsandresultsforthe
nationwideProjectUNIFY®movement.
8) OthersuggestionsthatareencouragedfromeveryschoolinvolvedinProject
UNIFY®are:
a.ParticipationintheProjectUNIFY®EssayContest.
StudentvolunteersandSpecialOlympics
athletesmaysubmitshortessaysbythedesignateddeadline(usuallymid-
Spring)tellingoftheirexperienceof
participationinProjectUNIFY®.Winnersfrom
Elementary,Middle,andHighSchoollevelswillreceivea
cashprize.
b.ParticipationintheStateHouseRallyforProjectUNIFY®.Allschoolswill
beinvitedtoattendthisyouth-drivenevent(endofMarch)topromoteBeafan™andEndtheR-Wordcampaigns.
c. Sharingofphotos,videos,andstoriesoftheiractivitiesandeventsusingweb-basedresources,suchastheSpecialOlympicsFanCommunitysite.
d. DevelopmentofaSchoolCoordinatingTeamwhichwillbecomprisedofatleastonespecialeducationteacher,onegeneraleducationteacher,oneathleteandonepartnerwithsomeinvolvementfromaschooladministrator.Theseteamswillworktogetherandcomeupwithideasforthegrantprojectandhowtheycanimpacttheirschoolclimate.
e. CreationofaFanClubatyourschool.TheseclubswillbecomprisedofstudentsthatwanttohelpintheactivitiesbeingpromotedthroughyourProjectUNIFY®programandpromotetheprogramthroughspecialprojectsoractivities.
Road Map (Continued)
MiddleandHighSchoolsshould:1) BeginaUnifiedSports™programoratraditional
SpecialOlympicssportsprogramthatmustincludeUnifiedExperiences.Ageneraleducationclassorgroupofstudentvolunteersmustbeincludedinanypracticesortrainingsessionsthatarebeingheldandcanserveasunifiedpartnerand/orpeercoaches.
2) YouarerequiredtoteachatleastonelessonfromtheSpecialOlympicsGetIntoItcurriculumtothegeneraleducationclass.Eachofthefourlessonscanbedownloaded,freeofcharge,throughtheSpecialOlympicswebsite.
3) Youmustimplementatleastoneschool-wideactivitythatpromotesBeafan™and/orEndtheR-Wordcampaigns.ActivityideascanbefoundontheSchoolActivitiespagewithinthiskit.
4) MeetwithSpecialOlympicsstaffforface-to-facemeetingstodiscussyourspecificProjectUNIFY®program.
5) Submitamonthlylog.These“reports”willgiveSpecialOlympicsstaffabetterlookintoyourprogramandwhatactivitiesyou’vedonethroughoutthemonth.ThiswillbeaverysimplerequirementandisoutlinedundertheMonthlyLogsdefinitionintheinitiativessectionofthiskit.
6) YourschoolmustestablishaSchoolCoordinatingTeamwhichwillbecomprisedofatleastonespecialeducationteacher,onegeneraleducationteacher,oneathleteandonepartnerwith
someinvolvementfromaschooladministrator.Theseteamswillworktogetherandcomeupwithideasforthegrantprojectandhowtheycanimpacttheirschoolclimate.
7)YourschoolshouldalsocreateandimplementaFanClubforProject
UNIFY®.Theseclubswillbecomprisedofstudentsthatwant
tohelpintheactivitiesbeingpromotedthroughyour
ProjectUNIFY®program.
8) Organizesomesortofculminatingactivity.Thisactivitycanbeclassroom-based,school-basedorincludemultipleschoolsinyourdistrict/area.Theactivitycouldbeacompetitionorcouldbeyourschool-wideactivity.Finally,you
willbeaskedtocompleteanonlinesurvey,providedby
theUniversityofMassachusetts,towardstheendoftheschool
yearwhichservesasanevaluationofthegrantproject.Thissurveywillbe
completedbyallschools,acrossthecountry,togatherstatisticsandresultsforthenationwideProjectUNIFY®movement.
9) OthersuggestionsthatareencouragedfromeveryschoolinvolvedinProjectUNIFY®are:
a. ParticipationintheProjectUNIFY®EssayContest.StudentvolunteersandSpecialOlympicsathletesmaysubmitshortessaysbythedesignateddeadline(usuallymid-Spring)tellingoftheirexperienceofparticipationinProjectUNIFY®.WinnersfromElementary,Middle,andHighSchoollevelswillreceiveacashprize.
b. ParticipationintheStateHouseRallyforProjectUNIFY®.Allschoolswillbeinvitedtoattendthisyouth-drivenevent(endofMarch)topromoteBeafan™andEndtheR-Wordcampaigns.
c.Sharingofphotos,videos,andstoriesoftheiractivitiesandeventsusingweb-basedresources,suchastheSpecialOlympicsFanCommunitysite.
DON’TSTOPNOW
Destination Inclusion TheProjectUNIFY®grantprogramisstructuredaround3coreSpecialOlympicsactivities:
YoungAthletesProgramwitha“buddied”componentforUnifiedExperiences
TraditionalSpecialOlympicsSportsprogramwithUnifiedExperiences
UnifiedSports®
Young Athletes Programisaprogramdesignedfor2-7yearoldsthatisusedtodevelopandintroducefoundationalskillsthroughtheuseof“playactivities”.Eachactivitychallengesathletesthroughlearningthebasicsofsport(i.e.throwing,jumping,catching,etc.)aswellaslearningtofollowinstructions,suchastakingturnsandwaitinginline.
Allactivitiesarealsodesignedtoprepareforsportsparticipationbyincreasingstrengthandcoordinationwhiledevelopinggroupplay.Whiletheprogramisdesignedtopromotegamesandactivitiesovercompetition,itisalsodesignedtobeginpreparationforthemtobegincompetingasaSpecialOlympicsathleteatage8.
AnexampleofhowthisinitiativecanbeimplementedinyourschoolprogramisbytakingapreschoolorKindergartenspecialneedsclassandpairingthemupwitha3rdgradegeneraleducationclass.Thegeneraleducationstudentswouldbecome“buddies”andhelptheirYoungAthletepracticeandmovethroughthedifferentskillsetsyousetup.Theywouldalsostaywiththeirparticular“buddy”throughoutthedurationofyourProjectUNIFY®programsotheycandeveloparelationshipwiththeirnew“friend”.
Traditional Special Olympics Sports with “Unified Experiences”isaninitiativetocreateinclusiveactivitiesthroughSpecialOlympicsandotherschool-basedprograms.GeneraleducationstudentswillpairwithSpecialOlympicathletesandworkwiththemastheypreparefortraditionalsportcompetition.Whiletheyaren’tplayingonthesameteam,manygeneraleducationstudentswillserveaspeerleaders/coaches.
OneexamplewouldbeaYoungAthletesProgramthatpairsyoungmentors/volunteers(withoutintellectualdisabilities)withSpecialOlympicsathletes.Anotherexampleofa“unifiedexperience”wouldbemiddleorhighschoolstudentshelpingathletestrainforaspringgamesevent.OurMotorActivitiesTrainingProgram(MATP)wouldalsofallunderthisinitiative,inwhichcase,anMATPChallengeDaycouldbeplannedandexecutedbythegeneraleducationstudents.ThesestudentscancomeupwiththeactivitiesandeventsthattheMATPathleteswillbeparticipatinginthatday,aswellashelpthemthrougheachchallenge.
Destination Inclusion (Continued)
Unified Sports®isauniqueprogramthatprovidesindividualswithoutintellectualdisabilitiesandSpecialOlympicsathletestheopportunitytotrainandcompeteasateam.Thisinitiativeoffersagreatinclusiveopportunityandenvironmentforboththeathletesandthepartnerstonotonlybecomeateam,buttopromoteacceptancethroughouttheirschools.Throughunifiedsports,schoolclimateswillbechanged.
SpecialOlympicsSouthCarolinaoffers19unifiedopportunitiesinathletics,aquatics,basketball,badminton,bocce,bowling,cheerleading,discgolf,flagfootball,golf,gymnastics,kayaking,powerlifting,sailing,soccer,softball,tennis,teamhandball,andvolleyball.
Unifiedsportsteamshavetheopportunity,aswellasanyothersportinitiative,toattendoneofour3StateGamesayear.FallGamestakeplaceinGreenville,Mid-WinterGamestakesplaceinCharleston,andSummer
GamestakeplaceatFt.JacksoninColumbia,SC.Theseteamswillhavetheopportunitytoexperiencetravelingtothedifferentareasaroundthestateandcompetewithotherskilledunifiedteams.Notonlydotheyreceiveahigh-qualitycompetitionexperience,buttheytakeawaytheexperienceofbuildinglastingfriendshipswitheachotheraswellasindividualsfromalloverthestate.
TheGet Into Itcurriculumismadeupoffour,pre-plannedlessonsandisdesignedtoteachgeneraleducationstudentsfromalllevels,kindergartentocollege,aboutSpecialOlympics,intellectualdisabilities,andinclusion.Thelessonsarebotheasyandeffectivetoolsforteacherstouseintheclassroom.SOSChasreceivednothingbutpositivefeedbackfromeducatorswhohaveusedthecurriculuminthepast.
TheSpecialOlympicsnationalofficeforProjectUNIFY®isnowrequiringstateprogramsparticipatinginProjectUNIFY®torequireschools’participationinatleastaportion(onelesson)oftheGetIntoItcurriculum.InadditiontoSOSC’sneedtofulfillthisrequirement,theSOSCProjectUNIFY®staffunderstandsthevalueinparticipatingschoolsutilizingthecurriculumsothatstudentvolunteersgetabetterunderstandingofthe
individualstheywillbeworkingwith,howtobehave/interactwithSpecialOlympicsathletesinaninclusiveenvironment,andageneralbackgroundontheSpecialOlympicsorganization.
SchoolliaisonsshouldcontactSOSCProjectUNIFY®stafftoreporttheuseofGetIntoItcurriculumsothatSOSCcantracktheuseofthecurriculuminschoolsacrossthestateandisawarethattherequirementhasbeenfulfilledbyeachparticipatingschool.
AllGetIntoItmaterialscanbeeasilydownloadedforfreeovertheinternet.TheProjectUNIFY®staffcane-mailthelinkperrequestoryoucanaccessthelinkfromtheSOSCwebsitebyvisitingwww.so-sc.organdclickingontheProjectUNIFY®page.
education and engagement toolsfor teachers and students
Theoverallprogramgoalof“GetIntoIt”istoteachyoungpeople(studentswithandwithoutdisabilities)aboutintellectualdisabilitieswhileempowering them to “be the difference”
bylearningvaluesofinclusion, acceptance, and respect.
According to a recent “Get Into It” evaluation (conducted by Augenblick, Palaich and Associates-Denver,CO), the following depicts the percentage of teachers with either Excellent, Good, Fair or Poor view(s) of the potential long-lasting impact of
GII activities and curriculum level.
education and engagement toolsfor teachers and students
One teacher testimonial:
“…the message is great for all children! I think that by teaching this in the regular education classroom,
it continues to unify a school.”
education and engagement toolsfor teachers and students
Fromthesamestudy,researcherslookedintohowyouthwasaffectedbytheactivitiesof“GetIntoIt”.
How interesting was the GII Curriculum for you? (by grade level)
To what degree did the curriculum change what you think about persons with intellectual disabilities? (by grade level)
Does the GII curriculum make you more or less likely to get involved with Special Olympics? (by grade level)
Play Your Partand acknowledge different abilities
embrace differencesutilize service learning
implement Get Into It into your school!
education and engagement toolsfor teachers and students
Traffic UpdatesMonthly Logsaresimplereportsof“what’shappening”inparticipatingschoolseachmonthanddonothavetobelonginnaturebutmustincludedetailsofwhatyou,theschoolcoordinatingteam,and/orthestudentshavebeendoingthroughoutthecourseofthemonth.Somemonthsyouwillhavealottoshare,andothersyoumaynot,butwewanttoseewhatplanningandactivitiesgoonwhenweareunabletomakeittoyourschoolorpractices.Itisacceptableandevenencouragedtotaskmonthlylogstoyourstudents.
Monthlylogscanbeacceptedanumberofdifferentways,butjustmakesureyounotifyyourSOSCStaffmemberofhowyouaregoingtosubmityourreports.Wearelookingforwardtohearingfromyouandseeingthegrowthinyourprogramasyougothroughthegrantyear.
WHAT’SHAPPENING?
Monthly logs may be communicated in the following manner(s)…
•AProjectUNIFY®teacherorliaisonsubmitsmonthlylogstoSOSCStaffattheendofeachmonth.Eachlogisafewparagraphsinawrittenemailorworddocumenthighlightingtheactivitiesoreventsthatwentonduringthatparticularmonth.Thelengthofthetextwilldependontheamountofinformationtoshare,andwillvaryfromonemonthtothenext.
•ProjectUNIFY®studentsworktogetheronmonthlylogsandsubmittoSOSCStaffbytheendofeachmonth.Theycancomeupwithaonepagedocumentoremailthattellsushowtheiractivitieswentandwhattheylearnedduringthemonth.
•ProjectUNIFY®students,teachersorliaisonscanjointheSpecialOlympicsFanCommunitywebsitebycreatingasitethatservesastheirprogram’swebsite.OnFanCommunity,youcansubmitamonthly“blog”tellingnotonlySOSCStaff,buttheSpecialOlympicsNationalofficeandotherProjectUNIFY®participatingschoolsacrossthecountry,whatyouaredoingasaschoolcommunitythroughtheProjectUNIFY®initiativesandevents.
Calls to ActionBe a Fan™isafullyintegratedmarketingcampaigndesignedtosendapowerfulmessagethatresonateswiththegeneralpublic,tappingincorevaluesandattributesthateveryonecanappreciate-unity,acceptance,empowerment,respect,inclusion,dignity,courage,strength,pride,confidenceandfun.Thecampaigncombinesthe“Beafan”withtheseattributesinthefollowingmanner…
• Beafanofcourage.• Beafanofstrength.• Beafanofinclusion.• Beafanofspirit.• Beafanofcommunity.
ThiscampaignoffersawonderfullypositivemessageforSpecialOlympics“fans”touseinpromotingthemanywonderfulaspectsofSpecialOlympicsandProjectUNIFY®programsandtheattributesofthepeopleinvolved,bothvolunteersandathletes.
End the R-Wordcampaignisdesignedtoraisetheconsciousnessofsocietyaboutthedehumanizingandhurtfuleffectsofthe“R-word”(retardorretarded)andurgespeopletoresolvetostopusingitasaninsult,casualorintendedcomment.
TheR-Wordcampaignhasbecomeasignificantyouth-driveninitiativeforProjectUNIFY®,especiallyamongmiddleandhighschoolstudents.YoungpeopletrulybecomeagentsofchangeintheircommunityandstudentsvolunteersandSpecialOlympicsathletesbecomeadvocatesforallpeoplewithintellectualdisabilities.
A Youth-Driven HighwaySchool Coordinating Teamsarecomprisedofatleastonespecialeducationteacher(mostlikelytheschoolliaison),onegeneraleducationteacher,oneSpecialOlympicsathlete,andonestudentwithoutintellectualdisabilities,aswellassomeinvolvementfromaschooladministrator.Thisgroupofindividualswillworktogethertoserveasprojectleadersandplannersfortheirschool’sProjectUNIFY®program,includingtheBeafan™and/orR-Wordcampaigns.SchoolCoordinatingTeamsareencouragedtomeetatleast3timesduringthecourseofthegrant’sprojectyearwiththeideathatonemeetingwouldbeheldbeforeorduringthebeginningstagesofthegrantprojecttobrainstormideasforupcomingactivitiesandevents,
onemeetingheldduringthegrantprojecttoassesstheprogressofactivitiesandevents,andonemeetingheldattheconclusionoftheprojecttoevaluatetheindividualcomponentsandoverallimpactofthegrantproject.
SchoolshavetheauthoritytomakeSchoolCoordinatingTeamsasbigastheywouldlikeandcreateamuchmoreintensivemeetingschedulethanthe3-meetingguideline.SchoolCoordinatingTeamsarearequirementforallparticipatingmiddleandhighschools,butarealsoencouragedforparticipatingelementaryschools.
A Youth-Driven Highway (Continued)
Fan Clubs for Project UNIFY®areschool-wideclubscomprisedofindividualswithandwithoutintellectualdisabilitieswhopromotesocialjusticeandrespectforSpecialOlympicsathletesthroughavarietyofactivitiesandprojects.TheSOSCProjectUNIFY®staffisrequiringallmiddleandhighschoolsparticipatinginProjectUNIFY®tocreateFan Clubsattheirschoolsandweencourageelementaryschoolstodothesame.
Fan ClubswillbedesignedtoaccomplishthegoalsofProjectUNIFY®byutilizingthecommitmentandleadershipofstudentsastheyworktogetherinavarietyofways.Fan ClubswillbeencouragedtodesigntheirownprojectsinvolvingEndtheR-Wordcampaigns,Beafan™promotions,FansintheStands,SpecialOlympicssportseventsinschools,etc.
TheorganizationoftheFan Clubsandtheclub’smeetingscheduleswillbedeterminedbysupportingfacultymembersand/ortheclubmembers.Theclubswillberequiredtomeetatleast3timesduringthecourseoftheschoolyear.Fan ClubswillbeprovidedaYouthGuidefromtheSOSCofficetoassistwithprojectideas.
EachFan Clubshouldorganizeatleastoneprojectoractivitythatinvolvestheentirestudentbody.Examplesoftheseprojects/activitiesareincludedintheSchool-WideActivitiessection.
A Youth-Driven Highway (Continued)
South Carolina Youth Council for Project UNIFY®isagroupofhighschoolstudentvolunteersthathavedemonstratedgreatleadershipandcompassionforourathletesandhavebeennominatedbytheirteacherstoserveasyouthliaisonstotheSOSCProjectUNIFY®StaffinplanningandimplementingProjectUNIFY®intheirschoolsandcommunities.
MemberswillbenotifiedbeforetheybreakfortheholidayseasonandwillbeaskedtoattendSOSC’sAnnualLeadershipConference(January)inMyrtleBeach.There,theywilllearnthefundamentalsoftheProjectUNIFY®movementaswellasbegiventhetoolstotakebacktotheirindividualschools.Itisourhopethattheytakewhattheyhavelearnedandimplementthatknowledgetoplanandexecuteschool-wideactivitiesthatpromoteinclusionandacceptanceforandamongtheirpeers.
TheSouthCarolinaYouthCouncilforProjectUNIFY®willalsohavetheopportunitytoplayalargeroleintheplanningandpreparationforourStateHouseRallyinMarch.TheoverallgoalofYouthCouncilmembersistoserveasambassadorsforthisgrantprojectinandaroundtheirlocalcommunitiesandthroughoutthestate.
Athlete Advisory CouncilisagroupofhighschoolstudentswithintellectualdisabilitiesthatwillofferSOSCProjectUNIFY®StafftheperspectiveofaSpecialOlympicsathletewhilehelpingtoplanProjectUNIFY®programs.Theseathleteswillbenominatedbytheirteachersbecauseoftheirdesireandabilitytolead,theirpositiveattitude,andtheirbeliefthattheycanprovideinsightforcreatingeffectiveactivitiesforProjectUNIFY®.
MembersoftheAthleteAdvisoryCouncilwillhavetheopportunitytoattendSOSC’sAnnualLeadershipConference(January)inMyrtleBeach.There,theywillhavetheopportunitytoparticipateintheAthleteLeadershipProgram,whichalsooffersanopportunitytoenhancetheirleadershipskillswheretheywillbetrainedinpresentationskillstolearnhowtoeffectivelyspreadthemessageofSpecialOlympicsandProjectUNIFY®totheirschoolsandthroughouttheircommunities.TheywillalsobeworkingalongsidetheSouthCarolinaYouthCouncilforProjectUNIFY®duringtheirtimeattheconference.TheywillhelpwithprovidinginsightandideasfortheStateHouseRally,aswellaslearningtohelpintheplanningandexecutionofinitiatingschool-wideactivitiesbackattheirschools.
A Youth-Driven Highway (Continued)
Fans in the StandsisaSpecialOlympicsinitiativedesignedtoengagestudents,familymembers,and/orotherSpecialOlympicssupporterstoorganizeeffortsincheeringonSpecialOlympicsathletesinaction.Theseeffortsmayincludemakingposters,bannersortheorganizationofaschool-widepeprallyforSpecialOlympicsathletesattheirschools.ItalsoencouragesthosestudentstoattendaSpecialOlympicseventtocheerontheirclassmates.Thispromotesunityandacceptanceaswellasteachesthesestudentsthetruemeaningofbeingafriend.AgreatexampleofthisinitiativeisafundraiserthatwasorganizedataparticipatingProjectUNIFY®highschooltosupportathletesattendingthe2010USANationalGames.TeachersweretoplaytheSCNationalUnifiedBasketballteamandstudentscouldpay$1togetoutoflunchtoattendthegame.Morethan300studentscametosupporttheseathletesandasmallgroupevenmadeandworet-shirtsthatspelledout“I’mafanofSpecialOlympics!”Bannersfilledthegymandsupportivestudentswereevenabletobringoutlocalmedia.NotonlydoesthisshowagreatexampleofFansintheStands”butitalsoshowhowProjectUNIFY®activitiesandinitiativescanimpactandbringchangetotheentireschoolclimate.EachstudentinvolvedwithFansintheStandsinitiativesisconsideredtobeinvolvedwithProjectUNIFY®.SchoolsareencouragedtoreportthesenumberstoshowtheoverallimpactofProjectUNIFY®initiativesschool-wide.
Athlete Leadership Programisaprogramdesignedtoempowerathletestobecomeleaders“offtheplayingfield”andintheircommunities.Thisprogramoffersopportunitiesforgreaterparticipationinourmovementbeyondsportstrainingandcompetitionascoaches,officials,spokespeople,andBoardmembers.AthletesundergotrainingtolearnpresentationandpublicspeakingskillstospreadthemessageofSpecialOlympicstothegeneralpublic.ThroughALP,athletescanlearnhowtospeakpersuasively;interviewwiththemedia;mentorandspeakupforotherathletes;andprepareforfundraisingevents,andmore.TheAthleteLeadershipProgramenhancesleadershipskillsandencouragesathletestoexceloutsidetherealmofsports.
Power In PartnershipsGreatthingscanbeaccomplishedthroughProjectUNIFY®whenpartnershipsareformedwithintheschoolcommunity.Somesuggestionsforpartnershipsinclude:
Partnerwithexistingschoolclubsorstudentorganizationssuchasstudentcouncil,KeyClubs,BetaClubs,NationalJuniorHonorSociety,FCA,JuniorCivitans,studentcadets,etc.Membersoftheseorganizationscanserveasunifiedpartners,volunteersforevents,FansintheStandsatlocalorstatecompetitions,advocatesduringR-Wordcampaigns,etc.
Partnerwithcivicclubsinthecommunityforfundraising,awareness,supplyandvolunteerresources.Forexample,askalocalchapterofacivicclubtocometotheschoolonceaweektoassistwithSpecialOlympicsunifiedandtraditional
tennistraining.Membersoftheclubcouldthenassistwithsecuringatennisvenueforanendoftheyearcompetitionandsupplytherefreshmentsandvolunteers.
Partnerwithalocalbusinessinthesamecapacityasyouwouldalocalcivicclub.Localbusinessescanbecomeinvolvedwithaprogramavarietyofwayswhichincludesponsorship,specialevents,volunteersfortrainingandcompetition
Partnerwithajuniorvarsityorvarsityathletesfromtheschooltoassistwithunifiedortraditionalsportstraining/competition.Forexample,thevarsitybasketballteamcouldputonaclinicfortheSpecialOlympicsbasketballteamorthevarsityteamcouldplaytheunifiedteaminafunschoolevent.
Power In Partnerships (Continued)
Partnerwithadministrationand/ortheGuidanceOfficetoincorporateyourProjectUNIFY®goalsandprogramsintotheoverallschoolstructureandmission.OnegreatexampleistheestablishmentofaUnifiedSports®PEClass,whichshouldbeincludedintheschool’scoursecatalogue.AnotherexamplewouldbeincludingSpecialOlympicsathleteawardsattheendoftheyearsportsbanquet.ThiscouldevenincludeSpecialOlympicsathletesreceivingvarsitylettersforoutstandingeffortsandaccomplishmentsinsports.
PartnerwiththelocalParksandRecreationCommissionforfacilityuse,sportsexpertise,andadditionaltrainingandcompetitionopportunitiesforyourathletes.
PartnerwithanexistingSportsCluborVenueforfacilityusage,volunteers,andsportexpertise.Forexample,aschoolparticipatinginaSpecialOlympicsgolfprogramcouldpartnerwithalocalcountryclubtousethecourseseveraltimesduringthetrainingseasonaswellasutilizethegolfprosforclinicsandadditionalcoachesduringtheevents.
Partnerwithalocalcollegeoruniversityforavarietyofprogramresources.Alocalcollegecouldhostalocalcompetitionformultipleschoolsandprovidevolunteersforanevent.AnotherwaytoutilizeapartnershipwithacollegeoruniversitywouldbetoworkwiththeAdaptivePEorSpecialEducationDepartmenttoarrangeopportunitiesfortheirstudentstocomeintoyourclassroomsandtrainyourathletesinYoungAthleteProgramsortraditionalsportsskillssets.
PartnerwithotherschoolsparticipatinginProjectUNIFY®tocombineeffortsandresourcesfortrainingandcompetitionevents.Oneexamplewouldbeplanningaunifiedbasketballtournamentwiththreeotherschools,whereallteachersandyouthinvolvedworktogetherontheeventandgivetheathletestheawesomeexperienceofcompetingagainstotherathletesinthearea.
Yield for EmpowermentState House RallyisaneventthattakesplaceattheendofMarchontheStateHousestepsinColumbiatopromotebothBeafan™andEndtheR-WordcampaignsbybringingtogetherhundredsofyouthandadultsastheypledgetoendtheR-Word,allwhilepromotingtherespectandacceptanceformorethan18,000SpecialOlympicathletesstatewide.Thisrallyisdesignedtobeyouth-drivenandfocusesonthepositiveeffectsthattheyouth,throughProjectUNIFY®activities,arebringingtotheirschools,communitiesandstate.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver Dayisanannualevent,takingplacethelastSaturdayofSeptember,tohonorthelateEuniceKennedyShriverwhofoundedtheSpecialOlympicsmovement.Mrs.Shriverbrokedownsocialandcivilbarrierstoimprovethelivesofindividualswithintellectualdisabilities.Thisdaywillbeacelebrationofherlifeandacallforpeopletocommitactionsofinclusion,acceptance,andunityforandwithpeoplewithintellectualdisabilities.Itwillbeusedtoinspirenewfanstoexperienceherlegacyandembracethemovementshefounded.LeadinguptoEKSDay,itisourhopethatyouandyourschooltakepartinlearningmoreaboutEuniceKennedyShriveranddemonstrateactsofinclusion,acceptance,andunitythroughSpecialOlympicactivitiesandinitiatives.MoreinformationonMrs.Shriver,herlegacy,andEKSDayisavailablethroughtheSpecialolympics.organdEunicekennedyshriver.orgwebsites.
Be a fan of IMPACTIdeas for School-wide Activities, Events and/or Projects…
PassoutBeafan™orEndtheR-Wordstickerstofellowstudentsduringlunchperiodorattheentranceofaschoolsportingevent.
Organizea“SpecialOlympicsNight”ataschoolvarsitygamewheretheSpecialOlympicsathletesreceivefreeadmissionandtheathletesandunifiedpartners/studentvolunteersarerecognizedduringhalftime.
Plan(withtheapprovalofadministration)aschool-widepeprallyorassemblyinsupportofSpecialOlympicsathletesandProjectUNIFY®activities.ThiseventalsotiesdirectlyintotheFansintheStandsinitiative.
Organizeaschool-wideBeafan™orEndtheR-WordpostercampaigntobejudgedbySpecial
Olympicsathletes,schooladministrationorlocalcelebrities(winningpostercouldevenbeturnedintoabannertobehunginacommonareaoftheschool).
CreatepledgebannersforstudentstopledgeagainsttheuseoftheR-Word,whichcanbesetupforsigningincafeteriaorhallways.
DesignateanentireweekasBeafan™WeektopromoteandeducatetheentireschoolonthepurposeofProjectUNIFY®andSpecialOlympicsandhowitimpactstheathletesandstudentvolunteersthroughavarietyofwayswhilecelebratingthefunbeinghadbyparticipants.
Organizeat-shirtdesigncontestwithathemeofBeafan™orEndtheR-Wordandallowthewinningdesignserveastheschool’sofficialt-shirtdesignforProjectUNIFY®(orevenSpringGames)
Be a fan of IMPACT (Continued)
CreateaPublicServiceAnnouncement(PSA)featuringstudents,faculty,andadministrationpromotingBeafan™orEndtheR-Wordcampaigns.ThesePSA’scanbebroadcastedthroughouttheschoolduringmorning“news”production.
IncorporateEuniceKennedyShriverandSpecialOlympicslessonsinallSocialStudiesclasses,school-wide,foradesignatedperiodoftime(oneweek,onemonth,etc.).
Organizeaschool-wideTorchRuneventtopromoteanupcomingSpecialOlympicscompetitionand/orevent.
PromoteFansintheStandsbysettingupastationinthecafeteriaforstudentstosignuptoserveasFansintheStandsfortheirSpecialOlympicsathletesatupcomingSpecialOlympicsevents.
SharethepurposeofProjectUNIFY®andSpecialOlympicsincludingtheimportanceoftreatingstudentswithintellectualdisabilitieswithrespect
andacceptanceovertheschoolannouncementsornewsbroadcast.
ProfileoneSpecialOlympicsathleteeachweekduringschoolannouncementstohighlighttheirpersonality,attributes,andaccomplishments,especiallythoseachievedorenhancedthroughtheirparticipationwithSpecialOlympics.
DesignabulletinboardincommonareaoftheschooltopromoteProjectUNIFY®andupdatetheschoolonwhat’shappeningwiththegrant’sactivitiesintheschool.
PromoteapledgecampaigntoEndtheR-Wordbychallengingtheschoolprincipal(orfavoritesportscoach,localcelebrity,etc.)togetupontheroofforanentireday,shavetheirbeard,orwearasportsuniformtoschoolifthegoalof1000pledgesismet.
PartnerwithadramaclasstocreateaskitbasedonProjectUNIFY®initiativesthatincludesrolesforsomeSpecialOlympicsathletesandcanbeperformedfortheentireschool.
Be a fan of FUN!OtherFunIdeasofSchoolandCommunity-basedActivitiesforFanClubs,SchoolCoordinatingTeamsand/orParticipatingClasses…
Participateina“gameshow”forstudentstotesttheirknowledgeofSpecialOlympicsandProjectUNIFY®.
Marchinacommunityparadeandpassoutpromotionalitems/informationforProjectUNIFY®andSpecialOlympics,wearProjectUNIFY®t-shirts,andcarryschool’sProjectUNIFY®bannertopromotethestudents’involvement.
OrganizeatorchrunthroughthetowntopromoteBeafan™/EndtheR-Wordcampaign(s)orupcomingSpecialOlympicscompetition.
Partnerwithschool’svarsitysportsteamtoplanaspecialtrainingsessionorclinicfortheSpecialOlympicsunifiedortraditionalteam.
SetupaProjectUNIFY®and/orSpecialOlympicsboothinalocalfestivaltoeducatethecommunityontheschool’sinvolvementwithProjectUNIFY®andpromoteBeafan™orEndtheR-wordcampaignstothecommunityatlarge.
MarkoffaunifiedareaofthelunchroomforFanClubmembers,otherinterestedstudent“fans”,andSpecialOlympicsathletestoenjoylunchtogether.Theselunchescantakeplaceonaregularbasis,whetherit’severyday,onceaweek,oronceamonth.Administration,faculty,and/orsportscoachescouldgetinvolvedwiththeselunchesaswell.
Be a fan of FUN! (Continued)
PlansportspracticesforyoungergradesthatwillberunbySpecialOlympicsathletesandunifiedpartners.Thiscouldbeahighschoolgroupgoingtoamiddleschoolgroupormiddleschoolgroupgoingtoanelementaryschoolgrouptohelpwithaspecificsport.
WorkwithFanClubstoproduceaUnifiedsectionoftheschoolpaperorevenanexclusiveunifiednewslettertopromote,communicate,andexplainunifiedactivitieshappeningattheschoolthroughouttheschoolyear.
ParticipateintheSpecialOlympicsSouthCarolinaEssayContestforProjectUNIFY®duringlate-Springforthechancetowingreatacclaimandacashprize.
CoordinatewiththeYearbookStaffatschooltocreateaProjectUNIFY®pageintheyearbookorevenaSpecialOlympicsspreadinthesportssection.
OrganizeaunifiedtalentshowthatcanbeclosedofftojustSpecialOlympicsathletesandunifiedpartnersorcouldbeopeneduptotheentireschool.
Collaboratewithschoolsportsteamstoholdjointpracticesessionsacoupletimesduringaspecificsportsseason.
Planning an event…It’sapieceAPIE!
A = Access
Thefirststepistoaccesswhatprograms/sports/eventswouldinterestandbestserveyourschool.Talktoyourstudentsandseewhattheywouldliketodo.HoldinformalsurveyswithotherteachersintheschoolandyourSchoolCoordinatingTeamtoseewhattheyfeeltheneedsareinyourschool/community.Thinkoftiming!Whenisthebesttimetoholdaneventinyourschool?Thinkofweather,otherbigeventsinyourschool,testingschedules,etc.
P = Plan
Sonowyouhavedecidedwhattheneedsareinyourschool.It’stimetopickyourevent!Decidethegoalofyourevent.Whatinitiativeareyoutryingtopromote?Howbestcanyoumeetthisgoal?Brainstorm!Useyourresources,otherteachers,theSchoolCoordinatingTeam,SouthCarolinaYouthCouncilforProjectUNIFY®members,students,SOSCstaff,etc.Getasmanyideasasyoucan,thennarrowthemdownbywhatisfeasibleandwouldmostlikelybesuccessful.
Onceyouhaveyourprogram/evenidea,it’stimetoplan!Decideonyourlocationandtime.Ifyouaregoingoffcampus,youmayneedcityortownpermits.Besuretogetapprovalfromyouradministrators.Createatimelineofwhatneedstobedone.Delegateresponsibilitiesanduseyourresources!Clearlymarkonyourtimelinewhowillberesponsibleforeachtask.Createabudget.DoyouneedextrafundingoutsideofthefundingyoureceivedthroughProjectUNIFY®?Ifso,howwillyoufindthisfunding(additionalPUgrants,sellmerchandise,communitysponsorships,school-widefundraisers)?Alwayspromoteyour
event.Gettheschoolmediaoutletsinvolved(Yearbook,Newspapers,TVnewsshows,morningannouncements,etc.).Pullinthecommunitymediaaswell.Sendoutpressreleasestwoweeksbeforetheevent.Youmaywanttofollowupafewdaysbeforeasareminder.Lastthing,haveabackupplan.Whatifit’sraining?
I = ImplementPreparebeforehandandarriveearlytosetupthelocation.Havevolunteersorotherstaffonhandtohelp.CheckallPAequipmentandhavesomeoneoncallifitisnotworking.Setupchairs,equipment,decorateasneeded.
HavesomeoneinchargeofPR/Media.Thispersonwillgiveinterviewsorintroducethemediafolkstootherstobeinterviewed,andansweranyquestions.
Participate!Enjoyyoureventandalltheworkthatwentintoit.Besureandtakepictures!TheSOSCProjectUNIFY®staffwouldlovetosee/havepicturesfromyoureventsobesuretosendextracopies.
E = Evaluate
Afteryouhavehadsometimetorestandrecoverfromthebigevent,makesuretoevaluateandmakenotesfornexttime.Getfeedbackfromparticipants,parents,teachers,andadministrators.Whatdidtheylike,whatdidnotwork?
Recordanyissuesthatyousaw,andwhatyoucoulddotomakeiteasiernextyear.Bethorough,theevaluationnotescanhelpyounextyearorsomeoneelseshouldtheytakeovertheevent.Finally,bragonyourevent!Leteveryoneknowthesuccessstories,includingyouradministration,theSOSCstaff,andothersinyourdistrict.
Planning a Special Olympics Competition• Ifholdingacompetition,completetheLocalGames
SanctioningFormandreturnittotheSOSCStaff.
• ArrangetohaveMedicalStaffattheevent.Thiscanbeaschoolnurse,EMT,AthleticTrainer,etc.
• AllAthletescompetingMUSThavevalidanduptodateMedical/Releaseforms.HaveyourMedicalStaffchecktheseastheAthletesarrive.CoachesmustkeepmedicalswiththematalltimesduringtheCompetition.
• OrderribbonsormedalsthroughtheSOSCstaff.Allowatleast3weeksfordelivery.Remember,onlyofficialSpecialOlympicribbons/medalscanbeusedforawards.AllAthleteswhocompetemustreceiveanaward.ParticipationRibbonsaretobeusedforallYoungAthletes,oranAthletewhogetsdisqualified,orcomesin8thplace.LocalAreamedalscanbeusedfor1st-3rdplace,thesearesmallerinsizethantheStateGamesmedals.
• PlananOpeningCeremony.MustincludetheAthleteOathandadeclarationofthe“GamesOpen”.CanalsoincludetheNationalAnthem,thePledgeofAllegiance,aParadeofAthletes,aguestspeaker,TorchRun,andlightingoftheFlame.ContactyourSOSCstafftoreservethetorchand/orCauldron.
• Arrangevolunteers.HaveDayofEventvolunteerssigninwhentheyarrive,delegatesomeoneonyourcommitteetoregisterthevolunteersandassigntheirtasks.
• AthletesshouldbedivisionedbasedoncriteriausedinallSpecialOlympicsdivisioning,whichincludesability,age,andgender;inthatorder.Formoreinformationonappropriateandeffectivedivisioning,contactSpecialOlympicsstaff.
Web-based Media OutletsThereareavarietyofweb-basedmediaoutletsthatcanbeusedtosharepictures,videosandinformationregularlywithSOSCStaff,aswellasotherprograms.Usingsocialmediaisanexcitingwayforstudentswithandwithoutintellectualdisabilitiestoworktogetherandpromotetheirprojectsandinclusiveactivitiestoamuchwideraudience.Belowyouwillfinddifferenttoolsforincorporatingweb-basedmediaintoyourProjectUNIFY®programs.
•SpecialOlympicsFanCommunity- http://www.specialolympics.org/community/
FanCommunityisasocialnetworkingsitedesignedforSpecialOlympicStateProgramsandparticipatingProjectUNIFY®schoolstoconnectwithothersthroughSpecialOlympicsinitiatives,projects,andevents.Thissitewascreatedtoshareinformationonyourdifferentprogramsandcanserveasyourschool’sProjectUNIFY®website.SpecialOlympics,Inc.lookscloselyateachsiteandwillcommentontheexcitingworkthatyoupost.Youcanuploaddocuments,videos,picturesaswellas“blog”posts.
TheideabehindFanCommunityistogetyourstudentsinvolvedincreatingandmaintainingyoursiteinordertopromoteinclusiveactivities.ManypicturesandblogsfromFanCommunitysitesarefeaturedinNationalpublicationsforSpecialOlympics!
Web-based Media Outlets (Continued)
•Facebook-www.facebook.com
Facebookisanothersocialnetworkingsitethatisusedtoconnectwithindividualsbysettingupyourownpersonal“profile”.Youcanaddfriends,supportcauses,joininterestgroups,sharephotosandvideos,allwhilepromotingtheimportanceofinclusionandacceptance.ManyofourProjectUNIFY®programshavedevelopedgrouppagestosharetheiractivitiesandpromotethemovement.Facebookcanbeaproductivewebsiteventureforyourstudentsandforyourschoolprogramtocontinuouslyupdateandaddphotosorvideostosupport/promoteyourproject.
•Twitter-www.twitter.com
Twitterisaninteractivesocialmediasitethatallowsyoutopostandpromoteupcomingevents,ideas,projectstoawideraudiencefromtheconvenienceofacellphoneorcomputer.Manystudentshaveaccountsandcanuploadannouncementsquicklytospreadthewordofupcomingevents/activitiesinyourschoolandsurroundingcommunity.
•YouTube-www.youtube.com
YouTubeisawebsitethathasbeencreatedtouploadvideosofyourdifferentactivitiesandeventsandsharethemwithamuchwideraudience.Forprivacyissues,videoscanbeuploadedtobesharedwiththepublicorwithaprivateaudience.Eitherway,thisisagreattooltousetosharevideosofyoureventsorprojectswithotherstudents,administration,andSOSCStaff.
Template of a Press ReleaseFrom a School Participating in Young Athletes Program with Project UNIFY®
Date
School nameisproudtopartnerwithSpecialOlympicsSouth
Carolina’sProjectUnify®topromoteinclusivesportsopportunities
forSpecialOlympicsathletes.ThroughagrantfromtheFederal
DepartmentofEducation,schoolnamewillreceiveamount of grant
topromotetheYoungAthleteProgramwithintheschoolsetting.
Bothschool nameandSpecialOlympicsfeelstronglythatinclusive
activitiesenhancetheoveralleducationforbothSpecialOlympics
athletesandnon-handicappedstudents.TheYoungAthleteProgram
isdesignedforspecialneedsstudentsasyoungasthreeyearsoldto
developsportsskillsandprepareathletesforSpecialOlympicssports
competitionatageeight.ProjectUnify®willpairstudentswithin
school nametoassistwithweeklyactivities.
Past projects of Young Athletes in a unified setting, show that non-
handicappedstudentsinvolvedinactivitieswithSpecialOlympics
athletesrealizethetwogroupsare“morealikethandifferent”.
Template of a Press ReleaseFrom a School Participating in Unified Sports or Traditional Sports program with Project UNIFY®
Date
School nameisproudtopartnerwithSpecialOlympicsSouth
Carolina’sProjectUnify®topromoteinclusivesportsopportunities
forSpecialOlympicsathletes.ThroughagrantfromtheFederal
DepartmentofEducation,school namewillreceiveamount of grant
topromotesportwithintheschoolsetting.
Bothschool nameandSpecialOlympicsfeelstronglythatinclusive
activitiesenhancetheoveralleducationforbothSpecialOlympics
athletesandnon-handicappedstudents.ProjectUnify®promotes
Unified Sports® as well as unified awareness activities. Unified
SportsoffersopportunitiesforSpecialOlympicsAthletestopairwith
non-handicappedindividualsforsportstrainingandcompetitions.
Theprogramhasprovedsuccessfulinhighlightingabilitiesof
SpecialOlympicsathletesandofferinginclusioninthecommunity
andschools.
Inadditiontothesportsopportunities,school namestudentswillbe
challengedtodevelopaplantopromotetheSpecialOlympics“Bea
fan”campaign,stressingschoolwideinclusiveactivities.
Sample Letter to Parents
Date
DearParent,
Wearepleasedtosharewithyouanexcitinginitiativethat(nameofschool)islaunching
(orcontinuing)called(insertnameorProjectUNIFY).Thefocusofthisinitiativeistoengage
studentswithandwithoutintellectualdisabilitiesinactivitiestocreateaschoolcommunitythat
fostersrespectanddignityforall.Doesn’tthatsoundexciting?
(NameofprojectorProjectUNIFY)ismadepossiblethroughacompetitivegrantprocess,
fundedbyaU.S.DepartmentofEducationawardtoSpecialOlympics.Forover42years,
SpecialOlympicshasevolvedasmorethananorganizationfocusedonjustdeliveringsports
trainingandcompetitionasameanstobuildingskillsandcompetenciesinpersonswith
intellectualdisabilities,showcasingtheirskillsandgiftstoothers.Wehavebecomeaglobal
movementrelevanttoallofus,where,throughinclusiveprogramming,youngpeoplewithand
withoutintellectualdisabilitiesengagetogether,usingsportsastheplatformforcommunity
changeandsocialimpact.Ourinnovativeapproachusinginclusivesportsasameanstoward
social justice serves to benefit school communities and creates positive school climates where
studentsareappropriatelyengagedinschool-basedprogramsandactivitiesthatleadtotheir
achievementandsuccess.SpecialOlympicsbelievesdeeplyinthevalueofsportsalongwith
theschoolenvironmentasimportantco-contributorstoprovidingasenseofaccomplishment,
confidence and pride for students with intellectual disabilities, and to increasing the
understanding,acceptanceandsensitivitytowardsthembystudentswithoutintellectual
disabilities.
At(insertschoolname)wearepleasedtoannouncethatyourchildwillhavetheopportunity
to participate in our (Young Athletes/Unified Sports/Partners Clubs/Fans in the Stands/other)
Program.Studentswithandwithoutintellectualdisabilitieswillparticipatetogetherinactivities
thatwillserveasthefoundationforfutureparticipationinsport,inlifeandinthegreater
community.InYoungAthletes,skillssuchasrunning,jumping,throwing,andgeneralplay
activities will be used as preparation for future success in softball, track and field, basketball
or whatever sport your child chooses to participate. In Unified Sports, your child will have the
opportunityparticipateincompetitivesports,whilelearningtoappreciatetheskillsandabilities
ofhisorherpeers,andbuildteamwork,character,understandingandawarenessaboutdifferent
abilities.Throughsport,friendshipswillbeformedthatwilllastlongafterschoolhasended.
Pleasejoinusincelebratingthisopportunityforchildrentoseeandappreciatetheabilities
oftheirpeersandtoseethemasfriends,teammatesandclassmatesratherthanjustdifferent.
Ifyouhavequestions,pleasedonothesitatetocontact().Welookforwardto
sharingoursuccesses.
Sincerely,
Yourname
YourContactInfo
Levels of Relationships and InfluenceTherearemanydifferentwaystointeractwithSpecialOlympicsathletes.ThefollowingseparateseachdifferentlevelofinfluenceyoucanincorporateintodailyProjectUNIFY®activities.
Level 1 –Basic Positive Social InteractionBy:smiling,waving,high-five,patontheback,“goodtoseeyou”,“how’syourday?”,etc.Tellyouthtoincorporatethisinfluenceonaneverydaybasiswhentheyseetheirpeerswithintellectualdisabilities.Byincorporatingthissocialinteraction,youareestablishingabasicpositiverelationship.
Level 2 – Taking a Personal Interest in the StudentBy:initiatingconversationsandfindingouttheirinterests,familyinformation,pets,favorites,aspirations,nicknames,etc.Encourageathletesandpartnerstogettoknoweachotheronamorepersonallevel.Thiscanbeaccomplishedbyincorporatingactivitiesinyourtrainingsessionsorbypartnerstakingtheinitiativetowalkwithathletesinthehalls,sitwiththematlunch,etc.
Level 3 – Identifying, Acknowledging and Encouraging Young People’s Gifts and TalentsBy:conversingwiththem,observingthem,playingwiththem,lookingcloselyattheirwork,listeningtothem,andbywordsofaffirmation,writingnotes,attendingevents,apatontheback,etc.Makesuretoacknowledgethoseindividualsthatareputtingintheextraefforttoimpacttheirschoolcommunityandbringaboutchange.
Level 4 – Challenging Young PeopleBy:havinghighexpectations,issuingchallenges,helpingthemtosetgoals,usingaffirmations,checkinginwiththem,etc.Youcanchallengeyouthtotakeonaproject/activityandmakeittheirown.Encouragethemtotakealeadershiproleinchangingthesocialclimateattheirschool.
Level 5 – Focusing on Building Specific AssetsBy:developingaplanforbuildingspecificexternalassetsandworkingwiththemdirectlyonkeyinternalassets.Forinstance,providekeyinstructiontothesportasawholeandalsokeepastrongfocusonbuildingpotentialineachmemberoftheteam.
Level 6 – Keeping in Touch Over TimeBy:sendingacard,aphonecall,e-mail,attendinganeventtheyareinvolvedin,etc.Remindyouththattheyarekeyadvocatesfortheirfriendswithintellectualdisabilitiesandthattheyhavebeengiventhetoolsandresourcestokeepintouchwiththemfortherestoftheirlives.TheycancontinuetovolunteerforSpecialOlympicsbuttheycanalsoalwayskeepintouchwiththefriendstheymadethroughthisProjectUNIFY®experience.
Athlete Behavior Characteristics & Strategies to Improve Learning
maynotbedefiance,actingoutorsilliness.Thesebehaviorsmaysimplybeareflectionorpartofthepersonand/orwhatisoperatingatthemoment.
Whenpossible,talkwithparents,providers,teachers,formercoaches,etc.aboutanathlete’scharacteristicsandthesuccessfulstrategiesusedtoaffectlearning.Usethecharacteristicsasachecklist.Ensurethatoneormoreofthestrategiesoppositetherespectivecharacteristicsareemployedineachpractice.
Thegoalofthechartbelowistoprovidecoacheswithinformation(notlabels)andstrategiesregardingdifferentfunctionalandlearningbehavioralcharacteristics(notlabels)ofathletes.ThegoalisforcoachestoteachandcoachSpecialOlympicsathletesmoreeffectively.However,acoachmayhavecertainexpectationsofanathletethatmaynotberealistic…notbecausethecoachdoesnotcare,butbecausethecoachdoesnotunderstandorappreciatethedifferencesthatmayexist.
Whenanathleteexhibitswhatisgenerallyperceivedasinappropriatebehavior(s),theinappropriatebehavior(s)
1)Providestructure&trainmorefrequently.2)Providerepetitionandreview.3)Breakskillsdownintosmallerparts.
1)Trainforshortperiodsoftime;providenumerousactivitiesfocusingonsametask.2)Providerepetition&review(keytogainingnewskill).3)Workone-on-one(gainfullattention).
1)Structuretrainingwithclearrules,consistentroutines,smoothtransitionsandsignalsforchangingactivities.2)Establishroutines(provideflexibilitywithinroutine);3)Identifymotivatingfactors;buildonsuccesses.
1)Setclearrules,expectationsandlimits;specifylocationforindividualtoregainselfcontrol.2)Speakcalmly,enforcerulesbutprovideconditionsforcomingback.3)Reinforceacceptablebehaviors.
1)Allowforadditionaltimetoexpressthoughts.2)Usepictureboards/otherassistivedevices.3)Askhimorhertodemonstrateorshowwhathe/shemeans.
1)Providetheappropriatelevelofinstructionbeginningwithdemonstrationfollowedbyphysicalpromptandphysicalassistance.2)Keepverbalinstructionstoaminimum.3)Usekeywords/cues,signlanguageorpicturestocommunicate.
1)Knowsignsandsymptomsofdifferenttypesofseizures.2)Controlatmosphere/triggers(heat,sun,sugar,loudnoise,etc.)ofseizures;respondappropriately.3)Prepareteammatestorespondappropriatelyshouldaseizureoccur.
1)Providespecificexerciseandstrengtheningprograms.2)Stretchwithinnormalrangeofmotion.3)Unevensurfacesincreaseriskofinjury.
q Learningoccursata slowerrate
q Shortattentionspan
q Resistancetochange; stubborn
q Behaviorproblems –actingout;mood swings
q Verbalexpression difficulties
q Verbalinterpretation difficulties
q Pronetoseizures
q Poormuscletone
Athlete Behavior Strategies to Improve Learning
1)Establisheyecontactwhentalking,unlessindividualisautistic.2)Usesofter/adaptiveequipment;minimizeloudnoiseslikewhistles.3)Forewarnifanytouchisnecessary;respectwishes.
1)Workinsmallgroups.2)Haveeachchildworkinpairs(same2peopleforseveralweeks).3)Providehighlystructuredandleastdistractingenvironment;exposetoindividualordualsports.
1)Removeorlessendistractingstimuli(dimlights;softensounds;removeunnecessaryobjects).2)Traininseparateroomorsmallergroup;graduallyaddpeople.3)Trainwithathleteswhotendtobenonverbal.
1)Providephysicalsupport,asneeded,viapartnerorotherassistivedevice.2)Broadenbaseofsupportsuchassittingdownorleaningagainstwall;minimizeunevensurfaces.3)Allowforextratimetocompleteatask.
1)Removefoodfrompractice/competitionsites.2)Donotusefoodasreward(especiallyforindividualswithPraderWilli).3)Providestructureandroutineforeating.
1)Breakskillsdownintosequentialtasks;substituteeasiermovementpatternssuchaswalkinginsteadofrunning.2)Progressfromathlete’scurrentlevelofperformance.3)Allowadditionaltimewithone-on-onesupport.
1)Utilizethoseskillsorpartsofskillsathletecanperform.2)Forthoseskillsorpartsofskillsathleteisunabletoperform,allowathletetosubstituteotherskills,havepartnerexecutethoseskillsoruseassistivedevice.3)Focusonactivitiesthatdevelopmobilityandstability.
1)Useverbalcues,physicalpromptandphysicalassistance.2)Utilizesoundorphysicaldevicessuchasbeepballs,guideropealonglaneline,tetherwhenrunningwithpartner,etc.3)Providepreciseandaction-specificandfeedback.
1)Establisheyecontactwhentalking.2)Usesigns,picturesorsignlanguage;keepcochlearimplantsdry.3)Demonstratewhatisdesired.
1)Minimizeverbal;emphasizevisual(BoardMaker)becauseofdifficultyinprocessingsensorystimuli(overarousal);provideonlyoneitemperpicture.2)Individualizeschedulewithknownstart&knownfinish(predictability);useclear,consistentcues&prompts;cuetransitionfromoneactivitytonext.3)Reducesensoryoverloadlikewhistles(someathletesarehypersensitivetonoise).
1)Usethreeormoresensorychannels–tactile;kinesthetic;visual;auditory.2)Setclearrules,consistentroutinesandsmoothtransitionswithsignalsforchangingactivitieswithmotivatingreinforcement.3)Keepdirectionssimple;minimizeinformation.
1)Providefrequentrestintervals.2)Exposetosportsthatprovidenaturalrestperiodssuchasbocce,bowling,golf,etc.3)Slowlyprogresstolongerperiodsofactivity.
1)Beawarethatthegreatertheintellectualdisability,thelessmotivatedtocontinueactivityonceindividualfeelsuncomfortable.2)Addpositiveconsequence/rewardtocontinueactivitysuchaspeddlingonstationarybiketodrivepowertoTVormusicplayer;transitiontosport).3)Rewardevensmallimprovementsinperformance.
q Lowerpainthreshold; sensitivetotouch
q Failuretoformsocial bonds
q Easilyover-stimulated
q Difficultywithbalance orstability
q Compulsiveeating
q Poorcoordination
q Physicallimitationsor impairments
q Visualimpairments
q Hearingimpairments
q Autismspectrum disorders
q Hyperactivity
q Lethargy(dueto disabilityormedication)
q Lackofmotivationto pushself
Athlete Behavior Strategies to Improve Learning