project unify participation guide - special...

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”

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.


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.”


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!


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.


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.


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

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