SIEZING THE MOMENT: (Above left) Claude and Catherine Dayas-Tokoto emigrated from Cameroon to the United States. Their son Prince (above right) has autism. Prince got involved in Special Olympics Unified Sports at Kenmore Middle School in Arlington, VA. Because of the power of sport, Prince's future changed. View their story at generationunified.org/videos/catherine-and-claudes-moment

While we continue to navigate the ongoing impact of global events, we remain committed to encouraging inclusive mindsets and its importance to the social and academic development of all students.

Our proven strategy systematically promotes social inclusion by bringing together young people with and without intellectual disabilities utilizing three components. Each component has a strong impact on students and faculty, and together creates an environment that amplifies, from the school into the community.

Our research shows significant improvements in the educational experiences and social-emotional skill development of all students. Students who participate in Unified Champion Schools programming feel more supported by their teachers and peers, receive better grades, and are more empathetic and compassionate. The three-component model provides a well-rounded view of what a school can accomplish when the goal is to create a socially inclusive school setting.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS UNIFIED SPORTS

Special Olympics Unified Sports® is a fully inclusive sports or fitness program that combines an approximately equal number of students with and without intellectual disabilities. Within a school this can take many different forms including Unified

Sports teams, Unified physical education classes, and other fitness initiatives.

INCLUSIVE YOUTH LEADERSHIP

Inclusive youth leadership is when there are opportunities within a school environment for students with and without intellectual disabilities to work together to lead and plan: advocacy, awareness, and other Special Olympics and related inclusive activities, throughout the year. This can include having leadership roles on student council or having a Unified club on campus.

WHOLE SCHOOL ENGAGEMENT

Whole school engagement is seen within a Unified Champion School when a campus holds awareness and education activities that promote inclusion and reach the majority of the school population. Everyone from students, to staff, to administrators, are part of the systematic change to end discrimination towards people with intellectual disabilities.

As a parent or caregiver, there are many opportunities to get your youth involved in Unified Champion Schools programming. Additionally, you can become a volunteer, coach, fund-raiser and official – giving you an important voice in Special Olympics. To learn more and get involved, visit: generationunified.org •

To date, more than 3 million young people participate in 8,000 Unified Champion Schools (Pre-K through university) across the U.S. with support from the U.S. Office of Special Education Programs at the U.S. Department of Education. These young people make up the Unified Generation. They are taking personal ownership within their schools and communities to ensure that everyone has the right to play, learn and live together through shared leadership opportunities of students with and without intellectual disabilities.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS DISABILITY AWARENESS VIDEOS

Celebrate differences and disability awareness in your school! Picture book readings for young children celebrate differences and the importance of including everyone. Videos for older students highlight how people turned their experiences with isolation into inclusive opportunities. These resources encourage inclusive practices that make everyone at school feel welcome. Visit specialolympicsva.org/beyond-sports/unified-champion- schools/disability-awareness-month