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Part I: Frequently Asked Questions These are some of the questions asked most frequently by coaches new to Special Olympics: What do I need to know about the athlete with intellectual disability (mental retardation)? The term "mental retardation" means that someone learns more slowly than other people their age. That's it! The term "intellectual disability" is gaining acceptance internationally as an alternative to the more clinical mental retardation. In Special Olympics, you may hear either term. The important thing to remember is that NO ONE wants to be known by a label — Special Olympics athletes included. There is no other description or expectation other than learning slower that applies to the entire population. You can count on the fact that Special Olympics athletes are people who have been identified as someone who learns slower; beyond that, they are just like everyone else, individuals with unique challenges, talents, abilities and interests. Enjoy getting to know them. What are the mental, psychological and social considerations I should be aware of? Each athlete will have completed a Medical Release form. It will note if there are any restrictions on activity, medications that may affect performance or unique situations. Other than that, they are just like everyone else. The best advice we can give you as a coach is to look beyond the disability to see the person, and then trust your instincts on the psychological and social situations. If you sense that someone is left out or feels lonely, you are probably right. Ask that person how they think things are going and if they are having fun. As noted above, if there are significant psychological or social disabilities that have been diagnosed, you will see them noted on the medical release forms. Be sure you see those forms before the athletes arrive for the first practice. How can I train and coach athletes more positively and more successfully to improve their performance and behavior? Look below for the comments on expectations, dignity and respect. At Special Olympics, we are always looking for ways to support volunteers and coaches with new training and resources. Keep an eye on the Special Olympics Web site, www.SpecialOlympics.org "Coach" section, for updated tips and to ask questions of our sport specific advisors. Check out the Principles of Coaching section of this guide for tips on effective coaching. There is also an organization specifically dedicated to developing positive coaching skills. Check it out at http://www.positivecoach.org/. Is there a specific training plan I should follow for the season or can I be creative? This depends on your local, area, state or national Special Olympics Program and the sport you are coaching. Some Programs have established seasons and competition expectations and some sports have specific routines (figure skating and gymnastics, for example) that must be consistent for competition to be fair. Please check with your Program's Area Director. How does an individual with an intellectual disability learn sports skills and rules and what can a coach do to facilitate learning (training sequence, levels of instruction)? People with an intellectual disability learn just like everyone else. They use different strategies and strengths to help them understand. Some learn best through seeing things, others through hearing things. Some need to feel what it is like to do something before they can learn it. The only difference with Special Olympics athletes is that they will most likely be slower to learn it than their peers. Repetition is a proven strategy for learning that is effective with everyone. It can also be effective with Special Olympics athletes. Another strategy is to "tell them, show them, help them and remind them."   Bottom line: No one strategy works for everyone. Be creative and have fun. That is the best environment for learning to happen.    Check out the Principles of Coaching of this guide for more information on learning styles and effective strategies. There are also some quick reference guides in this section to help you.

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