U.S. Subcommittee Field Hearing In conjunction with the many other events during the Special Olympics USA National Games, a field hearing of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee's Labor/HHS/Education Subcommittee, titled, “Crossing the Finish Line: A Better Future for People with Intellectual Disability,” was held before Opening Ceremonies. The hearing was chaired by Senator Tom Harkin, who is known to be a champion for people with disabilities. The testimony was dynamic, pointing out the areas where work is still needed, including access to health care, improving educational programs for health professionals, the need for an electronic health record, and the opportunity for people with intellectual disabilities to work without losing necessary health care coverage. Shortly after the close of the Games, United States Senator Tom Harkin introduced a bill (S. 3717) to dramatically improve the lives and health of people with disabilities, and specifically people with intellectual disabilities. The bill addresses many of the recommendations that Special Olympics Chairman Timothy Shriver, athlete Kyler Prunty, and Special Olympics International Board Member, current Commissioner of Health for the State of New York and former Surgeon General of the United States Antonia Novello and others gave to Senator Harkin at the hearing. Healthy Athletes Update National Games Symposium Health Care Students at the Games Essilor Recognition Shanghai Invitational Games In the Spotlight The bill, labeled “Promoting Wellness for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2006,” specifically includes people with intellectual disabilities and calls for the establishment of minimum standards in training and education for health care providers. The bill also calls for the provision of grants and monies to public and nonprofit groups, such as Special Olympics, for programs that promote physical fitness, preventive health screening programs and smoking cessation, weight control and other preventive health education programs. Special Olympics is pleased that Senator Harkin has chosen to lead in the field of intellectual disability. Special Olympics Vice President of Government Relations Michael Brogioli indicated that the bill would most likely be considered and reintroduced in 2007 when there are more legislative days in the schedule. To view the bill please visit: thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c109:S.3717 For more information, please contact Brogioli at +1 (202) 715-1155 or mbrogioli@specialolympics.org Return to Healthy Athletes Update, Winter 2006/2007