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Studies commissioned by Special Olympics released at "Changing Attitudes, Changing the World" Education Forum in Tokyo, Japan
In a series of groundbreaking studies commissioned by Special Olympics, research revealed both the attitudinal barriers by which societies hamper individuals with intellectual disabilities and the opportunities for removing such obstacles. The research was highlighted during the “Changing Attitudes, Changing the World” Education Forum, held on 25 February at Hotel Okura in Tokyo, Japan. The 2005 Special Olympics World Winter Games will begin on 26 February in Nagano, Japan.
All three of the research studies delved into the perceived competencies of people with intellectual disabilities and how negative or inaccurate attitudes act as barriers to inclusion for this population in everyday life. By showcasing these and similar studies, Special Olympics hopes to inform the public about the competence, value and contributions of the world’s most forgotten and discriminated-against minority group. Through its research and its 36-year history, Special Olympics has found that improved knowledge and perceptions of competence lead to greater willingness to interact with people with intellectual disabilities which, in turn, leads to greater overall inclusion of this population in society.
Special Olympics Chairman and CEO Timothy Shriver, in announcing the new research, said that Special Olympics was proud of what had been accomplished in its 36- year history, but that several years ago the movement determined to change the culture of Special Olympics. “We needed to change from contented to restless, from proud to dissatisfied. We needed to act with urgency to launch a joyful battle; joyful in the sense that we are drawing our energy from the spirit of the athletes and their enormous passion and happiness, but a battle against injustice. It is a battle against the most stubborn obstacle our athletes face and that is the attitudes of indifference and intolerance and ignorance and fear that dominate the lives they lead all over the world. It is a chance to reverse the idea of disability and replace it with the idea of diverse ability.
“By sharing the accomplishments and skills of Special Olympics athletes with the world, the Special Olympics movement seeks to change attitudes toward people with intellectual disabilities, inspiring acceptance of differences and creating a more caring and peaceful world,” Shriver added. “Special Olympics athletes competing here in Japan are truly changing attitudes and ultimately changing the world.”
The studies emphasized Special Olympics commitment not only to athletics, but also to cutting-edge research and evaluation to promote better understanding of issues surrounding intellectual disabilities.
Adding to the weight of the research, Special Olympics athletes and Global Messengers Richard Conley (Kansas, USA), Marcela Klicperova (Czech Republic), Akane Mitsui (Japan) and Jennifer Wardlow (North Carolina, USA) spoke about their personal experiences. The day also included a press conference and perspectives from coaches, family members and government leaders closely involved with the Special Olympics movement in Japan.
Kenji Kosaka, a Nagano Prefecture congressional Special Olympics supporter, said he got involved because “We thought we could change attitudes about people with intellectual disabilities in Japan. Change yourself first, then change attitudes of those around you, which will then change the world’s attitudes.”
The Education Forum was the first event in the “Changing Attitudes, Changing the World Symposium” that will be held throughout the 2005 Special Olympics World Winter Games. These events will feature discussions with families, youth, Special Olympics leaders and other key constituency groups. The Forum will culminate in a discussion of public policies and disability rights on Saturday, 5 March, in Nagano.
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