2025 Global Golisano Health Leadership Award Recipient from Northern Ireland: Ulster University
Ulster University in Northern Ireland has supported and strengthened numerous aspects of Special Olympics Ireland health programming since 2013, focusing on prevention, fitness, and family education. Through this work, Ulster has been an advocate for improving healthcare access for Special Olympics athletes and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through educating and training students and forging community-based partnerships.
Ulster University equips its students with the necessary skills for addressing the needs of individuals with IDD through incorporating modules on IDD in multiple degree programs including medical, nursing, and allied health professional degrees. In addition, Ulster University has also collaborated with regional health authorities, such as the Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland to develop community-based health initiatives that prioritize individuals with IDD.
Ulster University has been a long-term supporter of comprehensive prevention and fitness initiatives for people with IDD, which is reflected in the University’s research and advocacy interests. For example, Ulster facilitated a series of workshops aimed at exploring the adoption of whole school approaches to physical activity in special education schools. This included incorporating movement into classroom activities, promoting active play during breaks, encouraging active travel to and from school, and engaging the entire school community in physical activity initiatives.
Through its leadership in partnerships, policy advocacy, and self-advocacy promotion, Ulster University exemplifies a commitment to creating a world where individuals with IDD receive the equitable care they deserve.
Ulster University equips its students with the necessary skills for addressing the needs of individuals with IDD through incorporating modules on IDD in multiple degree programs including medical, nursing, and allied health professional degrees. In addition, Ulster University has also collaborated with regional health authorities, such as the Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland to develop community-based health initiatives that prioritize individuals with IDD.
Ulster University has been a long-term supporter of comprehensive prevention and fitness initiatives for people with IDD, which is reflected in the University’s research and advocacy interests. For example, Ulster facilitated a series of workshops aimed at exploring the adoption of whole school approaches to physical activity in special education schools. This included incorporating movement into classroom activities, promoting active play during breaks, encouraging active travel to and from school, and engaging the entire school community in physical activity initiatives.
Through its leadership in partnerships, policy advocacy, and self-advocacy promotion, Ulster University exemplifies a commitment to creating a world where individuals with IDD receive the equitable care they deserve.