Unified Schools give educators, students, administrators, and coaches the power to create a more inclusive world and help end the stigma around intellectual disabilities.
About Unified Schools
Unified Schools begin with Special Olympics Unified Sports® to build inclusive school communities for young people of all abilities. This programming creates an environment where everyone feels welcome, valued, and included both in school and in their local community.
These schools can expand their programming to include inclusive youth leadership and whole school engagement in order to become Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools®.
These schools can expand their programming to include inclusive youth leadership and whole school engagement in order to become Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools®.
Faces of Inclusion
Stories of impact in communities around the world.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Athletes: Jamey’s Story
A Special Olympics St. Kitts and Nevis Athlete Leader brings together students of all abilities through Unified football.
4 Min Read
Hand in Hand for Inclusion: Special Olympics El Salvador’s Story
A Special Olympics Unified School is built on the simple concept that playing together is a quick path to understanding and friendship.
2 Min Read
Our Work is Proven to:
94% of schools reported that Unified Schools made a big impact in reducing bullying, teasing, and offensive language.
Through Unified Schools, over 2 out of 3 students without intellectual disabilities (ID) experienced substantial positive change in interactions with their peers with ID.
In Kenya and India, 4 out of 5 teachers reported an improved sense of community after participating in Unified Schools.
Global Footprint
Get in touch with Special Olympics to volunteer, become an athlete, join a Unified Sports team, work as a coach, and learn about upcoming events.
