The pandemic is yet another barricade for athletes and other people with intellectual disabilities (ID) to access the health resources they so desperately need and deserve.

We've never given up on our quest to ensure people with ID have equal access to health care. We can't give up now, in a time of crisis -- especially since we know that people with ID are at a greater risk from COVID-19.

If you believe athletes and people with ID should NOT be forgotten during the coronavirus pandemic, sign our one-click petition now:

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-- Shira and the team at Special Olympics

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Did you know that Special Olympics is the largest health care organization for people with intellectual disabilities (ID)?

It's true -- and our work to promote and provide inclusive and equitable health care for all has never been more essential. Here's the sad truth right now: people with ID are more vulnerable to COVID-19.

As Special Olympics' Chief Health Officer, I treat and care for athletes every day of the year. I'm committed to providing quality health care that helps athletes thrive on and off the field. This work has never been more important to me than it is now.

I will NOT let athletes and people with ID be forgotten during this global public health crisis. Are you with me? Sign our one-click petition today:


I will not let people with ID be forgotten during the coronavirus pandemic.

I believe people with ID deserve every opportunity to be healthy.

I support inclusive and equitable health care for all.

ADD YOUR NAME >> [link removed]

People with ID are among the most medically underserved in the world. They die 20 years earlier than the rest of us from causes that are preventable--like respiratory disease. In fact, they are more at risk of respiratory illness, of pneumonia and are far more likely to die of pneumonia than the rest of us. They suffer needlessly from untreated pain and diseases misdiagnosed as behaviors (psychiatric illness), from blindness, hearing loss, and other conditions because they do not get the health services they need. We cannot let this discrimination continue -- especially during the current public health crisis.

Through Special Olympics' Inclusive Health programs, my team works every day to create a world where people with ID have every opportunity to be healthy. That hasn't changed -- but the need has. We're dedicated to ensuring that they get access to all of the health services--like preventive care, COVID testing and ventilators--available to people who do not have ID. We must continue to protect and provide care for athletes and people with ID who are especially vulnerable to the Coronavirus pandemic.

If you agree, click to sign our petition and commit to supporting athletes during this critical time.

SIGN THE PETITION >> [link removed]

Thank you,

Dr. Alicia Bazzano, MD, PhD
Special Olympics Chief Health Officer
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