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Human Race shares a few affirmations that can be referenced when speaking to family members or loved ones with intellectual disabilities to help them feel seen, valued and loved.

1. Be yourself, you have so much to offer: People with intellectual disabilities are unique individuals with their own talents, strengths and skills. By encouraging your loved one to embrace who they are s, you can help them see their worth and the positive impact they can have on their community.

2. You are not less worthy because of your disability: It’s important to remind individuals with intellectual disabilities that their worth is not defined by their disability. Reinforce their strengths and remind them that despite the challenges they face, they are just as worthy and deserving of love, respect and opportunities as anyone else.

3. You are seen, you are loved, and you are valued: In a world that often neglects or dismisses people with intellectual disabilities, it’s essential to remind them that they are not invisible. By expressing love and appreciation for who they are, you help them feel seen, valued and loved, which can have a profound impact on their self-esteem and confidence.

4. I believe in you and your potential: People with intellectual disabilities can do great things with the right support and training. Special Olympics Asia Pacific athletes demonstrate a plethora of talents – be that writing, teaching, athletics, music, or art! Many are survivors, overcoming considerable difficulties, to thrive in their respective vocations. By affirming their worth and supporting them in pursuing their goals and dreams, you can help them achieve great things and reach their full potential.

Affirmations can be a powerful tool for empowering and encouraging individuals with intellectual disabilities. By sincerely acknowledging their strengths, affirming their worth, and believing in their potential, we can help break down barriers and create a more inclusive and equitable world for everyone. Support us in our cause! To know more, follow @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific.

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The stigma around mental health may prevent people from being vocal about the problems they face. Even today, pre-conceived notions and misperceptions exist. We have to break the bias. We can help ourselves, our friends, families and colleagues grappling with mental health issues to thrive by being allies and creating supportive and non-judgemental environments for each other.  

To be a mental health ally, Human Race has the following tips for you:  

1) Take care of yourself: As much as we want to be there for our loved ones, it’s imperative to know that it becomes increasingly difficult to be a mental health advocate if you’re suffering yourself. Be sure to take care of yourself and manage your mood by focusing on your mental health. Eating a balanced diet, going for walks, swimming, singing – engage yourself in the activities that make you feel at peace and add value to your otherwise busy day. This ensures feeling less overwhelmed by the stresses of daily life.  

2) Listen with empathy: Sometimes, just listening to someone and being a friend can make all the difference. Lending an ear without judgement and with intent, can help uncover clues about their mental health. It’s also of utmost importance to pay attention to nonverbal communication while they speak.  

3) Turn to professionals for help: Talk therapy can treat some mental illnesses like anxiety and depression. If you notice someone exhibiting signs of a mental illness, you can gently suggest seeking professional help to them. 

4) Ask how you can help: While some people look for solutions, some just want to be heard. Asking your loved ones gently what you can do to help ensures a safe and comfortable environment. A simple question like “What can I do to help you?” or “Would you like to talk about it?” goes a long way! 

5) Educate yourself: Reading up, researching online, talking to people, listening with an open mind – these are some ways you can educate yourself about mental health. The more you know, the better you advocate. Learn about the historical prejudice and stigma associated with mental health, and how difficult it makes for someone to open up or seek the help they require and can benefit from.  

A huge part about being a mental health ally is championing the cause and normalising conversations around it. If you’re reading this blog to educate yourself, you’re already taking the first step!  

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Human Race shines the spotlight on 3 inspiring individuals who have broken barriers – juggling work, play and more – proving that everyone can have it all when given the right opportunities to succeed. 

Finding value in employment – Dwight Saldito

Dwight Saldito could not walk or speak till the age of 6. Growing up, his younger siblings made fun of him for being different and slow. It was only at the age of 10, after he joined a group of athletes with disabilities training in sports with Special Olympics, that things changed. On the sports field, he gained friendships, strength and confidence.   

Over the years, Dwight has trained in athletics, basketball, football, bowling and table tennis, and even represented the Philippines at several Special Olympics World Games and Regional Games. The confidence he gained through sports empowered him to land a job at the age of 43 with Southstar Drug, a health and personal care retailer.  

Being employed brings empowerment. Dwight is now able to afford his mobile phone and an electric bike, while also finding the confidence to speak up and contribute to society. He is now his family’s breadwinner, something that brings him indescribable pride. “Having a job is one of the best things that has happened in my life, and my greatest hope is that more employers all over the world can open their doors, hearts and minds to workers like me,” he says. 

Advocating for Equality – Tegan Crotty 

Before she sustained a serious right foot injury three years ago, Tegan was swimming up to four times a week. Being a part of Special Olympics helped her realise that she wasn’t alone. While she was the only person in a wheelchair at her school, she was around many people with similar disabilities at Special Olympics. Tegan has spina bifida and hydrocephalus (build-up of fluid on the brain). “Swimming is a great equaliser. In the pool, I’m like everyone else, my disability is nothing,” she says.   

Tegan has qualifications in business administration and computing. For over six years, she has worked at Paper Plus, New Zealand’s largest retailer of books and stationery. She’s also been volunteering at the Red Cross charity shop for over 10 years.  

With Special Olympics, she has trained as a spokesperson and ambassador, advocating for more inclusive communities and equal opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities across New Zealand. “For me, my disability is a part of who I am, not the entire picture. That came about because of Special Olympics.”  

Breaking all barriers – Keshav Malik  

Keshav was diagnosed at age 2 with microcephaly, a condition which affected the growth of his brain. The condition delayed his cognitive and physical progress and left him with permanent developmental disabilities. Although he was slower than others in learning certain tasks, he had a gift when it came to sports.  

He attributes his success to his father, the first person to observe his sporting inclination. His training with Special Olympics helped him develop discipline and focus in daily activities. In 2011, he represented India in badminton at the Special Olympics World Games in Athens and returned with gold and silver medals. 

He became the first special needs athlete to be esteemed with the Bhim Award, the highest sports honour given by the government of Haryana, India. In 2018, he was employed by the state government of Haryana as a coach, a position opened only to those with remarkable sporting talent and performance.  

“Today, I try my best to enable my students to turn their passion into reality. Beyond just being their sports coach, I strive to be their mentor and pillar of support,” says Keshav. “I want them to know that there is no challenge too difficult to overcome.”  

Meaning and Motivation 

Meaningful work empowers people to be a part of something larger than themselves. Every Special Olympics athlete who is employed has reported increased self-esteem due to a daily purpose and contribution to society. They are motivated by the tasks set before them, inspired to do their best possible work.  

You can be a part of this movement, to be a better ally to people with intellectual disabilities at the workplace. Find out more by following @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific!

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But people with intellectual disabilities are more than capable of being extraordinary entrepreneurs, innovators and community leaders. They exemplify the qualities employers seek in an ideal employee like resourcefulness and adaptability. Meet three Special Olympics athlete leaders who are meaningfully employed, and find out why every organization should hire people with intellectual and developmental disabilities: 

Untapped Potential  

Businesses that do not hire people with disabilities miss out on a vast untapped pool of talent. Workers with disabilities possess skills and experiences that can offer employers a competitive edge. 

For example, Tim Gould is a Special Olympics Australia athlete who works as a full-time grounds and maintenance staff at Arethusa college while training for tennis five to six days a week. He is the Number One singles tennis player in the world with Down syndrome, having won numerous medals such as the Men’s Singles PWII2 2021 Brisbane Australian Tennis Championships and a gold medal in the 100-meter freestyle swim relay at the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi. Skills he picks up in the sports arena are lessons he brings to the workplace. He exemplifies valuable qualities from leadership and teamwork, to focus and discipline, and is testament to how valuable people with disabilities can be as employees.   

Improve Company Morale and Culture

A company’s culture is imperative to hiring and retaining quality staff. When you hire someone with a disability, the company is also actively encouraging empathy, inclusivity, and diversity in their workplace. By committing to social responsibility, a company is demonstrating to their employees and customers their interest in broader social issues impacting the community and the people in it.  

Sumant Kale is a 29-year-old athlete from Bhopal whose fitness regime is a way of life. He carries the same mental fortitude to his fitness as he does to his work. Having started vocational training in 2007 for 4 years at Divya Darshika Rehabilitation Centre, he was one of the first students who received employment at the centre’s tea packaging unit when it opened. To this day, he works happily alongside his friends at the centre, whose staff counts over 27 people with intellectual disabilities as part of their team.  

Fostering a resilient workforce 

People with disabilities are often creative and resilient. They are natural problem solvers, having to overcome multiple challenges in their lives. They also tend to bring a strong sense of loyalty and inclusive mindsets to the workplace.  

Ruby Lawler is a Special Olympics Australia athlete who has made it her life’s goal to educate others on creating inclusive communities through sport. She has overcome health and physical challenges to compete as a swimmer, and that has paid off in a gold medal in the 400m freestyle and a Silver in the 1500m Open water Race at the Special Olympics National Games in Melbourne and Adelaide. The lessons she’s learnt as an athlete such as resilience and sportsmanship have armed her with the knowledge to be a leader. She now sits on the board of Special Olympics Gladstone and advocates for more inclusive communities in Australia and across the Asia Pacific.  

How Can I Be More Inclusive? 

Being inclusive means treating people with disabilities as equals, looking at their skill sets and what they can bring to the workplace without bias. Giving everyone an opportunity will show that people with disabilities are more than capable of advocating for themselves given all the right tools.  

Dipak Natali, President and Managing Director of Special Olympics Asia Pacific, sums it up, “You do not hire someone because they have a disability, you hire someone because they can do the job, regardless of their disability.” 

To learn more about how you can be an ally to people with disabilities at work, follow @soasiapacific and @humanraceasia. 

The post 3 Reasons Why Hiring People With Intellectual Disabilities Is Good For Your Business appeared first on Human RACE.

Meet three young leaders – with and without intellectual disabilities – who have been unstoppable and unapologetic in their pursuit of a more inclusive world: 

Sili Ah Ching is a determined individual with extraordinary willpower! He demonstrates the ability to bring great change in this world. As the first athlete from Special Olympics Samoa who was hired as an intern at the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development in Samoa, he paves the way for more training and employment opportunities for young people with intellectual disabilities in the country. He completed his internship and now helps Special Olympics Samoa on an ad-hoc basis with administrative tasks. 

Syed Ali Roshan is a Special Olympics youth leader who works with Haseeb Abbasi, an athlete leader with autism from Pakistan. They’ve worked on multiple projects to advocate for inclusion worldwide and forged a valuable friendship in the process. His advice to the world is – the next time you see someone with an intellectual disability, don’t shun them. Instead, go up to them, talk to them and get to know them. All they really want is an equal opportunity to live, work, play and be treated as equals. 

• Isabela Dominique (Sashi) Montaña – The Leader By Example  

She’s a pioneer youth leader who has been involved with Special Olympics for almost a decade. Sashi has struggled with bullying and mental health personally, and understands how people with intellectual disabilities feel when bullied. She has represented Special Olympics Asia Pacific at various international platforms, including Global Youth Summits. Among many other honours, she was invited as a special guest to the White House in 2014, hosted by the 44th President and First Lady of the United States, Barack and Michelle Obama to celebrate Generation Unified. Her vision? “I dream of a world where inclusion will no longer be something that we have to advocate for because it will already be the norm.”

To support our cause and find out how you can be a part of our inclusion movement, visit @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific.   

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–  Hanako Sawayama

Meet Hanako Sawayama, a decorated athlete who has spent almost three decades advocating for the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities. She is a full-time employee of Special Olympics Asia Pacific serving as an administrative assistant as well as an advisor on the Regional Athlete Input Council. Want to be her ally and join her in creating a more inclusive world? Let’s take the first step by getting a glimpse into her typical day.

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Growing up with Intellectual Disability 

At the tender age of 7, when most children are learning to ride a bike or jump rope, Florence was diagnosed with intellectual disability. This, for her, meant needing more time to learn and getting used to the momentum of new activities. A saying goes ‘fall down seven times, stand up eight’, and that’s exactly what Florence did. Through her passion and never-say-die attitude, she graduated from the ASPN Delta Senior School with a Work Skills Qualification (WSQ) certification in retail operations. A Valedictorian of her batch, an esteemed member of The Purple Symphony (a local all-inclusive orchestra), an Athlete Leader with Special Olympics, this young girl can do it all (and then some!) 

Getting a step closer to her dream 

Studying in APSN Delta brought Florence a step closer to her dream of working in retail. She was first introduced to UNIQLO Singapore through their retail training space in her school. During this training, she felt intrigued by the clothing displays and retail culture and realized that this might just be her calling. She joined the Work Experience Program and let her passion lead the way.  Her positive attitude scored her the gig. “I was over the moon when my trainer came and announced that I’d been selected for the program,” she says. 

The journey with UNIQLO 

On her first day, Florence was up before sunrise.  “I recall being filled with energy the night before as I was putting together my work attire for the day,” she says. Stepping into a new job with new colleagues was intimidating, but Florence was quick to adapt with the support and help of her trainers and work buddies. She recalls, “Throughout the training, I was taught different skills that a retail staff requires, from the preparation of stocks to attending to customers’ queries.” As she gained more confidence and independence in the training, she soon unlocked another milestone. She was offered a permanent position in the store, with the responsibility of managing the stockroom and running the sales floor. 

Challenges overcame  

The job came with its challenges. Florence struggled to attend to inquiries from Mandarin-speaking customers. When she was overwhelmed, she would approach her work buddies for help.  They would patiently help her break down the tasks into simplified steps. She also found her own way to de-stress.  “At home, writing about my daily experiences in my diary and playing the guzheng calm me down”, she says.  On working in an inclusive environment, she shares that her team “treats me just like any other colleague”, allowing her to carry out her daily tasks without being reminded of her disability. She adds, “Knowing I have the support of my colleagues whenever I face difficulties at work keeps me motivated and really boosts my confidence.” 

Do you know someone who is neurodiverse at your workplace? How have you helped make your workplace a more inclusive one? With your support, kindness, and acceptance, we can all do our part to give everyone the opportunities they deserve to fulfill their dreams and succeed in life!  

Credit: Article adapted from Zula.sg  

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   “The first time I picked him up, I lit up like a Christmas tree, the way a new parent feels when holding their firstborn!” -Aditya Tiwari

The Gift of a new life – When Aditya Tiwari first laid eyes on 5-month-old Avnish at the orphanage where he volunteered, it was love at first sight. Baby Avnish, who has Down Syndrome, was left in a corner, completely ignored. “I asked the warden what was going to happen to the kids at the orphanage, he said that all but Avnish would get adopted because Avnish was ‘Paagal’ (Demented in Hindi), and was going to die in a few years anyway,” he says. Aditya asked if the orphanage would let him adopt Avnish but they laughed and told him a bachelor below 30 had no right to adopt. Despite the odds, he refused to give up.  Today, Avnish is 7, a happy and healthy child. Like any other parent, Aditya wants his son to dream bigger and brighter.

Read his full story HERE

“Volunteering isn’t about ‘us’ helping or teaching ‘them’. It’s about mutual learning, respect, and making friends. “ – Kevan Lee

The Gift of compassion – Meet Kevan Lee, a mentor, a volunteer, a teacher. He volunteers with both the badminton outreach program for athletes with intellectual disabilities as well as the Young Athletes program for younger children with and without ID at Special Olympics Singapore. As a teacher at Saint Anthony’s Canossian Secondary School, he has also inspired dozens of his students to become volunteers. They have learned important life lessons through volunteering, including values of empathy, compassion, humility, and resilience. Kevan’s greatest wish is to influence generations of young people to give, creating a truly inclusive society with equal opportunities for all.

Read his full story HERE

“The responsibility to help all children, no matter what they’re born with, to have an equal opportunity in life, lies on all of our shoulders.” – Rekha Kashyap and Navjot Saroop

The Gift of Hope – Rekha Kashyap and Navjot Saroop are special educators who have been traveling across the state of Punjab, India, reaching out to families in the rural villages to help parents understand the importance of sport and play for children with intellectual disabilities. Their message is clear – Do not hide your special children. Be proud of them, not ashamed. Their tireless efforts have brought hope, joy, and pride to hundreds of families. When asked why they do what they do, their answer is simple: every child deserves a chance and head start in life, no matter their ability.

Read their full story HERE

No matter how small the gesture, a simple act of taking the time to do something for someone transcends all boundaries. It’s what defines our humanity: knowing that each and every one of us has the power to make a difference.  

Put on your Santa hats this Christmas and make a difference with a #GiftOfInclusion

Step into our Christmas wonderland and help our elf collect gifts while dodging cheeky snowmen and reindeer. The more #GiftsOfInclusion you collect, the closer we will be to building an inclusive society for children with intellectual disabilities across the Asia Pacific.

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For Bhavya Jain, the simple act of visiting a dental clinic – something most of us take for granted – was a major cause of fear and anxiety. For years, he didn’t have his teeth checked. Bhavya, who has an intellectual disability, refused to sit on the dental chair, and getting him to open his mouth for an oral examination was a challenge for his caregivers and for us, his doctors.

When I first met him, he was about 20 years old. Bhavya displayed hyperactive and aggressive behavior, and would often lash out and hit the people around him. It took patience, care, lots of time, and coaxing for my team of dental professionals to eventually win his trust, helping him overcome his fear and apprehension. We polished his teeth and did an extraction.

Today, Bhavya is 28. Through the sports and medical interventions of Special Olympics, he is a compliant patient and is able to undergo dental treatment without sedation and fuss. In fact, he returns every 3 months for his review very gladly.

There are so many Special Olympics athletes like Bhavya who remind me every day of the important work that needs to be done for people with ID. Changing attitudes is one of the hardest challenges to overcome – the perceptions of families, of society, and of the medical community.

Most doctors are not adequately trained on how to speak to people with ID and to deal with the health issues they face. They are often perceived as unproductive members of society, and healthcare providers may not feel the need to give the best treatment outcomes. It is essential that education of special care is instituted in the training of healthcare providers so that our young doctors understand that everyone has an equal right to health, love, and justice. When medical practitioners have the right mindset and skills in treating patients with ID, the results can be amazing.

I was introduced to Special Olympics in India by a friend, and have been volunteering as a clinical director since 2012. Today, I’m a Regional Clinical Advisor, providing training and advocating for equal access to quality healthcare for all. It’s been a meaningful decade, and I can confidently say that Special Olympics will always be a part of me.

In my first year as a volunteer, I was deeply disturbed that we were just doing dental screenings but not able to offer comprehensive follow-up treatments. We would occasionally detect a condition, and I would recommend they go for further treatment. But often, coaches and parents found it tough to travel to the clinics from where they live, some were troubled about the potential medical cost, or sadly, some parents were simply not interested.

I was determined to do more. In 2014, I started the Centre for Excellence for Special Care Dentistry at my school, the Divya Jyoti College of Dental Sciences & Research (DJ College). We signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Special Olympics Bharat and there’s been no looking back since.

Every week, my students treat dozens of Special Olympics athletes. It has been immensely satisfying to be a part of this process, where persons with ID are getting medical care free of charge, while at the same time, the students are sensitized to treating patients with special needs. The young doctors are trained to appreciate that everyone, with or without a disability, deserves access to quality oral health care. They learn that treating a patient with ID is not difficult as long as their hearts are in it.

I have since actively advocated for everyone to have equal access to quality healthcare across India. In 2016, I was thrilled when the President of the Dental Council of India issued a directive that more than 300 dental schools across the country will provide free dental treatment and preventive services to all Special Olympics athletes and people with ID.

Knowing that we are educating generations of dental professionals to treat thousands of people with special needs all across India has been beyond gratifying for me. Many of our patients with ID come from impoverished backgrounds and I’m glad that we are now able to provide treatment free of charge.

The athletes we treat in our school are loved by our undergraduate students, post-graduate residents, our faculty, and support staff. There is no athlete that we have not been able to treat – extractions, restorations (fillings placed on decayed teeth), oral prophylaxis (scaling and cleaning procedures), partial dentures, orthodontic corrections of crooked teeth are done, in addition to preventive methods of fluoride application, diet and oral hygiene counseling.

It is rewarding to see how the athletes have completely lost their fear of the white coat. Some have become friends with our students. It is common for patients these days to stay back after their check-ups to enjoy a round of unified sports and games with the medical students. We’ve even done book reading sessions together. There is a happy stir in the college whenever the athletes of Special Olympics visit.

Over the years, my students – both past and present – have volunteered actively. Some have graduated and returned as clinical directors, some are involved in Unified sports, while others are involved in Youth Activation and outreach. My students and faculty have also adopted 8 rural villages, reaching out to the most neglected and impoverished, to provide free dental screenings and treatments at schools for people with special needs. 

When I first began my volunteering journey close to a decade ago, I thought I knew quite a bit about intellectual disabilities. But interacting so closely with the athletes of Special Olympics has been a completely eye-opening experience. What has moved me the most is their amazing ability to love unconditionally and so innocently. Being with them brings me such joy.

I hope the world can open our hearts and minds, and understand that people with ID have so much to offer. Just like all of us, they need love, care, hugs; they deserve justice, and the right to quality healthcare. I will continue to work towards a more equal and accepting world for all – this is my oath.

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