Healthcare

Health far exceeds physical activity on a court or field. While events providing athletics and even education for all people are vital components of health, these efforts must be accompanied by a health system that can provide professional, inclusive care. People with disabilities must be supported by providers trained to treat them appropriately. However, despite the higher health risks people with disabilities face, this ideal health system is far from a reality. Solution to Health Inclusion is committed to making a difference in the healthcare system and lack of training present for health professionals. From proper communication to accessibility and comfortability, professionals and facilities must be properly equipped to help all people. 

For every ten athletes on a Special Olympics team:

• 2 have never had an eye exam
• 4 need a new prescription for glasses
• 2 have potential hearing loss
• 4 have untreated tooth decay and 1–2 are in need of urgent dental care
• 2–3 have low bone density
• 6 are overweight or obese and at risk for chronic health conditions
• 5 have problems with strength and 6 have problems with flexibility, placing them at risk for injury
• 5 have at least one kind of skin or nail condition

As a future healthcare professional, Tia is committed to not only being an inclusive physical therapist herself, but encouraging current students and professionals to follow her lead. Through the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes program and its Inclusive Healthcare Professional Training, athletes have access to healthcare clinics and professionals can become trained for free online.

Tia believes in making the health field better before she enters it, better while she is in it, and better after she leaves it, which is why she took the training herself as the first step. Through her work with Special Olympics Healthy Athletes, Tia encourages healthcare students and providers to complete the inclusive training as well as share their knowledge and expertise with athletes. 

Tia's goal is to guest speak at medical conferences and at universities with pre-health students to share her knowledge and training. If you are a health professional or health organization who would like to help provide educational resources or health tips for people with disabilities, please click on the Contact page. Tia would love to work with you!