Although society has made great strides, there still are many myths and misconceptions about intellectual disabilities. As a media professional, you are in a unique position to shape public knowledge. We need your help! The guidelines presented here offer suggestions for appropriate descriptions and preferred terminology when reporting about Special Olympics.
Special Olympics is for people with intellectual disabilities. Some Special Olympics athletes also may have physical handicaps, but the criterion for participation is intellectual disabilities. We prefer “people first” language. Therefore, instead of saying “Special Olympics is for mentally and physically handicapped persons” we say “Special Olympics is for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.”
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Photography release statement: No athlete may compete in any Special Olympics Montana (SOMT) event without having a signed release statement on file. The statement grants permission for SOMT and the media to use the athlete’s name, likeness, voice and words in television, radio, films, newspapers, magazines, and other media for the purpose of promoting and publicizing, educating the public, and raising funds.
Local Law Enforcement Officer Selected to Carry the Flame of Hope as part of Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg Team for 2022 Special Olympics World Games Flame serves as beacon of inspiration to thousands during Law Enforcement Torch Run to Kazan, Russia. Bozeman MT,......
29 March, 2021Special Olympics Montana is holding a virtual Inclusion Rally! For more than 50 years Special Olympics Montana has been fighting for the inclusion of people with Intellectual Disabilities. Schools and community agencies have been very busy building inclusive communities across the state. They stive......
18 February, 2021Heather Wendell
Marketing & Design Specialist
Office: 406.315.4208
Email: hwendell@somt.org
