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.
SOMT is closing our office to walk-in traffic beginning Monday, March 23. Our team will be working remotely. We will all be available by phone or email. Please click here for Contact Information for the CEO, COO and Department Leaders. SOMT is rescheduling or conducting......
19 March, 2020Date: 03.17.2020From: Rhonda McCarty, CEO RE: Coronavirus- An Update from SOMT As a follow-up to communication distributed March 11, 2020, Special Olympics Montana wishes to convey we are following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDC’s) updated guidelines released March 15, 2020 urging social distancing......
17 March, 2020Heather Wendell
Marketing & Design Specialist
Office: 406.315.4208
Email: hwendell@somt.org
