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.
Special Olympics Montana athlete Ben Moyer had no idea that his family’s life was about to change when he sold his mom, Karen, an MTN Chevy raffle ticket. On May 15, 2020, the winning ticket was drawn at City Motors in Great Falls. A message was left on......
27 May, 2020Date: May 26, 2020 From: Rhonda McCarty, CEO RE: Coronavirus- An Update from SOMT- 5-26-2020 With continued concern over coronavirus in the U.S., Special Olympics Montana wishes to follow-up earlier communication distributed March 17th, 2020. Following the advisement of Special Olympics International, we will extend the suspension of......
26 May, 2020Heather Wendell
Marketing & Design Specialist
Office: 406.315.4208
Email: hwendell@somt.org
