We’ve asked our partner programs to share how they support efforts to promote self-sufficiency for people with unique abilities. Below, Nemours Children’s Health System highlights their work to provide opportunities to children with disabilities.

What does Nemours Children’s Health System do to help people with unique abilities?

Nemours Children’s Health System offers specialized pediatric care to children and families from Florida and beyond and provides a wide range of programs for people with unique abilities.

One program that was particularly notable was through Nemours’ partnership with Special Olympics. In 2015, Nemours championed a 12-week Special Olympics Young Athletes program aimed to engage children with disabilities between the ages of two and seven. This partnership helped fill a void for families of children with unique abilities because traditional Special Olympics activities are only available to children eight years old or older.

Through the Young Athletes’ Program, children, along with their siblings, are invited to participate in developmentally appropriate play activities designed to foster physical, cognitive and social development. The program also gives participating children the opportunity to learn about sports and what it means to be part of a team. The effort was such a success that Nemours and the Special Olympics hosted a second year of the program in 2016.

Why is the Florida Unique Abilities Partner Program important?

The Florida Unique Abilities Partner Program gives businesses a voice to share how they are making an impact on the disability community. In turn, it also encourages other businesses and organizations to join the movement in making our state more inclusive.

What does the Florida Unique Abilities Partner Program mean to you?

Being part of the Florida Unique Abilities Partner Program reinforces our commitment to the children we serve through the Special Olympics Young Athletes Program. By building awareness in our community, it is our hope that one day the same children who participate in Special Olympics will have a wide variety of professional opportunities through a company or organization that values inclusive employment.