Written Submission for the Pre-Budget Consultations in Advance of the Upcoming Federal Budget 2025

The concept of health can vary across regions, and this strategy acknowledges the importance of allowing Chapters to tailor approaches based on local context, while still working toward shared national and global goals. 

Special Olympics Healthy Athletes embeds health related conversations and practices into training, competition, and daily routines, encouraging athletes, coaches, and volunteers to see health not as a separate initiative but as something that supports long term participation and well-being. Since 2007, Special Olympics Canada has provided over 35,000 free health screenings, trained over 4,000 health professionals and students and provided new prescriptions to over 3,800 athletes, many of whom received free prescription eyewear. This includes Physical Exams, Vision and Eye Health, Audiology, Dentistry, Nutrition, Mental and Emotional Health, Podiatry and Physical Therapy.  Healthy Athletes has discovered undetected health problems, alleviated pain and provided health services that otherwise would not be available.

Recommendation 1:

The Government of Canada, in partnership with Special Olympics Canada and national health organizations, develop a comprehensive strategy to address the disparity in healthcare services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with a focus on mental health and women’s health, including an investment of $20 million over four years 

The World Health Organization reports that people with IDD, despite their severe need and higher health risk, are often denied health services and community interventions. Moreover, targeted interventions and programs for the population are largely absent. 

While healthcare providers and students receive broad training across medical and clinical disciplines, there is limited or no exposure to working with and supporting the unique needs of individuals with IDD. This is further compounded by the lack of materials designed specifically for individuals with IDD, to educate them on medical conditions or treatment options.  

In 2022, 1.5% of Canadians over the age of 15—or nearly 457,000 individuals— identified as having a developmental disability. This excluded individuals in group homes, incarcerated persons and those living on reservations, so the actual number is significantly higher.  

Within Canada’s mental healthcare system, clinicians frequently report limited training in how to recognize and respond to the mental health needs of individuals with an IDD.  In 2022, one in five (19%) women aged 15 to 24 years had a mental health-related disability, compared to one in ten (9%) men in the same age group. The prevalence of mental health-related disabilities was also higher among women than men in most other age groups, except for men over age 65. 

According to the Canadian Family Physician journal, people with IDD experience increased vulnerability to mental stress and trauma, yet their symptoms are often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. The Developmental Disabilities Primary Care Program stresses the essential role of trauma-informed care and adapted mental health interventions, noting their inconsistent integration into clinical practice.   

Individuals with IDD often face increased health risks, which can be exacerbated by limited access to healthcare, difficulties navigating the healthcare system, and suboptimal healthcare experiences. This is further complicated by the prevalence of co-occurring health conditions such as mental health disorders, epilepsy, gastrointestinal issues or mobility challenges. These co-morbidities often require coordinated care across specialties, which are typically hindered by the challenges outlined above. Addressing this complexity through interdisciplinary collaboration and integrated care models can improve outcomes and reduce the risk of medical oversight. 

This gap in training contributes to a high rate of unmet healthcare needs among persons with disabilities. In 2022, 66.1% of persons with disabilities in Canada reported at least one unmet need when it came to healthcare services, prescription medication, assistive aids or devices, or help with everyday activities.  

Special Olympics defines inclusive health as healthcare that is accessible, effective, and designed to meet the needs of people of all abilities. It ensures individuals with IDD can fully benefit from the same health programs and services as those without disabilities, supporting their overall well-being in both sport and everyday life. Special Olympics Health initiatives not only promote equitable care but also serve as a platform for educational and experiential learning.  

Through these programs, healthcare providers and students gain hands-on opportunities to learn how to effectively communicate with, support, and deliver compassionate care to individuals with IDD in clinical settings. It has been shown that participation in Special Olympics programming results in a 15% lower risk of diabetes, a 49% lower risk of depression and an average 2.5-year increase in life expectancy. These health improvements translate into an overall economic benefit of $100-150 million, driven by reduced healthcare costs and increased income, strengthening economies and fostering healthier communities.  

With Special Olympics Canada as the lead organization, and working in partnership with national, provincial and territorial healthcare organizations, the strategic development would focus on: 

Through such collaboration, providers across Canada can develop the practical skills needed to deliver inclusive, person-centered care, ultimately strengthening the broader health system and improving outcomes for individuals with IDD. Based on preliminary discussions, we estimate the total investment from the 2025 budget to be upwards of $20 million. 

Recommendation 2:

The Government of Canada invest a minimum of $10 million over 4 years to support the research and advancement of Indigenous reconciliation through sport for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including creation of a Nunavut Chapter of Special Olympics  

It is estimated that more than 420,000 or 30% of Indigenous people in Canada live with a disability or functional limitation, compared to 22% of non-Indigenous populations.  

Indigenous people with disabilities face additional barriers to accessing healthcare, social services, and education compared to the non-Indigenous population due to factors including jurisdictional disputes, geographic challenges to accessing services, lack of culturally appropriate services, and discrimination.  

In a recent study, the Native Women’s Association of Canada reported that over 70% of participants described encountering accessibility difficulties when interacting with federal government workers or accessing services. 

Indigenous populations in Canada are also experiencing a mental health crisis marked by disproportionately high rates of mental illness and suicide, particularly among youth, compared to the non-Indigenous population. 

Special Olympics Canada programs have shown that participants (Indigenous and non-Indigenous) experience a 15% lower risk of diabetes and a 49% lower risk of depression, compared to those with intellectual or developmental disabilities who do not participate in Special Olympics programming. 

The recommendation is an investment, led by Special Olympics Canada, to support the expansion and development of four programs aimed at addressing Indigenous access to healthcare and providing safe programming for families with an intellectual or developmental disability, helping build communities, specifically in the North. 

1. Expansion of the Special Olympics Canada Research Project focused on impact on mental health and wellness through participation in Special Olympics sports programming in Indigenous communities. A current scoping review, led by an Indigenous researcher from the University of Alberta, reveals a critical research gap: despite the increased presence of individuals with IDD in Indigenous populations, there is a complete absence of research on the impact of participation in sports and recreation on their lives. This gap in research highlights a significant oversight in the literature and reflects a broader systemic neglect of Indigenous perspectives on disability, sports, recreation and inclusion. The absence of research in this area underscores the urgent need to build evidence centering Indigenous voices and worldviews, recognizing the strengths and challenges of families and communities, and supporting culturally rooted, accessible, and inclusive sports and recreation opportunities for Indigenous people with IDD.  Taking action will ensure the development of inclusive, culturally safe programs and policies that meet the needs of Indigenous peoples with IDD. 
2. Expansion of education and training of Special Olympics coaches and volunteers, in partnership with the Aboriginal Sports Circle, around reconciliation and anti-racism. Currently, all national staff and Board members have taken training.  
3. Expansion of funding to local Special Olympics Chapters for reconciliation projects, driven by the success of previous programs. Recent examples include: the first Provincial Games events held on a First Nations reservation in Ontario; team Ontario integration of Indigenous teachings into training in advance of the upcoming Medicine Hat National Games; and the Northwest Territories partnership with Indigenous Sport Circle Northwest Territories to host the Aboriginal Coaching module for Special Olympics volunteers and coaches.  
4. Investment in community engagement, framework development, and creation of a Nunavut Chapter of Special Olympics. Presently, Nunavut is the only province or territory in Canada without a Special Olympics Chapter 

Conclusion

Recommendations presented in this submission provide a roadmap for ensuring Canada continues a path of investing in community grassroots based programming that ensures individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are included in all facets of Canadian life. Health and social disparities are costly to governments long-term. 

Investing in Special Olympics Canada programming has proven results, showing that participation in our programming provides over $100-150 million in annual benefits to society, through reducing healthcare costs and increasing employment of athletes creating a positive ripple effect, boosting local economies and supporting sustainable growth.