1. How to Advocate for the Health of People with ID

2. What is advocacy? Defending and protecting a person or groups rights
Having peoples’ voices heard
Making sure that a person or groups’ views and opinions are considered when decisions are being made that directly impact their lives.
The definition of advocacy is:
An action in favor of a cause; usually calling for change. Advocates, in all its forms, seeks to ensure that people have their voices heard, defend and safeguard their rights and have their views considered when decisions are being made about their lives.

3. Who are health influencers?
Health care providers and workers
Fitness and wellness professionals.
Universities
Medical, dental and professional associations.
Policy Makers/Health Departments/Ministries of Health
Businesses

4. What are the key messages?
People with ID face significant health disparities.
They are:
5 times more likely to have diabetes
3 times more likely to have arthritis
2 times more likely to have cardiovascular disease and asthma
Have a 10% higher prevalence of obesity
Die on average 16 years sooner

5. What are the key messages?
All people deserve to be in their best health.
People with ID should have equal access to health care, services and education in their communities.
Health systems need to take the steps to address the needs of people with ID.
Health systems should be serving ALL people.
Health system is the organization of people, institutions, and resources that deliver health care services to meet the health needs of a community

6. Who What Why How How to tell the story 3 W’s and an H
Your name, where you live and how long you been an athlete
Who
Sports you do and position of leadership within SO
What
Should health influencers be more inclusive of people with ID
Why
Can health influencers make changes so that people with ID can live healthier, longer lives
How
The most affective way to influence policy makers is to put a “human face” on the issue. An individual talking about their struggle with not having the same opportunities to be healthy because of their different abilities makes it more direct and human.
People with ID are the ones facing the impact of being excluded from mainstream policies and programs, so people with ID are the best ones to speak about it.
Ask some athletes to volunteer to tell their 3Ws and an H… You can ask them interview questions related to Who, What, Why, How

7. Activity
Pick a health influencer in your local community, state or country.
Identify how they can support the health of people with ID.
What would you say to them to advocate for the health and inclusion of people with ID?
What changes could they make to help people with ID overcome the barriers to being healthy?
At your table - 10 minutes for brainstorm; 5 minutes to report.
Go through the challenges the athletes presented at the beginning of the day.