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Roughly 1 in 4 American adults have a disability, including mobility and vision impairments that limit their ability to play sports. But people with disabilities — whether physical or intellectual — can join in on the fun with the right assistance through adaptive sports programs and organizations like Special Olympics. On top of helping people with disabilities get the exercise they need, sports events like these spread disability awareness and foster inclusion. This is vital to improving the lives of those with disabilities and reducing negative stereotypes.

Learn more about Special Olympics, adaptive sports and their benefits in this article. You’ll also discover the crucial role physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech language pathologists play in bringing athletic dreams to life.

What Is Special Olympics?

Special Olympics is a sports organization and inclusive movement focused on ending discrimination against people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Its mission is to provide year-round training and competition opportunities in over 30 Olympic-type sports for children and adults, regardless of their abilities. The goal is to help people with disabilities become active, healthy and social through sports. On a larger scale, Special Olympics hopes to foster communities where everyone is welcomed and celebrated.

This organization also improves social inclusion through Special Olympics Unified Sports® teams. These teams allow people with and without IDD to play and compete together. Their Unified Champion Schools program also brings this idea to life in schools and colleges, where young people with IDD often can’t play in school sports. The program encourages educational leaders worldwide to provide more inclusive sports activities.

The Impact of Special Olympics

Special Olympics has a profound and large-scale impact worldwide. Since its inception in 1968, this organization has touched the lives of millions of people in more than a hundred countries. Thanks to over 670,000 volunteers and 330,000 coaches, it hosts 46,000 sporting competitions yearly. 

Its two main international events are the World Games and the Unified Cup. The World Games — which take place every two years — is the main event for the Special Olympics movement. This large, international affair celebrates athletes with IDD and their achievements. The Unified Cup is a single sport competition for football players, where inclusive teams play together.

But their real impact lies in the progress they’ve made toward community inclusion. Children and adolescents with disabilities are three times more likely to experience bullying, physical assault and discrimination. With each event and training session, Special Olympics drives acceptance and understanding of people with IDD. By breaking down barriers and fighting discrimination, they’re building communities where everyone is treated equally. They’re also working toward increasing access to health care services for people with IDD and providing resources for families.

What Are Adaptive Sports Programs?

Adaptive sports programs are the same as traditional sports but have modifications for people with disabilities. These adjustments can include rule changes and specialized equipment, like wheelchairs, visual aids, prosthetics and guides. These allow athletes of all abilities and skill levels to enjoy and compete in their chosen sport.

The most widely recognized adaptive sports competition is the Paralympic Games, which occurs just after the Olympics. The Paralympics categorize each athlete according to their disability and degree of activity limitation. Some categories include impaired muscle power, limb deficiency and vision impairment. Categorization allows those with similar disabilities to compete against each other, similar to how the Olympics groups athletes by gender, age and weight.

The Importance of Sports Training for Athletes With Disabilities

Adaptive sports and Special Olympics allow people with intellectual and physical disabilities to play any sport they like. This is important, as sports and physical activity are physically and mentally beneficial for everyone. With adaptive sports programs, people with disabilities can also enjoy the many benefits of playing sports, such as:

• Connection: Sports give people the opportunity to come together and make friends, no matter their differences. Social connection, communication and teamwork are vital for people with disabilities, as they may be more at risk for social isolation and feelings of loneliness.
• Fun: Studies show that adults with disabilities are more likely to experience frequent mental distress than those without. Playing sports is a healthy way to relieve stress and combat negative emotions.
• Health: Exercise has life-changing physical and mental health benefits. It improves physical attributes like muscle strength, cardiovascular health, flexibility, balance and coordination. It can also decrease the risk of developing illnesses like heart disease, type 2 diabetes and even cancer. Exercise can also help improve sleep, mental illness symptoms, stress and cognitive function.
• Confidence: Through sports, players learn new skills and work toward goals. This can boost self-esteem and confidence, helping people with disabilities feel better about themselves and their strengths.
• Independence: Sports often help people with disabilities become more independent. By playing a sport, they can improve their physical capabilities, learn decision-making skills and develop healthy habits, all of which can lead to a more autonomous life.
• Awareness: Many negative stereotypes surround people with disabilities. Events like the Paralympics and Special Olympics World Games showcase the talents and stories of athletes with disabilities and spread the message of diversity and inclusion worldwide. On a smaller scale, sports allow people within a community to understand and have empathy for each other.

The Role of Therapists in Adaptive Sports

Physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech language pathologists all play an essential role in Special Olympics and adaptive sports. Therapists support athletes to participate in their chosen sport and implement strategies that improve performance. They may provide skill building, adaptive equipment and other accommodations so athletes can access and participate in any or all parts of the sporting activity. For example, an occupational therapist and physical therapist may assess wheelchair seating and positioning needs, as well as prosthetic fittings. A speech language pathologist may support communication needs in unique sporting situations. OTs, PTs and SLPs are a crucial part of the team to support individuals with disabilities in their athletic journey via Special Olympics, recreational or more elite adaptive sports endeavors.

Additionally, therapists work closely with athletes to develop personalized training programs that address each athlete’s specific needs and goals. They also provide strategies and guidance to reduce the risk of injuries. If an athlete is recovering from an injury, they can support their rehabilitation and help them get back to playing their favorite sport. Ultimately, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech language pathologists reduce barriers to access and ensure each athlete’s safety, comfort, and participation.  

Empower Yourself to Help Athletes With Disabilities Through Education Resources, Inc.

Education Resources, Inc. (ERI) is a team of therapists passionate about continual learning and professional development. Founded over 30 years ago by therapists for therapists, ERI offers hundreds of courses across a wide range of topics. You can learn from our live webinars, in-person courses or online courses. Regardless of the platform, you’ll learn hands-on, evidence-based practices you can implement today.

Our Continuing Education Unit (CEU) courses help physical therapists maintain their licenses and secure advanced certifications. They provide the latest strategies and industry developments to expand your skillset and improve patient care. No matter where you work or what you do, we have a course for you. If you’re interested in joining a webinar or in-person training related to people with disabilities and sports, consider enrolling in one of our upcoming courses:

• August 2024: Rehabilitation for Limb Loss and Limb Difference with a Pediatric Emphasis
• October 2024: Management of Persistent Post Concussive Symptoms: What’s the Latest Evidence?
• November 2024: Limb Loss/Amputee Rehabilitation: Evidence-Based Strategies Across the Continuum of Care

Browse our industry-specific courses today to begin your journey. If you need help choosing a course, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re happy to answer any questions and help you find the right courses for your requirements.

As a new therapist fresh out of school, you’re eager to kickstart your career and land a job in your field. However, with an outlook of 15% growth for physical therapists and 12% for occupational therapists, the job market can become competitive. 

Navigating the job search process can feel overwhelming. When it comes to job search strategies for new grads, you need to tailor your process to approach your job hunt in the most effective way possible. You want to show your potential employer what you know and where you want to go in your clinical career. Let us help with our best job hunting tips for new therapists.

Crafting Your Resume and Cover Letter 

When you craft your resume and cover letter, remember to add the following details:

• Highlight relevant clinical experiences: Tailor your resume to highlight any relevant hands-on experience that is directly related to your therapy field, including internships and mentorships.
• Emphasize skills and certifications: Showcase any specialized certifications or training that set you apart. Remember to include hard and soft skills related to therapy that you possess, such as assessment techniques, therapy planning and documentation.
• Quantify achievements: Use measurable outcomes to demonstrate the impact of your work during your studies or internships.
• Tailor it to each job: Customize your resume and cover letter for each job application by aligning your skills and interests with the job requirements. Incorporate keywords from the job posting to pass through applicant tracking systems (ATSs).
• Format and proofread: Find out the best way to present your resume and use a professional format and design to make a strong first impression. Remember to proofread everything toward the end so no spelling errors pull through.

Networking Strategies 

Networking is beneficial for people of all levels, which is why it remains one of our favorite job hunting tips for physical therapists. Although networking can help you potentially find a job, it’s about building relationships, establishing connections and building a professional network.

Here are some practical networking tips:

• Use existing relationships as a foundation to get started.
• Stay connected with school professors, clinical supervisors, mentors and classmates for potential job opportunities and referrals.
• Build relationships within the therapy community by going to local meetings and joining support groups.
• Attend industry events, conferences and workshops to expand your network, stay updated on industry advancements and make new connections.
• Tap into diverse resources to expand your network beyond familiar clusters.
• Track your contacts and categorize them as active, passive or dormant to prioritize your networking efforts effectively.

Above all, cultivate a confident mindset and ask questions to other professionals about the work they do and their experience.

Job Search Platforms and Resources

When looking into job search platforms and resources as a new grad, try these options:

• Online job portals: Choose reputable platforms known for listing legitimate job opportunities. Platforms that have easy navigation, clear job posting filters and search options will help you find the most relevant positions.
• Professional organizations: Another one of our best job hunting tips for occupational therapists is to join local, state and national organizations. The American Occupational Therapy Association provides valuable tips and referral programs. Physical therapists can also benefit from becoming members of the American Physical Therapy Association.
• Recruitment agencies: Contact staffing agencies specializing in health care placements for additional support. They can help match you with job opportunities they have access to.
• Social media: Follow organizations related to your industry that you’re interested in on social media platforms. They may post job openings on their accounts. LinkedIn also indicates mutual connections at particular companies, broadening your networking opportunities.
• Company websites: Many organizations post job openings directly on their careers pages. Make a list of your favorite companies and check out their job opportunity sections for available positions.

Interview Preparation

Congrats, you got an invitation from one of your applications! Follow these tips as you prepare for your interview:

• Learn about the company: Find out more details about the organization, including its values, mission and recent achievements to demonstrate your interest and fit.
• Reread the job description: Familiarize yourself with the job requirements, responsibilities and qualifications to align your experiences and skills with what the employer is looking for.
• Practice common interview questions: Prepare a few thoughtful responses to common interview questions to showcase your suitability for the position. For example, when asked, “Tell us a bit more about yourself,” you should highlight your passion for therapy and commitment to patient care.
• Prepare questions for the interviewer: Interviews are your chance to get to know your potential employer. Ask thoughtful questions about the role, team dynamics, career growth opportunities and company culture.
• Bring important documents: Print extra copies of your resume, certifications and any other relevant documents in a neat folder or portfolio.
• Be professional: Dress yourself according to the company’s dress code to reflect a professional image. Arrive early for the interview to allow yourself time to feel prepared and show punctuality.

The interviewer wants to know who you are, so remember to be your authentic self.

Negotiating Job Offers 

Even as a new graduate, negotiating a job offer can be a valuable opportunity to secure a favorable compensation package and set the tone for your career. Here are some negotiation tips:

• Research market rates: Find out what the typical salary range for a therapy graduate in your location is to establish a benchmark for negotiation. If the salary is nonnegotiable, consider other benefits, like flexible hours, professional development opportunities and potential for growth within the company.
• Seek guidance: Seek advice from mentors, career counselors or professional associations to give you clarification on what good compensation is.
• Highlight your value: Emphasize your skills, education and any relevant experiences or unique qualifications that justify your request for better compensation.
• Negotiate professionally: Approach negotiations respectfully and professionally, aiming to reach a mutually beneficial agreement rather than engaging in confrontational discussions.
• Be realistic: Knowing when to accept is as important as knowing how to negotiate.

Additional Job Finding Tips for New Therapists

Here are a few extra tips for finding therapy-related jobs as new grads.

• Narrow your search: Stick to your favorite online job portals, preferably those that allow you to upload your resume. This will keep you focused without overwhelming you with too many choices.
• Stay organized: Keep track of all your job applications. You can use an online tool or create a simple spreadsheet listing all positions you applied to, including company details, links to the job ad and the date of application. This ensures you avoid resubmitting applications to the same job post and gives you quick access when you’re called for an interview.
• Keep your social media clean: Employers may check out your social media to get a better idea of who you are. Take the time to clean up your profiles and remove any posts that may put you in a negative light.
• Commit to improvement: Have a plan in place for professional development and mentorship. You might consider pursuing additional certifications to make yourself stand out from the crowd.
• Be patient: Finding the ideal job can take time. Be patient with the process and, most of all, be patient with yourself.

Commit to Continued Education With ERI

Hands-on, experiential learning can increase your competitiveness in the job market and ultimately help secure rewarding employment opportunities. Whether you take specialized courses or attend online webinars to learn from industry experts, these educational resources will add to your resume for graduate and future therapy positions. 

Education Resources, Inc. (ERI) would love to help you in your future professional development and guide you through your continuing education requirements. We offer dynamic courses in a full range of specialties. To find out more, get in touch with our customer service team.

Stay persistent, proactive and adaptable.