Special Olympics PATH to Health Equity for People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Despite numerous efforts by health systems, health care professionals, public health professionals, and various policy advocates, health disparities persist for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Achieving health equity for these individuals requires continued efforts to address health disparities and improve access to adapted health services. This includes building capacity in health care systems, governments, and the health care workforce to deliver high-quality, inclusive care. Special Olympics Health employs a comprehensive 4-pronged approach called the PATH to Health Equity, which focuses on prevention, assessment, training, and health systems to address the health disparities that individuals with IDD experience. Each key component of this approach is highlighted with examples of evidence-based programming and outcomes. Although achieving true health equity for this population requires further collaboration, partnership, and resources across health systems, academia, policy, advocacy, and public health sectors, Special Olympics Health is making significant strides in improving health outcomes and quality of life for individuals with IDD. (Am J Public Health. 2026; 116(S2):S94-S102. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2026.308436).