Special Olympics Inc. Designates the Center for Social Development as Regional Collaboration Center

By Leigh DuPuy

On September 26, Timothy P. Shriver, chairman and CEO of Special Olympics Incorporated, and Chancellor Jo Ann Gora signed an agreement designating the university's Center for Social Development and Education (CSDE) as a Regional Collaborating Center (RCC) for research and education to enhance the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities. This is the second such center, the first being Wenzhou Medical College in Shanghai, China.

Over the past several years, Special Olympics Inc. has turned to the University of Massachusetts Boston and the Center for Social Development and Education to lead its effort in research-based initiatives and to drive its worldwide call to action. This relationship began with the evaluation of the Unified Sports program within the United States.

The establishment of the Regional Collaborating Center (RCC) follows on the heels of the completion of a landmark study evaluating worldwide attitudes toward individuals with intellectual disabilities. This nine-country study shows that the general population lacks an appreciation of the range of capabilities of individuals with intellectual disabilities, and therefore has low expectations of how much they can achieve. The study also reveals that the world still believes individuals with intellectual disabilities should work and learn in segregated settings, apart from people without disabilities.

"This exciting and ground-breaking research that the center has carried out has broadened our understanding of the many barriers that people with intellectual disabilities face as citizens of the world," said Chancellor Gora. "Over the coming years, I envision the Regional Collaborating Center will embark in critical endeavors that will brighten the horizon for people worldwide."

"I think the work of Gary Siperstein and the Center for Social Development and Education is unique," said Shriver. "The center is a force for the global reshaping of how people perceive those with intellectual disabilities by promoting acceptance, tolerance, and change. It is incredible to have this kind of academic muscle behind this scientific and social change force--we're very excited."

CSDE will take on the RCC's mission to provide assistance and consultation to researchers and program providers.

"The research opportunities and policy changes are unlimited with the creation of this Regional Collaborating Center," said Siperstein. Also, notes Siperstein, the work with the RCC will further expand an international recognition of UMass Boston.

In the last month, the RCC has received requests to expand the multinational survey in South Africa and India, to provide technical assistance to coaching programs within the US, and to begin planning for a survey of youth around the world, beginning with Japan this coming winter.

In addition, the RCC is working with the President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities to design and implement a major national awareness campaign to improve the social acceptance of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

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