Eligibility
For the purposes of determining if an individual is eligible to participate in Special Olympics, they must meet one of the following requirements:
- Has been identified by an agency or professional as having a intellectual disability as determined by their localities; or
- Has a cognitive delay, as determined by standardized measures such as intelligent quotient or "IQ" testing or other measures that are generally accepted within the professional community as being a reliable measurement of the existence of a cognitive delay; or
- Has a closely related developmental disability. A "closely related developmental disability" means having functional limitations in both general learning (such as IQ) and in adaptive skills (such as in recreation, work, independent living, self-direction or self-care).
- The most common intellectual disabilities Special Olympics athletes have are mental retardation, Down syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Individuals whose disabilities are based solely on a physical, behavioral or emotional disability, or a specific learning or sensory disability, are not eligible to participate in Special Olympics as an athlete.