At Special Olympics Washington, we believe that health is a human right for everyone, regardless of abilities. This vision is at the heart of the Alliance for Inclusive Health, a transformative partnership aimed at creating health equity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). At the forefront of this effort is Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH), charter member of the alliance and a vital partner in improving health outcomes for this underserved population.

The Alliance for Inclusive Health was established to improve access to inclusive health care services, with a special focus on the IDD community. People with IDD often face significant health disparities, including inadequate access to medical care, wellness services, and health education as well as misunderstandings about how best to communicate and/or respond effectively to their unique health needs. By bringing together health care providers, researchers, advocates, and community members, the alliance fosters a more inclusive system that recognizes and addresses these needs.

VMFH, as one of the largest health care systems in Washington, plays a crucial role in this effort. Their commitment goes beyond offering medical services; they are actively working to reshape the health care experience for individuals with IDD. A significant part of this work involves providing specialized training for health care professionals, ensuring that they are equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to deliver respectful, inclusive care. This focus on education helps to build a health care workforce that understands the specific needs of people with IDD and is prepared to offer them the high-quality care they deserve.

In addition to professional training, VMFH is also working to improve access to health care services for the IDD community. By making health care facilities more accessible and ensuring that resources are designed with inclusivity in mind, VMFH is helping to remove the obstacles that often prevent individuals with IDD from receiving timely and appropriate care. They are also engaging in community health initiatives that promote wellness and preventive care, addressing health disparities at a local level and creating opportunities for better health outcomes.

Benaroya Research Institute (BRI), an independent nonprofit research institute affiliated with VMFH and based in Seattle, brings its world-class research expertise to the alliance. Focused on improving outcomes for autoimmune diseases and other conditions involving the immune system, BRI’s work is invaluable to understanding the unique health challenges faced by people with IDD. Leading this charge is Bernard Khor, MD, PhD, whose research is helping to unravel why people with Down syndrome have impaired immune health, including susceptibility to infection and  autoimmune diseases, as well as weaker response to vaccination. Recently awarded prestigious grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Dr. Khor and his colleagues groundbreaking work at BRI is advancing knowledge with the goal of driving innovation in health care solutions for individuals with Down syndrome and even the broader IDD community.

As part of the alliance, BRI plays a crucial role in:

• Conducting groundbreaking research: BRI studies the intersections of immune diseases and intellectual disabilities, examining how health care approaches can be tailored to be more effective and inclusive for those with IDD.
• Driving health innovations: BRI is committed to exploring new solutions that close gaps in health care, especially for those with complex health needs. Their research informs the development of inclusive health care models that can be replicated nationwide.
• Empowering the IDD community through research participation: BRI is a national leader in including people with Down syndrome and their family members not only as participants in research studies, but also as advocates in the design of these research studies. In this way, BRI helps ensure that health care advancements reflect the priorities, needs and lived experiences of the communities they serve.

A Commitment to Health Equity

At the core of the Alliance for Inclusive Health is a shared mission: to ensure that people with IDD have the same opportunities to lead healthy, fulfilling lives as anyone else. Through partnerships with organizations like VMFH and BRI, Special Olympics Washington continues to champion inclusive health practices that empower individuals with IDD.

This partnership not only enhances the quality of life for our athletes but also sends a powerful message: inclusive health care benefits everyone. When we break down barriers to access and provide equitable care, we create healthier communities as a whole.

We are proud to work alongside VMFH and BRI in reshaping health care for individuals with IDD. Together, we will continue advocating for inclusivity in every aspect of health.

For more information about the Alliance for Inclusive Health or how to get involved, visit our website and join us in making health care accessible for all.