This month, Special Olympics Washington shared new research that highlights the stark health disparities people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face right here in Washington State.

The findings come from the Rosemary Collaboratory — a global initiative aimed at advancing health equity for people with IDD — and mark the first time this type of state-specific data has been made publicly available in Washington.

What We Learned

 

The data is sobering. People with IDD in Washington are, on average, living significantly shorter lives and facing more serious health issues than their neurotypical peers.

Some key facts:

  • People with IDD in Washington have an average life expectancy of just 59.8 years, compared to 74.9 years for people without IDD.
  • An estimated 135,000 working-age adults with disabilities rely on Apple Health (Medicaid), which puts their access to care at risk during federal budget cut discussions.
  • Over 11,000 people are currently on waiting lists for Medicaid Waiver services that support independent living, employment, and inclusion in the community.

“These numbers reflect real lives and real barriers,” said Emma Richardson, Director of Health Programs at Special Olympics Washington. “Now that we have this data, we’re committed to using it to inform our programs, elevate voices, and advocate for lasting change.”

National Trends, Local Impact

The research from the Rosemary Collaboratory also revealed troubling national trends:

  • Over 41% of adults with IDD report their health as fair or poor — compared to just 5.3% of adults without disabilities.
  • Rates of chronic pain, anxiety, and depression are dramatically higher for people with IDD.
  • Many adults with IDD are delaying or avoiding care due to cost concerns — nearly 3x more than their peers.

These numbers mirror what we see among our own athletes, many of whom rely on Medicaid for vital healthcare services. That’s why this research isn’t just data — it’s fuel for action.

 

What’s Next?

With Phase 2 of the Rosemary Collaboratory underway, we’re working directly with self-advocates and partners to push for systems-level change. That includes:

  • Protecting Medicaid funding
  • Expanding coverage for dental and behavioral health care
  • Simplifying eligibility policies
  • Ensuring continued access to home and community-based services

“This is a first-of-its-kind look at health equity in Washington for people with IDD,” said Dr. Jae Kennedy, Special Olympics consultant and professor at Washington State University. “It gives us a foundation to build a more inclusive and responsive health system.”

Want to see the data, support the work, or get involved? Visit allianceforinclusivehealth.org