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Family Health Forums

Family Health Forums provide a space for the families and caregivers of people with intellectual disabilities to engage with health professionals, community leaders and social service providers. The Forums introduce new families to Special Olympics and services provided through Healthy Athletes®, Young Athletes and other community-based programs for people with intellectual disabilities, while also surfacing challenges that athletes and families face and how best to overcome them—with a special focus on bettering access to health care, education and inclusive activities.

Family Health Forums are designed by the community to meet their local needs. In light of COVID-19, we have developed several resources to assist Programs in offering the Family Health Forum concept virtually. The curriculum material may also be used for in-person events in the future.

2021 Grant Cycle

Accepting applications for 2021 Family Health Forums through November 25, 2020.

Virtual Family Health Forum (FHF) Toolkit (PDF)

This document will provide overall guidance and recommendations on planning, implementing, and evaluating your virtual Family Health Forum. Download DOCX

EVALUATION MATERIALS

Virtual Family Health Forum Participant Exit Survey (PDF)

This document provides an overview of the questions asked in a survey designed for participants. There is a link to the online survey. Where possible, participants should complete the online survey and not the word file.

Program Evaluation Report—Virtual Family Health Forum (PDF)

This document provides an overview of the questions asked in an online survey designed for PROGRAMS to report on the activities of their event. There is a link to the online survey for Programs to use. Programs should complete the online survey and not the word file.

SAMPLE CURRICULUM MATERIALS

Positive Parenting during COVID-19

Positive Parenting During the COVID-19 Pandemic (PDF)

This resource serves as a facilitator’s guide for a session on positive parenting during COVID-19. The document includes talking points, discussion questions, and video and educational resources to consider using during your session. Download DOCX
Self Advocacy

How to Advocate For Your Family’s Health Presentation (PPTX)

This resource is a sample powerpoint for presenters to use during their session. It has all talking points included in the notes section, but is also designed to be customized, where needed, by local communities and presenters.

Getting Ready for Your COVID-19 Health Care Visit (PDF)

This is a handout to share with participants.

How to Advocate for Your Family’s Health 1-pager (DOCX)

This is a handout for an interactive portion of the session.
Strong Minds and Emotional Wellness

Strong Minds Family Forum Mental Health and Wellbeing (PPTX)

This resource is a sample powerpoint for presenters to use during their session. It has all talking points included in the notes section, but is also designed to be customized, where needed, by local communities and presenters.

Strong Minds Family Forum Mental Health and Wellbeing Facilitator’s Guide (DOCX)

This resource is facilitator’s guide to help provide guidance on implementing a session on this topic.

Strong Minds Family Tip Sheet and Calendar

This resource provides family members and caregivers ideas about ways to destress, have fun, and integrate healthy living choices into day-to-day lives. Using the Strong Minds stickers and calendar, you can design your healthy living schedule to best meet the personal needs and interests of your family. Calendar | Sticker Sheet