Family Health Forums
Family Health Forums (FHF) provide a space for parents, caregivers, and siblings 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 face and how best to overcome them—with a special focus on bettering access to health care, education and inclusive activities.
FHFs are designed by the community to meet their local needs, and topics discussed over the years include diabetes prevention, fitness, oral health, HIV/AIDS prevention, navigating the health system, and access to health. Since 2013, over 45,000 individuals around the world have participated in Special Olympics Family Health Forum's funded by Lions Clubs International Foundation.
FHFs are designed by the community to meet their local needs, and topics discussed over the years include diabetes prevention, fitness, oral health, HIV/AIDS prevention, navigating the health system, and access to health. Since 2013, over 45,000 individuals around the world have participated in Special Olympics Family Health Forum's funded by Lions Clubs International Foundation.
Explore Program and Family Experiences in the Family Health Forum Videos
Overview
Learn the numerous benefits that come with hosting Family Health Forums. This video provides an overview of how Programs impact families through Family Health Forums. Download this video to show during your Forum or leverage for event promotion.
Download the Video • Download the SRT Text File
Download the Video • Download the SRT Text File
On Now
On Now
Guidance
Sample FHF Budget (XLSX)
Sample item for your Forum budget, provided for planning purposes only.
Family Health Forum Guidance (PDF)
Guidance for planning, implementing, and evaluating an in-person FHF.
Virtual FHF Guidance (PDF)
Guidance for planning, implementing, and evaluating a virtual FHF.
Banners and Logos
Banners with the Lions Club International Foundation logo must be displayed at every FHF. Photos of the banner and Lions club members must be taken and submitted in the FHF Program Evaluation.
Evaluation Materials
FHF Program Evaluation via Qualtrics
Programs are required to submit an FHF Program Evaluation via Qualtrics. The evaluation must be completed within 30 days after each Forum. Please click the link to complete the evaluation.
FHF Participant Exit Survey (DOCX)
For Program purposes, we highly recommended conducting Forum exit surveys. This document offers an overview of potential survey questions.
Structured Curriculum Materials
SOI provides standardized presentations, guides, and supporting materials to support family health education.
A 60–90 minute session with a presentation, facilitator guide, and supporting materials. Topics include Healthy Eating, Stress Management, Family Fitness, Diabetes Prevention, and Parenting.
Family Health Forums (FHF)
Family Health Forum Series (FHF Series)
Health System Navigation
Five modules (Sessions 1 – 5), along with Facilitator Guides, Participant Handbooks, slide decks, and additional U.S.-specific supplemental documents, are designed to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their carers navigate the healthcare system. Together, they build skills in navigation, strengthen self-advocacy, and promote improved health outcomes. While designed for sequential use, each session can also stand alone.