How much do you know about intellectual disabilities? | Matthew Williams | TEDxVancouver

Summary

Matthew Williams, a Special Olympics athlete, shares his journey as a champion in multiple sports, challenging stereotypes and advocating for respect and inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities. He highlights the transformative impact of Special Olympics on athletes' lives, promoting health, dignity, and pride, while urging the audience to recognize the abilities beyond disabilities and to support the movement against derogatory language.

Takeaways

• 🏅 Matthew Williams is a multi-sport champion who has represented Canada internationally in basketball and speed skating, all through the Special Olympics.
• 🌟 Special Olympics has been instrumental in changing societal perceptions and providing opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities since its inception in 1968.
• 🚫 The derogatory use of the 'r-word' continues to hurt and marginalize people with intellectual disabilities, highlighting the need for continued awareness and change.
• 🤸‍♂️ Special Olympics offers year-round sports programs that not only enhance physical fitness but also improve self-identity and challenge societal norms.
• 🌍 The World Games is a significant event that brings together over 6,500 athletes from 165 countries, demonstrating the global reach and impact of the Special Olympics movement.
• 👀 There is a stark lack of awareness and understanding about the achievements and capabilities of individuals with intellectual disabilities, as evidenced by the low public knowledge of the World Games.
• 👶 Williams' personal journey from feeling left out and frustrated to becoming a champion athlete illustrates the transformative power of the Special Olympics.
• 🧠 The Special Olympics addresses critical health needs, providing free health screenings and promoting active lifestyles to combat the shorter life expectancy often associated with intellectual disabilities.
• 🎖️ The Special Olympics has been a platform for athletes to achieve records and recognition, challenging preconceived notions about the capabilities of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
• 🤝 The movement fosters a sense of community and belonging, where athletes are encouraged and supported, leading to improved self-esteem and social inclusion.
• 🌟 Matthew Williams' TED Talk serves as a call to action for society to see the abilities of individuals with intellectual disabilities, to challenge the use of derogatory language, and to get involved with the Special Olympics.

Q & A

Who is Matthew Williams and what is his claim to fame?

Matthew Williams is a champion athlete who has won medals in three different sports and represented Canada at the international level in basketball. He is also a Special Olympics athlete.

What does Matthew Williams do to maintain his athletic performance?

Matthew trains five days a week for basketball and speed skating, works with top coaches, and mental performance consultants to be at his best in his sport.

How does Matthew Williams feel about the term 'r-word'?

Matthew Williams finds the term 'r-word' deeply hurtful and derogatory when used to describe people with intellectual disabilities, as it causes emotional pain to him and his friends.

What is the significance of the Special Olympics for Matthew and others like him?

The Special Olympics is significant for Matthew and others as it transforms the self-identity of athletes with intellectual disabilities and changes societal perceptions, providing a platform for them to excel and be recognized.

How has the Special Olympics impacted Matthew's life?

The Special Olympics has changed Matthew's life by giving him a sense of pride, dignity, and the opportunity to compete at a high level, including at the World Summer Games.

What health issues are commonly faced by individuals with intellectual disabilities, according to Matthew?

Individuals with intellectual disabilities often face critical health needs, with studies showing they have shorter life expectancies compared to those without disabilities. Special Olympics helps address these issues by promoting an active lifestyle and providing health screenings.

What was the impact of the Nigerian basketball team receiving free hearing aids at the World Games Healthy Athlete Screening?

The Nigerian basketball team members became more excited, happy, and confident after receiving free hearing aids, as they could now clearly hear their coach's instructions and the sounds of the game.

What is Matthew Williams' career aspiration outside of sports?

Matthew Williams is pursuing a career as a personal trainer, demonstrating his aspirations to continue in the field of health and fitness.

How does Matthew Williams view the role of Special Olympics in changing societal attitudes?

Matthew believes that Special Olympics teaches the world that people with intellectual disabilities deserve respect and inclusion, and it helps change societal attitudes by showcasing their abilities and achievements.

What is the significance of the World Games in the context of Special Olympics?

The World Games is a significant event for Special Olympics athletes as it brings together over 6,500 athletes from 165 countries, providing a global platform for them to be seen and celebrated for their abilities.

How does Matthew Williams perceive the use of the 'r-word' in society?

Matthew perceives the use of the 'r-word' as a sign of invisibility and lack of acceptance for people with intellectual disabilities, and he encourages others to understand the emotional harm it causes.

Outlines

00:00

🏅 Overcoming Prejudices: Matthew's Athletic Journey

Matthew Williams introduces himself as a multi-sport champion and Special Olympics athlete, challenging stereotypes about people with intellectual disabilities. He reflects on the progress made since the inception of the Special Olympics in 1968 but highlights the ongoing issue of invisibility and derogatory language directed at individuals like him. Matthew emphasizes his athletic achievements, participation in the World Games, and the importance of viewing people with intellectual disabilities as equals. He also discusses the transformative impact of Special Olympics on athletes' self-identity and societal perceptions.

05:03

🌟 Pioneering Inclusion: The Impact of Special Olympics

This paragraph delves into the history and significance of the Special Olympics, founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, and the pioneering work of Dr. Frank Hayden. It discusses the initial skepticism about the benefits of fitness programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities and how the Special Olympics has proven these doubts wrong. Matthew shares his personal transformation through the organization, from a shy and nervous individual to a confident athlete competing at the World Games. The paragraph also touches on the health benefits of the Special Olympics, including free health screenings and the promotion of an active lifestyle, as well as the emotional and social impact on athletes' lives.

10:04

💪 Breaking Barriers: Celebrating Achievements and Advocacy

In the final paragraph, Matthew shares inspiring stories from the 2015 World Summer Games, highlighting the achievements of Special Olympics athletes, such as Jackie Barrett's record-breaking lifts. He emphasizes the importance of visibility and respect for individuals with intellectual disabilities, advocating for their inclusion in society. Matthew discusses his personal dreams and aspirations, including a career as a personal trainer, and calls for a change in societal attitudes towards the use of the derogatory 'r-word.' He concludes with a powerful quote from Nelson Mandela, asserting the potential of sports to change the world and the role of the Special Olympics in transforming the lives of millions of athletes.

Keywords

💡Champion

A champion is someone who has won a competition or is considered the best in a particular field. In the video's context, Matthew Williams identifies himself as a champion, having won medals in multiple sports and representing Canada internationally in basketball. This term is central to the theme of overcoming challenges and achieving excellence despite having an intellectual disability.

💡Special Olympics

The Special Olympics is an international organization that provides sports training and competition opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. It is a key concept in the video as it is the organization through which Matthew and many others have been able to compete and excel in sports, transforming their lives and challenging societal perceptions.

💡Intellectual Disability

Intellectual disability refers to limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, which can affect a person's ability to perform everyday tasks and interact in social settings. The video discusses the impact of this condition on individuals' lives and the societal invisibility they often face, as well as the empowerment they can achieve through participation in the Special Olympics.

💡Derogatory

Derogatory terms are words or expressions that insult or show a lack of respect for a particular group of people. In the script, the term 'retard' or 'retarded' is mentioned as a derogatory word that has been used to hurt individuals with intellectual disabilities, including the speaker, emphasizing the need for respectful language and attitudes.

💡Invisibility

In the context of the video, 'invisibility' refers to the lack of recognition or awareness of people with intellectual disabilities by the wider society. The speaker points out that despite progress, many people with intellectual disabilities are still not seen or acknowledged, highlighting the need for greater visibility and acceptance.

💡World Games

The World Games is a major sporting event organized by the Special Olympics, where athletes with intellectual disabilities from around the world compete. The video mentions the World Games to illustrate the scale and impact of the Special Olympics movement and to challenge the audience's awareness and perceptions of these athletes.

💡Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Matthew Williams mentions being born with epilepsy and an intellectual disability, using his personal story to illustrate the challenges faced by individuals with these conditions and how participation in the Special Olympics has positively impacted his life.

💡Health Screening

Health screening refers to the process of checking for potential health conditions or risks in individuals who may not be aware of them. The video discusses how the Special Olympics provides free health screenings for athletes, which can be crucial for those who have difficulty accessing healthcare, as exemplified by the Nigerian basketball team members receiving hearing aids.

💡Perception

Perception is the way in which something is regarded, understood, or interpreted. The video's theme revolves around changing societal perceptions of individuals with intellectual disabilities, from invisibility and derogatory attitudes to recognition, respect, and inclusion.

💡Respect

Respect is a feeling of deep admiration for someone elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements. The video emphasizes the importance of respect for individuals with intellectual disabilities, advocating for their dignity and the recognition of their abilities and accomplishments.

💡Inclusion

Inclusion refers to the act of including or involving individuals, especially in activities or a social environment. The video calls for greater inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in society, both in sports and in everyday life, as a means to challenge stereotypes and promote equality.

Highlights

Matthew Williams is a multi-sport champion and proud representative of Canada in international competitions.

Williams trains five days a week with top coaches and mental performance consultants through Special Olympics.

The speaker challenges societal perceptions of individuals with intellectual disabilities and their accomplishments.

Despite progress since 1968, people with intellectual disabilities are often invisible to the wider population.

The derogatory use of the r-word is highlighted as a hurtful and prevalent issue.

Williams emphasizes that he is not a charity case but an athlete with significant achievements.

He participated in the World Games as one of over 6,500 athletes with intellectual disabilities.

The World Games had over 62,000 spectators and live coverage on TSN and ESPN, yet many were unaware of the event.

Special Olympics transforms the self-identity of athletes and the perceptions of viewers.

Special Olympics is distinct from the Paralympics and Olympics, offering sports programs for those with intellectual disabilities.

Williams was born with epilepsy and an intellectual disability, feeling left out until joining Special Olympics.

In the 1960s, Dr. Frank Hayden's research showed the importance of opportunity for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Pioneers like Dr. Hayden and Eunice Kennedy Shriver helped establish Special Olympics, proving doubters wrong.

Special Olympics not only boosts athletes' confidence but also addresses critical health needs.

Athletes with intellectual disabilities face a significantly shorter life expectancy, which Special Olympics helps to combat.

Special Olympics provides free health screenings for athletes with communication or access challenges.

The impact of the World Games Healthy Athlete Screening is illustrated through the Nigerian basketball team's experience.

Williams discusses the importance of visibility and acceptance for people with intellectual disabilities.

The r-word's casual use and its deep hurtfulness to the community are emphasized.

An open letter from John Franklin Stephens is mentioned, urging people to experience Special Olympics firsthand.

Jackie Barrett's record-breaking lifts at the World Games showcase the capabilities of Special Olympics athletes.

The World Games opening ceremonies at LA Memorial Coliseum highlight the celebration and inclusion of athletes.

Williams shares his personal journey of growth, health improvement, and career aspirations thanks to Special Olympics.

The call to action for viewers to challenge perceptions, confront the use of the r-word, and engage with Special Olympics concludes the talk.

Nelson Mandela's quote on the power of sports to change the world is used to encapsulate the mission of Special Olympics.

Transcripts

Translator: Joseph Geni Reviewer: Ivana Korom

Hello.

My name is Matthew Williams,

and I am a champion.

I have won medals in three different sports

and national games in Canada,

competed at the international level in basketball,

and was proud to represent Canada

on the world stage.

(Applause)

I train five days a week for basketball and speed skating,

work with top quality coaches

and mental performance consultants

to be at my best in my sport.

By the way, all that is through Special Olympics.

Does that change the way you think of me

and my accomplishments?

The world does not see all people like me as champions.

Not long ago, people like me were shunned and hidden away.

There has been lots of change since Special Olympics began in 1968,

but in too many cases,

people with intellectual disabilities

are invisible to the wider population.

People use the r-word in front of me and they think it doesn't matter.

That's the word "retard" or "retarded"

used in a derogatory manner.

They're not thinking about how much it hurts me and my friends.

I don't want you to think I'm here because I'm a charity case.

I am here because there is still a big problem with the way

many people see individuals with intellectual disabilities,

or, too often,

how they don't see them at all.

Did you know the World Games happened this year?

I was one of over 6,500 athletes with intellectual disabilities

from 165 countries who competed in LA.

There was over 62,000 spectators watching opening ceremonies,

and there was live coverage on TSN and ESPN.

Did you even know that happened?

What do you think of when you see someone like me?

I am here today to challenge you

to look at us as equals.

Special Olympics transforms the self-identity of athletes

with intellectual disabilities

and the perceptions of everyone watching.

For those of you who aren't familiar,

Special Olympics are for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Special Olympics is separate from the Paralympics and Olympics.

We offer high-quality year round sports programs

for people with intellectual disabilities

that changes lives and perceptions.

This movement has changed my life

and those of so many others,

and it has changed the way

the world sees people with intellectual disabilities.

I was born with epilepsy and an intellectual disability.

Growing up, I played hockey until I was 12 years old.

The older I got, the more I felt

it was harder to keep up with everyone else,

and I was angry and frustrated.

For a while, I did not play any sports,

didn't have many friends,

and felt left out and sad.

There was a time when people with intellectual disabilities

were hidden away from society.

No one thought they could participate in sports,

let alone be a valued member of society.

In the 1960s, Dr. Frank Hayden,

a scientist at the University of Toronto,

was studying the effects of regular exercise

on the fitness levels of children with intellectual disabilities.

Using rigorous scientific research,

Dr. Hayden and other researchers

came to the conclusion

that it was simply the lack of opportunity to participate

that caused their fitness levels to suffer.

Lots of people doubted that people with intellectual disabilities

could benefit from fitness programs

and sports competition opportunities,

but pioneers like Dr. Hayden and Eunice Kennedy Shriver,

the founder of Special Olympics,

persevered,

and Special Olympics athletes have proved them right

four and a half million times over.

(Applause)

Before I joined Special Olympics,

I was nervous

because I was young, shy, not confident,

and didn't have many friends.

When I got there, though, everyone was very encouraging,

supportive, and let me be myself

without being judged.

Now, I am a basketball player and speed skater

who has competed at provincial, national games,

and this year made it all the way to the World Summer Games in LA,

where I was part of the first ever Canadian basketball team

to compete at World Games.

(Applause)

I am one of more than four and a half million athletes around the globe,

and I've heard so many similar stories.

Being Special Olympics athletes

restores our pride and dignity.

Special Olympics also addresses critical health needs.

Studies have shown that on average,

men with intellectual disabilities

die 13 years younger than men without,

and women with intellectual disabilities

die 20 years younger than women without.

Special Olympics keeps us healthy

by getting us active

and participating in sport.

Also, our coaches teach us about nutrition and health.

Special Olympics also provides free health screening

for athletes who have difficulty communicating with their doctor

or accessing health care.

At the 2015 World Summer Games,

my Team Canada teammates and I played the Nigerian basketball team.

The day before our game,

the Nigerian basketball team went to the World Games Healthy Athlete Screening,

where seven of 10 members

were given hearing aids for free

and got to hear clearly for the first time.

(Applause)

The change in them was amazing.

They were more excited, happy, and confident,

because their coach could vocally communicate with them.

And they were emotional

because they could hear the sounds of the basketball,

the sounds of the whistle,

and the cheering fans in the stands,

sounds that we take for granted.

Special Olympics is transforming more than just the athlete in their sport.

Special Olympics is transforming their lives off the field.

This year, research findings showed

that nearly half of the adults in the US

don't know a single person with an intellectual disability,

and the 44 percent of Americans

who don't have personal contact with intellectual disabilities

are significantly less accepting and positive.

Then there's the r-word,

proving that people with intellectual disabilities

are still invisible

to far too many people.

People use it as a casual term or an insult.

It was tweeted more than nine million times last year,

and it is deeply hurtful

to me and my four and a half million fellow athletes around the planet.

People don't think it's insulting,

but it is.

As my fellow athlete and global messenger John Franklin Stephens wrote

in an open letter to a political pundit

who used the r-word as an insult,

"Come join us someday at Special Olympics.

See if you walk away with your heart unchanged."

(Applause)

This year, at the 2015 World Summer Games,

people lined up for hours

to get into the final night of powerlifting competition.

So it was standing room only when my teammate Jackie Barrett,

the Newfoundland Moose,

deadlifted 655 pounds

and lifted 611 pounds in the squat --

(Applause)

setting huge new records for Special Olympics.

Jackie is a record holder among all powerlifters in Newfoundland,

not just Special Olympics, all powerlifters.

Jackie was a huge star in LA

and ESPN live-tweeted his record-breaking lifts

and were wowed by his performance.

Fifty years ago, few imagined individuals with intellectual disabilities

could do anything like that.

This year, 60,000 spectators filled the famous LA Memorial Coliseum

to watch the opening ceremonies of World Games

and cheer athletes from 165 countries

around the world.

Far from being hidden away,

we were cheered and celebrated.

Special Olympics teaches athletes

to be confident and proud of themselves.

Special Olympics teaches the world

that people with intellectual disabilities

deserve respect and inclusion.

(Applause)

Now, I have dreams and achievements in my sport,

great coaches,

respect and dignity,

better health,

and I am pursuing a career as a personal trainer.

(Applause)

I am no longer hidden, bullied

and I am here doing a TED Talk.

(Applause)

The world is a different place because of Special Olympics,

but there is still farther to go.

So the next time you see someone with an intellectual disability,

I hope you will see their ability.

The next time someone uses the r-word near you,

I hope you will tell them how much it hurts.

I hope you will think about getting involved with Special Olympics.

(Applause)

I would like to leave you with one final thought.

Nelson Mandela said,

"Sports has the power to change the world."

Special Olympics is changing the world

by transforming four and a half million athletes

and giving us a place to be confident,

meet friends,

not be judged,

and get to feel like and be champions.

Thank you very much.

(Applause)