More Than Medals: Our Meaningful Partnership with Special Olympics of Arizona

At Autism Academy of Education and Development, we believe every student deserves a chance to shine, experience achievement, and connect with others. Our partnership with Special Olympics Arizona is a cornerstone of this belief, offering our students opportunities for friendship, personal growth, and valuable life lessons.

Mr. Derrick Jamerson, District Administrator and  Special Olympics coordinator,  shared insights into the program’s positive impact.

Special Olympics of Arizona offers a range of sports for children aged 8 and older. We carefully select activities that fit our campuses and resources, with our teachers and paraprofessionals enthusiastically volunteering as coaches.

Practices are thoughtfully scheduled during the school day, a crucial consideration that helps accommodate student transportation and family routines. This approach ensures wide participation, and we’re proud that Mr. Jamerson estimates “about 25 to 30 percent, maybe more” of our students across campuses are involved.

The Real Win: Growth Beyond the Game

What does Special Olympics truly offer our students?

“It helps students find sports they enjoy, build connections in dynamic social settings, and face challenges that foster resilience,” says Mr. Jamerson.

In addition, “Special Olympics gives students and families an opportunity to enjoy participating in sports, cheering for each other, and facing the challenges that athletics bring to anybody who competes in them,” he adds.

This perspective reminds us that while winning is certainly exciting, the real victory often lies in the journey, the effort, and the personal triumphs. It’s not just about the medal; it’s about the heart, the hustle, and the genuine camaraderie.

Our Playbook: Sports at Every Campus

Our AAED campuses are vibrant with athletic activity:

• Basketball and Cheerleading consistently draw strong participation across our schools.
• Gilbert and Tempe Campuses also feature Bocce Ball and Track & Field, with Tempe introducing Flag Football this year.
• Glendale and Tucson Campuses actively engage in Basketball and Cheerleading.

Track & Field is notably inclusive, designed to accommodate students with diverse needs. To maximize accessibility, most competitions take place at the regional level, with a focus on broad participation.

A Unified Effort, From Start to Finish

Our Special Olympics involvement is a true community effort, bringing together our coaches, staff, and supportive families. We also encourage students to participate in local community teams, recognizing the value of varied athletic outlets.

Furthermore, our new Winter Guard program, a dynamic performing arts opportunity led by teacher, Mr. David Dickerson, launched this year, adding another enriching extracurricular for our students.

Our partnership with Special Olympics fills us with great pride. It embodies our commitment to empowering students, celebrating their abilities, and supporting every step of their journey.