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Inclusion revolution at the Special Olympics USA Games

Individuals with disabilities say progress has been made, but stereotypes still exist.

SEATTLE - Many people with intellectual and other disabilities say they are still bullied, insulted and suffer from discrimination.

At the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle, they are confronting the issue.

"There are so many gifts and abilities that for so long we have missed out on," explained Special Olympics Michigan President and CEO Timothy Hileman. "That's too bad."

During a break in the athletic competition, leaders from around the county met for a Future of Inclusion forum at the Seattle Repertory Theatre. Individuals with disabilities say progress has been made, but stereotypes still exist.

"I've been bullied since I was a kid," said Lauren Potter as actress with Down Syndrome. "They call me the 'R' word, which is 'retarded.' I don't like having people call me retarded."

Microsoft headquarters is in Seattle and the corporation is a major Special Olympics sponsor. Company president Brad Smith told the audience that Microsoft has people with intellectual and physical disabilities on the payroll.

"One in every seven people on this planet has some type of disability," he pointed out to forum participants.

Special Olympics chairman Tim Shriver said education is a key to inclusion.

"We need to education, not just the head but also the heart," he said. "I think schools in this country are hungry for new ideas. We will educate them to be inclusive because we will expose them to one another."

"We have come a long way," said Hileman. "Grand Rapids, especially, where we have seen a lot of movement from community leaders and city leaders for an inclusive community. We always know there is room to improve, but the ball is moving. I am excited to be a part of it."

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