Championing Health, Confidence, and Connection: A Conversation with Special Olympics Kansas
At Special Olympics Kansas (SOKS), health isn’t just a program. It’s a pathway to empowerment, confidence, and opportunity for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Recently, we sat down with Erin McDaniel, Health and Fitness Manager for SOKS, to talk about her work, the athletes she serves, and how partnerships like the one between SOKS and Oral Health Kansas can help close gaps in access to oral health care.
Finding Purpose in Public Health
Erin has been with Special Olympics Kansas for nearly four years, a journey that began after working in insurance and youth programming. While she didn’t initially plan to work in the IDD community, the interview process made it clear that this role aligned with her passion for public health and helping underserved populations.
“This group of individuals… they’re the happiest, kindest, most genuine people I’ve ever met,” she shared. “There’s a heart behind this job that keeps you going.”
In her role, Erin oversees all health and fitness programming statewide. From medical screenings and research partnerships to athlete-led health initiatives and wellness education, her work spans a wide spectrum aimed at helping athletes live healthier, more confident lives.
The Power of Health Screenings and What They Reveal
Among the most impactful programs SOKS offers are their Healthy Athletes screenings. These cover many areas of health, including vision, hearing, strength, and dental care.
Dental care challenges come up again and again.
Erin encounters athletes who avoid the dentist out of fear, uncertainty, or past negative experiences. Some live with untreated infections, missing teeth, or chronic pain yet keep showing up to practices and competitions without saying a word.
“Imagine trying to practice or compete when your mouth is killing you,” she said. “Some athletes are afraid to go to the dentist, so they just live with the pain.”
Beyond fear, access issues also loom large. Rural areas often lack providers, and many dental practices don’t accept dual insurance plans (Medicare + Medicaid), even though many athletes rely on them. Transportation barriers, limited appointment availability, and low provider participation all contribute to care gaps.
These realities highlight why partnerships like with Pathways to Oral Health matter.
Reconnecting Through Collaboration
Special Olympics Kansas relied on Oral Health Kansas to provide oral health education to the athletes and their caregivers during the summer games, where we introduced resources like the My Dental Care Passport.
For Erin, this collaboration fills a critical need.
“Education is invaluable,” she explained. “We don’t want athletes to come to a screening, get checked, and walk away without knowing what to do next. Education is what empowers them to make changes that day.”
She emphasized that stories matter too. Stories of athletes who were scared, who didn’t know where to turn, and who found support, confidence, and better health through these resources.
“I think there are so many stories out there we’re just not capturing yet,” Erin said. “Those stories can help others in similar situations—and help us advocate for better access.”
A Call to Dentists: Education, Empathy, and Inclusion
When asked what she wishes dental providers knew about caring for individuals with disabilities, Erin didn’t hesitate:
“Individuals with IDD are routinely overlooked in dental care simply because providers haven’t been taught how to support them. Training changes that. It ensures patients receive respectful, effective care, not as an exception, but as a standard.”
She urged providers, especially students, to get hands-on experience with patients who have IDD.
“If you can work well with our athletes, it makes you a better provider for everyone.”
Looking Ahead: Shared Goals and Continued Collaboration
As Pathways to Oral Health continues its work, SOKS is excited about new opportunities for collaboration from educational webinars to athlete storytelling and future dental screenings.
Erin is especially enthusiastic about exploring training on tools like the My Dental Care Passport, helping athletes and caregivers better navigate dental appointments and communicate their needs.
“I think there’s so much opportunity with this group,” she said. “I’m excited to see it grow.”
Together, We’re Building a Healthier Future
Partnerships between organizations like Special Olympics Kansas and Oral Health Kansas show what’s possible when we combine expertise, compassion, and a commitment to health equity.
With continued collaboration, education, and advocacy, we can ensure that athletes with IDD receive the oral health care and respect they deserve.
How You Can Help…
Interested in supporting inclusive health and wellness for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities? Special Olympics Kansas is always looking for volunteers to support Health & Fitness programming, Healthy Athletes screenings, and events across the state. Learn more and sign up to volunteer at https://givepul.se/44kpb.
