Dr. Stephen Sulkes Receives First Special Olympics New York Golisano Health Leadership Award for Advancing Inclusive Health for People with Intellectual Disabilities (NY UCEDD/LEND)
December 12, 2016
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In October Dr. Stephen Sulkes of Rochester, New York received the 2016-17 Golisano Health Leadership Award. The Golisano Health Leadership Award was established in 2016 in partnership with Special Olympics International and the Golisano Foundation, and is given to one of only 32 individuals or organizations in the world who are dedicated to improving the health of people with intellectual disabilities and advancing the health work of Special Olympics. "Special Olympics New York is delighted to be able to present Dr. Stephen Sulkes with the Golisano Health Leadership Award.
Dr. Sulkes has been a health leader within the Special Olympics movement, in the Rochester region, and nationally among his peers for many years. In every endeavor, from providing a sports physical to an athlete so that they can train and compete in Special Olympics, to mentoring medical students to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes for people with developmental disabilities, to championing systems level improvements at the state and national level, Dr. Sulkes is passionate, dedicated, and incredibly effective. He is a shining example we hope others in our state will emulate and we can think of no one more deserving of this honor," stated Neal Johnson, President & CEO, Special Olympics New York. "I appreciate this recognition from international leaders in health for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities like Special Olympics and the Golisano Foundation," said Dr. Sulkes. "It is an honor not so much for me as for my colleagues at Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities and at the University of Rochester Medical Center, who have been working hard for years to make Rochester the healthiest place to live for this population."
Dr. Sulkes is a state and a national leader in advancing the health and rights of people with ID. He has been a Clinical Director for Healthy Athletes for six years. In his work as the Co-Director of the Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities, he has championed Healthy Communities work and has been an incredible resource and advisor. He has secured grants from organizations such as the Special Hope Foundation to improve the fitness of Special Olympics New York athletes. He founded the Rochester student chapter of the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry (AADMD) and encourages students to get involved with Special Olympics both through Healthy Athletes but also as event volunteers and coaches. Dr. Sulkes' work is also reflective of the unique commitment of the University of Rochester to make inclusive health a part of its strategic plan - advancing access to care in multiple arenas - from the newly opened Complex Care Center and enhanced access to oral health, to training the next generation of clinicians to care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. http://golisanofoundation.org/newsEvents_SO_GolisanoAwards_NY_2016.html
