As part of the partnership, Nielsen will help measure and provide a deeper understanding of the population of adults with intellectual disabilities as a key demographic. The work is part of a broader engagement that includes access to market intelligence research and consumer insights to help build understanding, awareness and impact for Special Olympics worldwide.

“Stigma is one of the biggest barriers to people with ID being fully included in our communities – with this work we can change attitudes,” said Special Olympics CEO Janet Froetscher. “Access to Nielsen’s expertise, data and insights will allow us to understand the impact Special Olympics has on society and how to grow that impact.

“It will allow us to better understand the needs of our athletes, how we can better serve them and how we can continue to bring more athletes into our movement.”