Approximately 6.5 million people in the United States have an intellectual disability (ID). ID is the most common developmental disability and refers to significant limitations in a person’s cognitive functioning and adaptive behaviors, including conceptual, language, social, and practical skills. These limitations typically cause a person to develop and learn more slowly and often manifest before the age of 22.
Johnson & Johnson has been dedicated to supporting the intellectual disability community for over 20 years through strategic partnerships and community service, particularly in our home state of New Jersey. One of our key partnerships is with Special Olympics New Jersey (SONJ), which provides year-round sports training and Olympic-type sports competitions for New Jersey children and adults with iID. Through the power of sport, community building, and corporate sponsorship, SONJ has changed and empowered the lives of thousands of individuals living with ID.
Johnson & Johnson was pleased to host a special event with SONJ at the company’s Titusville site. This event marked a meaningful occasion where the incredible athletes, SONJ staff and guests came together to show support for individuals living with Id. Johnson & Johnson employees showed their support by signing a banner demonstrating their commitment to standing with those with disabilities. Paul Aronsohn, New Jersey’s statewide Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities, attended the event to show his support and acknowledge the remarkable contributions of SONJ.
In recognition of Johnson & Johnson’s longstanding commitment to volunteerism and support for SONJ, the company was honored with the 2023 Volunteer Group of the Year Award at SONJ’s annual Night of Champions awards dinner. In 2024, Johnson & Johnson has committed an additional $100,000 to continue advancing SONJ’s mission and programming.
“We are incredibly grateful for Johnson & Johnson’s ongoing support,” said Heather Andersen, President & CEO for SONJ. “The company’s commitment to serving the community, volunteerism, and its dedication to our mission has made a significant difference in the lives of our athletes and their families.”
Johnson & Johnson has been an integral partner to SONJ for the last two decades, advancing the organization’s mission through grant support and volunteer hours for various programs. In 2014, Johnson & Johnson was a silver partner of the Special Olympics USA Games held in New Jersey and also participated in the 2015 Unified Relay Across America and the Opening Ceremony for the 2015 Special Olympics World Game.
Additionally, we help support SONJ’s Healthy Communities program and, since 2015, have been recruiting nearly 100 volunteers each year to assist the organization’s Summer Games in a variety of roles. These volunteers – which consist of Johnson & Johnson employees, as well as their family and friends – do everything from setting up courts to distributing flowers to serving as tennis linespeople, and helping the athletes wherever needed.
In a keynote speech at SONJ’s 2023 Annual Leadership Conference, Adam Taliaferro, Johnson & Johnson’s Director of State and Community Engagement and a former Penn State football player, noted, “SONJ embodies the power of determination, teamwork, and embracing challenges. The athletes’ courage in facing challenges and their unwavering spirit of resilience make each of them a true leader. Greatness is not defined by limitations but by the strength they exhibit in overcoming them.”
