If there is one thing has improved over the last several decades for the mentally disabled is that there are more extra curricular programs geared for them. This can be attributed to programs such as the Special Olympics where they stress that just because a person may be disabled and have a handicap, it does not mean that they cannot participate. It is beneficial for them as it helps there spiritual health and gives them a sense of being. Coaches for the mentally handicapped are few and far between and one thing that they can tell you is that not anyone can do the job. The can tell you that coaching for the mentally disabled can be trying.

The first thing is the obvious handicap. A coach needs to know how to steer around it and make sure that all of the folks that they are coaching are having fun and most importantly that everyone participates. As far as the coach goes, they need to have patience. With the mentally disabled, the values of fun and teamwork is the most important thing. While the coach needs to show physical skills, they also need to instill values. The trying part is simply making sure that the disabled have fun while they are participating.