Health Messenger Highlight: Tyler Griswold’s Impact on Advocacy, Education, and Leadership

Tyler Griswold has been an essential part of the Special Olympics Kansas (SOKS) community since he was a 13-year-old in middle school, initially drawn to the program to make new friends. Now, as the President of the Health Messenger program, Tyler’s leadership and advocacy work are transforming the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities (IDD). “I love that my friends, families, and coaches help support me,” Tyler said, reflecting on how much SOKS means to him.

Recently, Tyler’s advocacy work reached a new milestone when he met with Mayor Wu of Wichita. Tyler took the initiative to organize the meeting, using the opportunity to discuss critical healthcare issues for individuals with IDD, including the need for expanded Medicaid access and better Medicare coverage. “Mayor Wu is a very sweet mayor, and I was excited to work with her,” Tyler said. “It will help get more doctors and nurses involved in helping to screen our athletes and spreading the word about Medicaid and Medicare coverage.”

Caitlin Pierce, Schools Program Manager, witnessed Tyler’s impressive advocacy firsthand. “Tyler was an amazing advocate for our athletes across the state. He was well-prepared, spoke with passion, and opened the door for important conversations,” she said. “I learned from Tyler that persistence pays off.” Tyler’s dedication to making sure athletes with IDD receive the care they need is central to his mission. “I think we need to change the policy on getting better Medicare and Medicaid coverage,” he said. “I don’t want to see some athlete get knocked out in softball and not have the coverage they need for hospital tests.”

Tyler’s advocacy doesn’t end with healthcare. As a Health Messenger, he’s committed to helping athletes adopt healthier lifestyles. “I like to help athletes, parents, and coaches understand how to prevent injuries, drink more water, and stay healthy,” he explained. His goal is to not only help others but to inspire them to become leaders themselves. “If they want to be a Health Messenger, they can lead their athletes too, like I have led others to healthy habits,” Tyler said.

Beyond his advocacy work, Tyler’s health education efforts recently took him to the Independent Living Resource Center in Wichita, where he led a health and fitness session for individuals with disabilities. “It was fun teaching them what is healthy. I feel like a real teacher,” he said, recalling how he taught participants about hydration and healthy food choices. Tyler’s energy and enthusiasm were evident to everyone present. “Tyler’s presentation demonstrated his passion for health and well-being, and his love for sharing his vast knowledge with his peers,” said Svea Knight, Health Programs Coordinator. “He undoubtedly captured the audience with his presentation and left a lasting impact on those who attended.”

During the session, Tyler taught participants about the importance of avoiding added sugars and making healthier choices. “We talked about what is a healthy food, and they gave good answers. I asked if chocolate from Walmart is healthy, and they said no because it has a lot of added sugar,” Tyler shared. His ability to engage the group and help them understand how to make better choices left a lasting impression. “I think they really liked it. They said they want to do it again soon!” Tyler added.

Tyler’s passion for health and fitness extends to his job at the YMCA, where he was recently honored as Employee of the Year. “It feels good to earn this award,” Tyler said. “It’s my third year there, and all my friends love me. When I started at the Y, it was 2020 during COVID, and I was nervous. Now, I’ve made so many friends, and I’m not nervous anymore. My coworkers are like my family.”

At the YMCA, Tyler works as a janitor, cleaning locker rooms, taking out the trash, and helping with various tasks. “Every Monday, my friend Patrick and I mop the track and vacuum. I think I love that place,” he said. Tyler’s dedication to his work and his positive attitude have made him an integral part of the team. “When I clean the locker room and they tell me I did a good job, it makes me proud. I’ve never won this before, and I’m super happy.”

Tyler’s experience at the YMCA has deepened his leadership skills and connected his work life with his role as a Health Messenger. “I tell my staff that I’m the President of Health at SOKS and recognize all the workouts they’re doing. I’d love to help SOKS work with the Y to provide classes for people with IDD,” he shared. For Tyler, it’s about building connections and empowering others, just as he’s been empowered.

Looking ahead, Tyler is determined to continue his advocacy and leadership. His goal is to work with policymakers, including Senator Roger Marshall, to bring better healthcare programs to individuals with IDD in Kansas. “We need to sit down with policymakers and discuss how to bring bigger doctors’ offices and better healthcare programs to our athletes,” Tyler said. “I want to speak with any policymakers that can make change.”

Tyler’s journey from middle school athlete to Health Messenger President is inspiring. His passion, leadership, and determination to improve the lives of those with intellectual disabilities make him a standout in the SOKS community. As he continues to advocate, educate, and lead, Tyler’s message to his fellow athletes is clear: “I want to spread the message of health and help teach them everything they need to know. They can also do what I do.”

As Svea Knight put it, “I wish everybody had the opportunity to witness Tyler in action. He truly is amazing!”