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Eunice Kennedy Shriver receives a pen from U.S. President John Kennedy, her brother, following his signing in 1961 of a bill she championed that formed the first President's Committee on Mental Retardation. Learn more about Advocacy.

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In a 1962 article for The Saturday Evening Post magazine, Eunice brought the needs of people with intellectual disabilities to national awareness for the first time. Eunice's sister Rosemary had an intellectual disability and was an inspiration for Eunice's tireless work. Learn more about Advocacy.

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Eunice advised U.S. President Lyndon Johnson in her role with the President's Committee on Mental Retardation in 1964. Learn more about Advocacy.

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In the early 1960's, Eunice collaborated with scholars and researchers to study and publicize the abundant capabilities of people with intellectual disabilities. Firsthand experience convinced Eunice that most people with intellectual disabilities are woefully underestimated. Learn more about Advocacy.

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In April 1999 following the devastating floods and evacuations as a result of Hurricane Mitch, Eunice accepts an invitation from President Carlos Flores to see rebuilding efforts and while in Honduras took time to meet with students and teachers at a special school in San Pedro Sula. Learn more about Advocacy.

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Eunice encouraged and then proudly cheered Special Olympics athlete Loretta Claiborne as she accepts an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, becoming the first person with intellectual disabilities to receive such an honor. Learn more about Advocacy.

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Eunice watches an athlete in Cairo, Egypt, receive a dental screening, part of a suite of free medical screenings provided by the Healthy Athletes program of Special Olympics. After a doctor proposed the program, Eunice enthusiastically supported its growth. Learn more about Advocacy.

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A frequent--and extremely persuasive--visitor to the United States Congress, Eunice thanks U.S. Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa, Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, for his ongoing advocacy on behalf of people with intellectual disabilities. Learn more about Advocacy.

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Eunice joins Loretta Claiborne in thanking U.S. Senator Ted Stevens from Alaska (at far right), who championed federal support for Special Olympics and served as Honorary Chair of the 2001 Special Olympics World Winter Games in his home state. Learn more about Advocacy.

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Co-sponsors Senator Rick Santorum and Congressman Roy Blunt join Eunice for the announcement of the Special Olympics Sports and Empowerment Act of 2004, which authorized funding for its health screenings, education and the expansion of Special Olympics programs worldwide. Learn more about Advocacy.

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Eunice met frequently with Representative (far left) Steny Hoyer and other Congressional leaders on behalf of the Special Olympics Sports and Empowerment Act. Eunice's son, Tim Shriver, at right, is the Chairman of Special Olympics. Learn more about Advocacy.

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Eunice, Board Member Myer Feldman and a Special Olympics athlete thank Eunice's nephew U.S. Representative Patrick Kennedy (right) for his ongoing advocacy for people with intellectual disabilities. Learn more about Advocacy.

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Eunice's passion for improving the lives of people with intellectual disability led her to meetings in 2004 with Deng Pufang, son of Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping and current President of the China Disabled Persons Federation. Learn more about Advocacy.

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China Disabled Person's Federation Executive President Tang Xiaoquan introduces Eunice to Wang Guangya, China's ambassador to the United Nations. China now has 800,000 Special Olympics athletes, more than any other country in the world. Learn more about Advocacy.

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Beyond Special Olympics, Eunice pioneered the innovative program Community of Caring, a K-12, whole school, comprehensive character education program with a unique focus on disabilities. Learn more about Advocacy.

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In 2001, Eunice speaks as part of the United States Surgeon General's presentation of "The Report on the Health Status of People with Intellectual Disabilities." Learn more about Advocacy.

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Funded by the U.S. Department of State, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver (EKS) Fellowship Program has been created to provide professional development opportunities for mid-career individuals interested in efforts benefiting people with intellectual disabilities. Pictured are 2009 EKS Fellows (left-right) Anil Darpalli (India), Phillip Mphahlele (South Africa), Sarah Aalm (Pakistan), Peter Bukhala (Kenya) and Daria Zakharova (Russia). Learn more about Advocacy.

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In four decades of advocacy, Eunice has inspired and built a worldwide movement of more than 3 million athletes with intellectual disabilities, with health care, education and sports opportunities. From Chicago to South Africa, Panama to China, Eunice continues to inspire. Learn more about Advocacy.