Special Olympics’ research and evaluation (R&E) plays a critical role supporting Special Olympics’ global health strategy by leading the measurement of health outcomes resulting from Special Olympics health programming and providing monitoring and evaluation technical assistance to country and state Special Olympics Programs. On this episode of Inclusion Revolution Radio, host Novie Craven spoke with Dr. Alicia Dixon-Ibarra, Special Olympics Director of Fitness and Health Research, and Special Olympics athlete leaders Kimberly Schickley and Allen Tobin about the importance of inclusive health research.
Schickley and Tobin are members of the Athlete Advisory Board which supports the Special Olympics Inclusive Health Longitudinal Evaluation, called Project ALL STAR. ALL STAR stands for “Active Life and Longevity: Special Olympics Transforming Athlete Results.” Through Project ALL STAR, athlete co-researchers complete inclusive research training that will provide them with insights into inclusive research. The training makes clear their significant roles in shaping the longitudinal evaluation. Further, they complete research ethics training tailored specifically for adults with intellectual disabilities, ensuring their preparedness for research involvement.
Board members have important tasks, such as sharing their thoughts on study materials like surveys and recruitment information. In conducting inclusive health research, athletes are part of the research project as co-researchers. They provide their feedback on the research and present evaluation findings to promote Project ALL STAR.
Tune in to this week’s episode for more on how Special Olympics athletes are changing the approach to inclusive health research.
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