Special Olympics is an athlete-led organization. The project should reflect the experience of athletes and their families. The Special Olympics International Athlete Advisory Board was established as a Co-Researcher initiative. The Board is a group of Special Olympics athletes. Their main goal is to make sure that Project ALL STAR reflects the preferences and experiences of athletes and families. Athletes on the Board will complete inclusive research. This training will provide them with insights into inclusive research. The training outlines their significant roles in shaping the longitudinal evaluation. They will also complete research ethics training. It is tailored for adults with IDD. This will ensure they are prepared for research. The board has important jobs, like: 


• Learning about inclusive health research. 
• Inclusive health research means athletes are part of the project. They are co-researchers. They will provide their feedback and perspectives on the research.  
• Share their thoughts on project materials like surveys, recruitment materials, and other resources. Everyone should be able to understand the project materials. 
• Present evaluation findings and personal stories to promote Project ALL STAR. 

The Scientific Advisory Board helped the Research and Evaluation Team design Project ALL STAR. They gave key insights on the development and protocol. The board was made to improve research and evaluation for Special Olympics Health programming. The Board will advise Special Olympics staff and leaders on how to better understand:

1. the health of people with IDD, and
2. the effectiveness of Special Olympics Health programming.  

Specific Duties of the Position 

• The Board will guide the creation and implementation of Special Olympics Health research and evaluation efforts. This will include: 
• Making sure the proposed project activities are doable and up to scientific standards
  
  • This includes Project ALL STAR. 
• Focus on efforts that best help Special Olympics athletes, the organization, and the broader population of those with IDD.  
• Characterizing the health and well-being of people with IDD. 
• Evaluating the impact of participation in Special Olympics Health programing and sport competitions. 
• Identifying proven tools and instruments. These tools will record changes in the health status of Special Olympics athletes. 
• Linking key stakeholders, prospective partners, and opportunities for collaboration. 
• Fostering best practices for inclusive health research, evidence-based policy, and technical assistance 
• Developing an inclusive health research agenda. It will go along with a broader organization-wide research agenda. 

The state programs work with the Special Olympics Research and Evaluation Team. Four Special Olympics State Programs are currently taking part in the first phase of Project ALL STAR (Arizona, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin). In 2025, two more programs (Colorado and New Mexico) will participate in Project ALL STAR. In each state program, there is an Evaluation Coordinator who is dedicated to athletes participating in Project ALL STAR.  

What do the Evaluation Coordinators do?  

1. Help plan and implement Project ALL STAR at the program level. 
2. Manage data collection from athletes. 
3. Recruit and train data collectors. 
4. Connect with the Research and Evaluation team at Special Olympics Headquarters. 

Special Olympics Volunteers are essential to the success of the Special Olympics mission. Without their dedication and support, the organization would not be able to achieve its goals. Project ALL STAR relies on volunteers for various events to help the project succeed, including research assistants and event volunteers. Their contributions are invaluable in ensuring the project's success and the Special Olympics's overall mission.