Cocreating an Inclusive Evaluation: Lessons Learned From Special Olympics Project ALL STAR Across Six US States

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Disability Studies

Background:

• Special Olympics (SO) prioritizes inclusive evaluation for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
• Existing health evaluations often do not center the needs of individuals with IDD.
• There is a need for co-created evaluation practices that ensure meaningful participation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the co-creation process of Project ALL STAR, a longitudinal health evaluation, with athletes with IDD.
• To outline inclusive evaluation practices adopted by SO.
• To share lessons learned for embedding meaningful participation in health evaluations.

Main Methods:

• Project ALL STAR was co-created with athletes with IDD throughout all evaluation phases.
• SO implemented inclusive practices: training, plain-language materials, athlete-led media, and inclusive presentations.
• Qualitative insights were gathered on the co-creation and implementation process.

Main Results:

• Athletes with IDD were actively involved in Project ALL STAR from conception to dissemination.
• Inclusive practices enhanced engagement and ensured evaluation priorities aligned with athlete needs.
• The process yielded valuable lessons for future inclusive health evaluations.

Conclusions:

• Co-creating health evaluations with athletes with IDD is feasible and essential for meaningful participation.
• Inclusive practices, such as plain-language tools and athlete-led media, are critical for centering participant needs.
• Lessons learned can guide the development of more equitable and effective health evaluation strategies for individuals with IDD.