Job Details

Special Olympics MATP Healthy Athletes Protocol Development Background

MATP (Motor Activity Training Program) is a Special Olympics sports program designed for athletes with severe, profound and multiple intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who have high support needs. The new MATP Healthy Athletes protocol will integrate health screening with inclusive sport to better address unique health challenges in this group. The evidence-based protocol will target risk factors related to the "fatal five" causes of preventable death: aspiration, dehydration, infection, bowel obstruction, and seizures as well as other comorbidities and risk factors prevalent in this population. As with the Special Olympics' existing Healthy Athletes model, the screening will offer referrals for additional assessments and care where indicated, as well as provide important health education to both

athletes and their caregivers. By combining health screening with sport, this protocol will improve prevention and strengthen the role of sport in promoting holistic health and empowerment worldwide for this population.
Scope of Work

Special Olympics is seeking a consultant (individual or organization) to create an evidence-based MATP Healthy Athletes protocol toolkit, that supports clinical directors to successfully deliver the MATP Healthy Athletes screening alongside MATP sport events.

To achieve this, specific responsibilities and deliverables include:
Deliverable 1 - Background Research for Protocol Development (20%)

• Review findings from the regional consultations on the complex health needs of MATP athletes and awareness of the 'fatal five' with MATP coaches, family members and caregivers.

• Conduct a thorough literature review of existing validated screening tools and evidence for screening priorities in individuals with IDD with high support
• Conduct a review into the importance of movement for people with profound disabilities linked to physical and mental health, and quality of life - aligned to inactivity and use of movement for regulation.
• Conduct up to 5 interviews with internal stakeholders to determine feasibility and constraints associated with existing and future screenings

Deliverable 2 - Create Outline for Protocol (10%)

• Create an outline for the MATP Healthy Athletes Protocol This outline should include:
  • Proposed signs, symptoms and underlying conditions or risk factors to screen for
  • Recommended tools or parts of tools to apply (instruments should be cited) in the screening
  • Key aspects that would indicate referrals
  • Key aspects to include with respect to caregiver and athlete education
• Present this to SOI and the Global Faculty Advisory Panel for MATP Healthy Athletes for review.
• The outline must be approved by SOI and the Advisory Panel before the protocol development begins.

Deliverable 3 - Protocol Development (60%)

• With Global Faculty Advisory Panel for MATP Healthy Athletes, review existing and/or develop new measures to be included in pilot protocol.
• Develop the new MATP Healthy Athletes protocol toolkit, which should include:
  • Healthy Athletes System (HAS) for each new area of the MATP Healthy Athletes screening. The Healthy Athletes System (HAS) 2.0 goals are

to:

• Identify risk factors of chronic health conditions
• Evaluate the need for a referral for follow-up

• Connect athletes to care in their communities
• Provide restorative health services
• Educate athletes and carers on basic preventive health behaviors
• Refer & connect athletes to tailored quality care

• Create accompanying guidelines and recommendations for each area of the new MATP HA screening

• SOI and Advisory Panel will receive at least two cycles of review to provide feedback and edits

Deliverable 4 - Protocol Refinement (10%)

• Attend two pilot events in two separate Regions, to understand application successes and challenges of the draft protocol in different geographical contexts (travel costs to be covered by Special Olympics)

Make adjustments to the protocol based on the pilots and feedback from the Advisory Panel
Timeline

Consultant will begin work in February 2026 (exact date to be determined based on selection process and paperwork finalization). The contract will end February 1, 2027, by which time all deliverables must be completed. Deliverables are due on the following dates (subject to change based on the consultant's start date).

• Deliverable 1: Due by March 31, 2026
• Deliverable 2: Due by May 30, 2026
• Deliverable 3: Draft protocol ready to pilot test - Due by August 1, 2026
• Deliverable 4: Completed protocol toolkit - Due by February 1, 2027

Compensation

The MATP Healthy Athletes Protocol Development Consultant will receive up to

$70,000 USD in compensation for work and deliverables outlined above. Payment will adhere to the deliverables schedule above but is subject to change based on the consultant's start date.
Criteria

Interested applicants will be asked to submit a proposal responsive to the above RFP by January 30th, 2026. This proposal should include the following:

• Brief project description that outlines your vision and strategy for implementing project work (maximum of 2 pages) - inclusive of
  • An overview of the overall approach and methodology proposed to respond to expectations of the project deliverables.
  • proposed budget, including anticipated matrix of hours (broken down by deliverable).
• 2-3 relevant samples of
• Curriculum Vitae
• Brief description of applicants' qualifications and relevant experience linked to research and developing health related resources in this field and with this specialized population of athletes.
• Contact information for 2-3 references that support your

Proposals must be submitted via email to Niamh Mourton, Senior Manager of MATP, at ...@specialolympics.org

Please direct any questions via email to Niamh Mourton.

Consultant Required Qualifications and Experience

• Knowledge of Special Olympics Sport and Health Programs is preferred: In-depth knowledge of the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes program and the Motor Activity Training Program (MATP) is considered a strong preference for this role.
• Experience with Profound Disabilities: Extensive experience working with individuals with profound, severe and multiple intellectual disabilities, complex autism, and high support needs.

• Health Equity and Inclusion: Strong understanding of the health disparities faced by individuals with profound and multiple intellectual disabilities and a commitment to

promoting health equity.

• Program Development Skills: Proven ability to design, implement, and evaluate health-based projects, curricula and/or education tailored to the needs of individuals with complex disabilities.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and advocate for inclusive health practices.
• Academic Background: Advanced degree in relevant fields such as public health, special education, adapted physical activity, occupational therapy, physical therapy, health promotion, nursing, or disability studies.
• Research Experience: Experience conducting research in the field of inclusive health or disability services.
• International Perspective: Familiarity with global best practices in inclusive health and experience working in diverse cultural contexts.

Equal Opportunity Employer
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