Rosemary Collaboratory Project

Special Olympics Ireland is proud to engage with the Rosemary Collaboratory Project, which researches barriers to healthcare access faced by people with an intellectual disability. The project gathers data from contributors around the world, with the ultimate vision of achieving health system reforms that stand to improve the health outcomes of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

History

In 2024, Special Olympics launched the Rosemary Collaboratory in 11 locations around the world. For over 20 years, Special Olympics has implemented health programs in these communities, building strong local relationships and a deep understanding of what governments and health systems need to achieve health equity for people with IDD.

Rosemary Collaboratory builds upon lessons learned and relationships forged by Special Olympics through nearly 30 years of community-level health programming. This report provides recommendations for policy change and urges governments to take urgent action to make health for all a reality.