10:11 a.m., April 19, 2010----Steven M. Eidelman, H. Rodney Sharp Professor of Human Services Policy and Leadership and senior fellow at the Center for Disabilities Studies at the University of Delaware, has been named a senior adviser to the chairman and CEO of Special Olympics, Timothy P. Shriver.

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Eidelman, who has worked with Special Olympics ad hoc in the past, was selected for his leadership, knowledge and insight into the issues surrounding intellectual and developmental disabilities. He said he is eager to collaborate with a group whose mission he supports and, in particular, help it spread its values on an international level.

“I am excited to have this great opportunity to work with such a great group,” he said. “This organization has literally changed the world in the way the world looks at intellectual disabilities. It is growing in influence and is one of the most respected nonprofit organizations.”

As an adviser, Eidelman will be providing assistance on Special Olympics initiatives, including sharing his insight on the field during a symposium session at this year's Special Olympics USA National Games, July 18-23 in Nebraska. He will also be contributing to the creation of a center for research and development in Washington, D.C., which will be honoring the legacy of Special Olympics founder, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who died in 2009.

In addition to his work at UD, Eidelman is a co-director of the National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities, a partnership of nine of the leading national organizations in the developmental disabilities field, and serves on the board of directors for the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Special Olympics is a global nonprofit organization targeting the nearly 200 million people round the world who have intellectual disabilities. Founded in 1968, Special Olympics has been supported by a who's who of outstanding leaders in the fields of sports, education, business, government and disability advocacy.

Article by Jon Bleiweis