MMI’s Walk and Roll for Disabilities benefit set for Feb. 19

Honorary Team Captain Eric Crouch kicks off the 2005 Walk & Roll for Disabilities at Westroads Mall.

UNMC’s Munroe-Meyer Institute and the C. Louis Meyer Foundation invite the public to participate in its second annual “Walk & Roll for Disabilities.” The event will be inside Westroads Mall, 102nd & West Dodge Streets, on Sunday, Feb. 19.

Rep. Tom Osborne, Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey and Eric Crouch, 2001 Heisman Trophy winner and former Nebraska Cornhusker quarterback, will serve as honorary captains of the event.

Check-in and late registration begins at 11 a.m. with the walk starting at noon. The event will raise money for recreational and respite services for adults with developmental disabilities. Last year, event organizers raised $19,000.

Developmental disabilities are a diverse group of severe chronic conditions due to mental and/or physical impairments. People with developmental disabilities have problems with such major life activities as language, mobility, learning, self-help and independent living.

The MMI Recreational Therapy Department provides recreational services in a safe, supervised setting and allows respite for families and caregivers of those with developmental disabilities.

UNMC Munroe-Meyer employees and their children pose with Eric Crouch, far right. From left are: Mark Smith, and son, Sean, and Pam Ferrick and son, Tyler.

Michael Crawford, Re.D., director of recreational therapy at MMI, said recreational therapy funding for children with developmental disabilities is adequate, but not for adults with developmental disabilities. Once children turn 21, funding and opportunities for recreation and respite care diminish, he said.

Paula Fowler understands the value of such programs. Her daughter, Brandee was about 10 years old when she began summer camps for children; now 28, she participates in the adult program, which includes cooking, crafts and swimming.

“Our kids need interaction with their peers,” Fowler said. “Families value the programs so much. After graduating from high school, they’re no longer in school programs. Some have a day program, but that’s for daytime. This program is a block of weeks in the fall and spring, and some on Saturdays. It’s really good for them because it’s stimulating.”

Brandee Fowler is one of many adults who benefit from the UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute’s adult recreational therapy programs.

The programs also give parents and caregivers much needed free time. Many like Fowler rely on the program for their social outlet. “I was fortunate to have some respite care in my home, but there are a lot of people who don’t,” she said. “When Brandee’s at Munroe-Meyer, she fits in. She can have fun and be herself. I’ve seen her friends grow up with her. It’s a lifesaver.”

Dr. Crawford said organizers were pleased to have more than 350 walkers and rollers last year. This year, they hope to attract 500 participants.

Ultimately, the group hopes to create a $1 million endowment. Such funds, Dr. Crawford said, would help develop chaperoned vacation services, community activities and sports clubs, as well as provide expanded one-to-one leisure coaching and companion services so the adults can enroll in YMCA and Park and Recreation classes and events.

The Louis Meyer Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, currently is the major source of funding for adult recreational therapy, adult respite care and habilitation programs at MMI.

Recreational activities include arts and crafts, adult dining club, leisure coaching program, Thursday evening program, which includes art projects, music, activities and swimming.

MMI recently formed a family advisory committee to help with fund-raising activities for recreational and respite programs.

“We’re asking our families with adults and children with developmental disabilities for their help in building this program that will benefit them now and in the future,” Dr. Crawford said. “Our parents will continue to need these services when their children become adults. We have a sense of urgency. We need to build these programs today so the services don’t go away.”

The funding of recreational programs for children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families and caregivers are dependent entirely on private donations. For more than 24 years, MMI has assisted children, teens and adults with special needs.
Developmental disabilities occur any time during development up to 22 years of age and usually last a lifetime. There are more than 200 causes from genetic conditions to trauma sustained at birth or during an accident. Up to 2.5 percent of the population is estimated to have some form of developmental disabilities, Dr. Crawford said.

Walkers should park and meet on the second level, northeast corner, next to Dick’s Sporting Goods. Children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families also will participate in the walk, some with the assistance of wheelchairs and therapy dogs.

Registration is $15 per person and includes a T-shirt. Late registration is available until noon the day of the event. Click here for registration information.

If you would like to walk in the event, organize a team of walkers or make a donation, contact Karol Colbert at 559-5771 or kcolbert@unmc.edu.