New face welcoming families to MMI

Visitors to the Munroe-Meyer Institute may notice a new face greeting them when they arrive.

Rachel Mulligan, an MMI client began working at the MMI main reception desk in September. As National Disability Employment Awareness Month arrived in October, Mulligan was happily settling into her new role at a place she’s always appreciated, 

 Mulligan, 28, is no stranger to the workplace. A Project SEARCH graduate, she has worked at three other jobs, including at Embassy Suites. But she said she’s especially pleased to be working at MMI, where she has received services since she was 3.

"I enjoy meeting new people and helping them get where they need to go," Mulligan said.

Mulligan was chosen for the position after a competitive job search that included candidates with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities.

See an interview with Mulligan.

Rachel Ray is director of the Trailblazer program — a collaboration between MMI and the University of Nebraska at Omaha — in which Mulligan takes part. 

"She is an impressive person," Ray said.

Mulligan said that, as an adult with disabilities who is working in a high-profile position, she hopes that she is a comfort to families. Meeting the families who come to MMI for services is the best part of the job, she said.

"I get to see new patients and also, for families that are new and are not sure about the services, I like to help them," she said. "Because I receive services here too, I want to make them feel comfortable and like part of our family."

Like many adults with disabilities who work, Mulligan said her biggest obstacle at MMI is transportation. Her colleagues, she said, have been very supportive as she’s learned the ropes in her new position.

"We always want competitive employment to be the outcome in our training programs. Rachel’s  hard work to get this position is inspirational," Ray said of  Mulligan .

"I remember when my son was diagnosed at 3 and, speaking as a parent, seeing adults with similar disabilities living a good life gives you hope," she said. "For our families to see Rachel and our other employees with disabilities working and leading fulfilling lives, that has a positive impact. There are hard times, there are challenges, but knowing that there’s a light at the end of that is huge — and not just for parents, but the individuals themselves."

Mulligan said she hopes to continue moving forward in her career.

"My goal is to work in either the criminal justice or the art field and be more independent," she said.