The Munroe-Meyer Institute welcomed students from the Westside School District’s transition program for a Health and Wellness Day in May.
The event, made possible by the Robert F. and Myrna L Krohn Professorship, was a pilot for what MMI leaders envision as a possible annual event, potentially incorporating more students and other districts.
The initiative was motivated by compelling data showing that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have poorer health than the general population including higher rates of preventable disease, chronic pain and suffering, and premature death. Historically, due to a range of systematic challenges, people with IDD have less access to quality health care and health promotion programs.
The Health and Wellness Day was envisioned as an opportunity to create a positive and informative experience in health and wellness experience that would provide a foundation for good habits as the participants progress in different phases of their life. “Going forward, we’d like to elevate the experience for Westside transition students and hope to add other schools,” said Melonie Welsh, community engagement director for MMI. “But the inaugural event was a big success.”
Welsh said the MMI staff provided an entertaining and impactful day for the visitors.
“Our staff enjoyed the experience as much as the students did,” she said. “We were pleased to be able to provide health screenings, enjoyable activities and learning experiences in nutrition, stress resilience, relationships, care for body, and self-advocacy that may help increase these students’ quality of life.”
Seventeen students and seven staff members attended the event, which ran from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It included:
- A yoga session;
- Nutrition classes;
- Dental and vision screening;
- Art expression ; and
- A presentation on self-advocacy.
Kami Jessop, EdD, director of special education for Westside Community Schools, said she would like to see the day become an annual event, as well.
“We are so grateful for our partnership with MMI,” Dr. Jessop said. “The students and staff left MMI’s Wellness event with rave reviews, an incredibly positive and beneficial experience and some great swag. We appreciate MMI’s commitment to our learners.”