MMI showcases an inclusive holiday scene

Rachel Mulligan, a part-time employee at the Munroe-Meyer Institute who loves to draw and create characters, is the designer of MMI’s holiday card for this year.

Mulligan drew a winter scene that reflects characters with different disabilities, including one person who uses a wheelchair, someone with cerebral palsy who uses crutches and a person with autism who uses a voice box. It’s all set in a snowy, forested location with the greeting of “Happy Holidays.”

Mulligan said she felt inspired by her work and felt great that it will go out to so many people.

“I’m very happy with it,” she said. “I think it turned out really great.”

Mulligan works as a concierge at the Munroe-Meyer Institute and is a student in the MMI-University of Nebraska at Omaha Trailblazers Program.

She loves drawing, creating new characters, spending time with her family and participating in Special Olympics, said Rachel Ray, an assistant professor at MMI who works with the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. Ray also coordinates the Trailblazer Program, a program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Melonie Welsh, MMI’s director of community engagement, said Mulligan has participated in a number of programs at MMI. In her work as a concierge, Mulligan is known for greeting families and visitors with an infectious laugh, Welsh said.

“Rachel has created an inclusive scene that represents the joy of the season,” Welsh said. “We’re glad to share her creativity and artistic expression around to the MMI community this holiday season.”