Homeowners might find flocks of pink flamingos landing on their front lawns soon.
The gaggles of bright plastic birds are an effort by the Munroe-Meyer Institute and the UNMC Student Alliance for People of All Abilities to raise awareness during Developmental Disability Awareness Month.
“Flocking,” which started in 2021, runs now through March 31 to commemorate the month. The fundraiser is a way to support inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities in all areas of community life and bring awareness to barriers that individuals with disabilities face when connecting to the communities in which they live.
“This effort is a fun way to ensure that disability education gets to our students,” said Kayley Anderson, medical co-chair of the Student Association for People of All Abilities. “Education is a powerful way to help increase awareness for the unique issues people with disabilities face in accessing the health care system and hopefully improve them long term.”
For $30, a flock of flamingos will be placed in the yard of the donor’s choosing. Recipients can have the flock removed from their yard for $20. “Flocking insurance” can be purchased for $30 to protect your lawn from the birds.
To order a flock, contact Jackie Hankins at 402-552-6364 or via email. Payments can be made with cash, check or credit card.
Money raised goes toward SAPA events, including the Deaf-Centric Hospital, which is designed to offer insight to health professions students about communication barriers. Organizers hope to send out 50 or more flocks this year.
In addition to about a dozen birds, a sign publicizing MMI and the importance of inclusion also are placed in the yard. Flocks are picked up in two to four days.