The University of Nebraska Medical Center Munroe-Meyer Institute and the C. Louis Meyer Foundation, invites the public to participate in its second annual “Walk & Roll for Disabilities.” The event will be held inside Westroads Mall, 102nd & West Dodge Streets, on Sunday, Feb. 19.
Serving as honorary co-captains of the event will be Rep. Tom Osborne, Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey, and Eric Crouch, 2001 Heisman Trophy winner and former Nebraska Cornhusker Quarterback.
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 that are due to mental and/or physical impairments. People with developmental disabilities have problems with major life activities such as language, mobility, learning, self-help, and independent living.
The Munroe-Meyer Institute Recreational Therapy Department provides recreational services in a safe, supervised setting and allows respite for families and caregivers of those with developmental disabilities.
Michael Crawford, Re.D., director of recreational therapy, UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute said recreational therapy funding for children with developmental disabilities is adequate, but not for adults with developmental disabilities. Once children turn 21-years-old, funding and opportunities for recreation and respite care diminish, he said.
Paula Fowler understands the value of programs like this. Her daughter, Brandee, 28, just about 10 years old when she began summer camps for children. Now Brandee has been participating in the adult program for seven years.
Activities include cooking, crafts, swimming and other activities.
“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 and they’re with their peers.”
The programs give parents and caregivers much needed free time. Many like Fowler rely on the program for their social outlet.
“I was alone with Brandee after my husband passed away,” Fowler said. But she ultimately met someone. “I was able to have date nights,” Fowler said. She said her fiancé once attended a party at Munroe-Meyer for adults with developmental disabilities. “He came out in tears. He said, “How neat was that?’
Fowler is encouraging her extended family and friends to sign up for the Walk & Roll event.
“It’s one way for our community to experience this whole culture of people who benefit from this. We have things available in Omaha that other areas don’t have. It’s been a Godsend to us. I can’t tell you how I look forward to get my paperwork for spring program. It’s my two hours to do what I need to do. I can go to the grocery store if I want to or an adult dinner out.
“I was fortunate to have some respite care in my home, but there were a lot of people who don’t. When she’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.”
Among other parents walking will be Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate, David Hahn, who’s son has autism.
Dr. Crawford said organizers were pleased to have more than 350 walkers and rollers last year.
“Our goal this year is to build the event to 500 participants and to recruit more corporate and business sponsors so that our goal of achieving new services can be fulfilled,” Dr. Crawford said.
“Our ultimate goal is to ultimately raise a million-dollar sustaining endowment. We hope to be able to develop chaperoned vacation services, community activities and sports clubs, as well as provide expanded one-to-one leisure coaching and companion services so our adults can enroll in typical YMCA and Park and Recreation classes and events,” he said.
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 the Munroe-Meyer Institute.
Recreational activities include arts and crafts, adult dining club, leisure coaching program, Thursday evening program which includes art projects, music, activities and swimming.
The Munroe-Meyer Institute recently formed a family advisory committee that will be involved in creating and helping fundraiser 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, the Munroe-Meyer Institute has assisted children, teens and adults with special needs.
Developmental disabilities occur anytime during development up to 22 years of age and usually last a lifetime. There are more than 200 causes, including genetic conditions, and by trauma sustained at birth or during an accident. Dr. Crawford said it is estimated up to 2.5 percent of the population has some form of developmental disabilities.
Some sponsors of the event include: Panera Bread, Crouch Recreation, KGOR radio, Westroads Shopping Center, Bag ‘N Save, and Printmakers.
Walkers should park and enter the mall on the east side of J.C. Penney and Dick’s Sporting Goods 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 cost is $15 per person and includes a T-shirt. Late registration is available up until noon the day of the event. Registration information is available at: http://www.unmc.edu/mmi/.
For questions, contact Karol Colbert at 559-5771 or kcolbert@unmc.edu.