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UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute
@unmcmmi.bsky.social
98 followers 19 following 120 posts
MMI’s mission is to be world leaders in transforming lives of all people with disabilities and complex health care needs. #unmcMMI
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UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute @unmcmmi.bsky.social · 6d
October 2025, UNMC #MMImonthly 📰
conta.cc/4naoFiW

This Munroe-Meyer Institute publication features #unmcMMI stories that may be of interest to people with #Disability and the wider #IDD community. #IntellectualDisability #DevelopmentalDisability #PWD
White block text - MMI Monthly; yellow/orange calligraphy text – Newsletter; red background; white UNMC MMI logo; cyan square in the middle with a white envelope and a small red "1" unread message notification icon in the top right corner.
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UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute @unmcmmi.bsky.social · 11d
Play is powerful! Here at #unmcMMI, we make therapy fun!

📍Learn more about #mmiPhysicalTherapy:
go.unmc.edu/mmi_pt

📍Learn how PT helps people of every age and ability:
go.unmc.edu/choose_pt

#choosePT #pediatricphysicaltherapy #mmiPT #MobilityMatters #mobility
National Physical Therapy Month notification; UNMC MMI logo and branding; MMI's outdoor playground.
unmcmmi.bsky.social
UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute @unmcmmi.bsky.social · 11d
WE'RE HIRING - The #mmiSpeechPathology department at #unmcMMI is hiring a part-time position at our Lincoln RiteCare clinic!

Learn more and apply:
go.unmc.edu/mmi_ritecare...

Contact:
Susan Fager, PhD, CCC-SLP
[email protected]
402-559-0426

#unmc #iamunmc #MMIjobs #MMIemployment
Job advertisement; UNMC MMI logo and branding; website address; job details as listed in post; UNMC/Nebraska Medicine campus sign behind orange lilies; Speech-language pathologist talking to a child patient at an activity table.
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UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute @unmcmmi.bsky.social · 11d
MMI is now on LinkedIn! Come check us out!

www.linkedin.com/showcase/unm...

#unmcMMI
UNMC MMI logo and branding; the front of the MMI building on a sunny day with the Waterfall sculpture in the foreground; text: Now on LinkedIn.
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unmcmmi.bsky.social
UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute @unmcmmi.bsky.social · 18d
At #unmcMMI our #PhysicalTherapists partner with you and your child to build #mobility and motor skills through engaging, therapeutic activities like #AquaticTherapy 🌊

📌PT at MMI
go.unmc.edu/mmi_pt

📌ChoosePT
go.unmc.edu/choose_pt

#mmiPhysicalTherapy #choosePT #pediatricphysicaltherapy #mmiPT
National Physical Therapy Month notification; UNMC MMI logo and branding; MMI's therapy pool.
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unmcmmi.bsky.social
UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute @unmcmmi.bsky.social · 19d
⭐A big thank you to everyone who made this year's SOAR Conference a wonderful success!⭐

#unmcMMI #mmiUCEDD #UCEDD #SOAR2025
Conference notification; illustration of a flock of paper airplanes flying up into the clouds; UNMC MMI logo and branding; SOAR logo; text: Thank You!
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UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute @unmcmmi.bsky.social · 24d
A round of applause for our Advocate Level sponsors for their support! They helped make this year's #SOAR2025 Conference a success!

#unmcMMI #mmiUCEDD #UCEDD #MMIevent #MMIeducation
Conference notification; SOAR conference logo; UNMC MMI logo and branding; logos for the Nebraska Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Arc of Iowa, Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council, and People First of Nebraska; text: October 3-5, 2025, Omaha, Nebraska. Many thanks to our Advocate Level Sponsors and our regional UCEDD partners!
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UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute @unmcmmi.bsky.social · 24d
October is #DownSyndromeAwarenessMonth! Help raise awareness of people with Down syndrome and their right to be accepted and included as valued and equal members of the community. 💙💛

⭐https://www.unmc.edu/mmi/engagement/calendar/down-syndrome.html
⭐https://ds-int.org/

#unmcMMI
UNMC MMI logo and branding; illustration of children's handprints in blue and yellow reaching upward towards multiple stars hanging from above.
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unmcmmi.bsky.social
UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute @unmcmmi.bsky.social · 25d
October is #NationalPhysicalTherapyMonth! The #physicaltherapists at #mmiPhysicalTherapy work with children and adults to improve #mobility and motor function. 🏃

📌PT at MMI
www.unmc.edu/mmi/services...

📌ChoosePT
www.choosept.com/prevention-w...

#unmcMMI #choosePT #pediatricphysicaltherapy #mmiPT
APTA's "Choose PT" logo and branding; a caregiver helps a young patient with physical therapy exercises - both are smiling. Text: Physical activity is vital for every child's health and quality of life. Physical therapists help children of all abilities participate and reach their unique potential.
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UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute @unmcmmi.bsky.social · 26d
On #OrangeShirtDay #EveryChildMattersDay we honor the Indigenous children who were forced into boarding schools, and then stripped of their identities and culture.

Help raise awareness of the intergenerational trauma that resulted from Boarding Schools. 🧡https://orangeshirtday.org/

#Reconciliation
UNMC MMI logo and branding; icon of a child with a heart background and a heart on their chest; text: Orange Shirt Day, Every Child Matters Day, September 30, 2025.
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UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute @unmcmmi.bsky.social · 27d
There are many resources available at #unmcMMI to assist with #craniofacial differences. To learn more about the Departments of Genetic Medicine, Speech-Language Pathology, and Pediatric Feeding Disorders, visit:
www.unmc.edu/mmi/services...

#mmiGeneticMedicine #mmiSLP #mmiFeeding
• There are many different types of craniofacial differences. o The most common, cleft lip and palate, most often occurs by chance and there is not a clear genetic reason to explain why someone has a cleft. o Some craniofacial differences have an underlying genetic cause, and genetic testing can be helpful in understanding if there are any other health concerns associated with a person's craniofacial difference. • If you are interested in understanding why you have a craniofacial difference, a genetics team can discuss why craniofacial differences occur and if genetic testing could be helpful. • If you have personal or family history of craniofacial differences, you can meet with prenatal genetic counselor to discuss the chances of having a child with a craniofacial difference. UNMC MMI logo and branding. • Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are essential in providing assessment and intervention for feeding/dysphagia and speech disorders from infancy through adulthood for individuals with craniofacial differences. • Craniofacial anomalies such as cleft lip/palate, craniosynostosis, and craniofacial microsomia frequently result in feeding difficulties due to structural and functional impairments affecting sucking, swallowing, and airway protection. SLPs collaborate with other specialists to optimize feeding strategies, which may include specialized bottles, positional changes, and, in severe cases, surgical interventions or tube feeding to ensure adequate nutrition and prevent aspiration. • Speech development is also commonly affected in children with craniofacial differences. Structural anomalies can lead to velopharyngeal insufficiency, hypernasality, articulation errors, and delayed language acquisition. SLPs are responsible for early identification, ongoing monitoring, and targeted therapy to address these deficits, working closely with other specialists. UNMC MMI logo and branding. • The Department of Pediatric Feeding Disorders has an interdisciplinary team to address all aspects of a feeding concern (medical, nutritional, feeding skill, and behavioral health) and provide individualized treatment that fits your child. We only do feeding all day, everyday, which gives us the experience and expertise needed to address the complex needs of individuals with craniofacial differences. • We have a unique 8-week, all-day treatment program to give your child a jump start when they need to learn to eat baby food, drink fluids, and/or learn to chew. • We also have an interdisciplinary outpatient program (one appointment weekly) staffed with all of the healthcare professionals your child needs to learn to eat and drink, including a psychologist, speech-language pathologist, and registered dietitian. We offer joint appointments during which multiple disciplines work with you and your child at the same time to treat your child as effectively and efficiently as possible. UNMC MMI logo and branding.
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UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute @unmcmmi.bsky.social · 27d
#unmcMMI is expanding their services to a new MHCP clinic in Walthill, NE on #OrangeShirtDay #EveryChildMattersDay

30 SEP 2025

📍Referral Info:
JoAnn H.
531.530.7539
[email protected]

📰https://go.unmc.edu/mmi_picotte_walthill

🧡https://orangeshirtday.org/

#MMIoutreach #MMIproud
UNMC MMI logo and branding; bronze statue of a woman wearing a shawl; text: New MHCP Clinic Location, Dr. Susan LaFlesche Picotte Center, Walthill, NE.
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UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute @unmcmmi.bsky.social · Sep 19
September is #CraniofacialAcceptanceMonth, promoting acceptance and kindness for those with #craniofacial differences.

The Children's Craniofacial Association hopes you will join them in wearing yellow to celebrate. If you would like to share your related stories, feel free to tag us!

#unmcMMI
Geometric design; UNMC MMI logo and branding; text: September is Craniofacial Acceptance Month. The mission of Children's Craniofacial Association is empowering and giving hope to individuals and families affected by facial differences. We envision a world where everyone is accepted for who they are, not how they look.
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UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute @unmcmmi.bsky.social · Sep 19
🏴‍☠️🦜Happy Talk Like a Pirate Day! The #mmiTrickOrTreat event is one month away! Do you have your costume planned yet?

🎃 19 OCT 2025 🎃
1-3pm

🍭Learn more:
go.unmc.edu/mmi_trickort...

Jackie Hankins-Berry
[email protected]

#unmcMMI #MMIevent #MMIfun #mmiTrickorTreat2025
Trick or Treat event advertisement; UNMC MMI logo and branding; illustration of a blue and orange parrot with a pirate hat standing in front of a full moon; event information.
unmcmmi.bsky.social
UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute @unmcmmi.bsky.social · Sep 19
We are excited by the overwhelming response for this year's #SOAR2025 Conference and unfortunately, we need to close registration early, as we have now reached full capacity for the event!

⭐Thank you so much for your support! ⭐

Questions?
[email protected]
402-559-6483

#unmcMMI #mmiUCEDD #UCEDD
Conference notification; UNMC MMI logo and branding; text: Registration Closed.
unmcmmi.bsky.social
UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute @unmcmmi.bsky.social · Sep 12
Announcing the second keynote speaker for #SOAR2025 Chris Worth!

Come see his presentation, "The Development of the Story of Self and the Beautiful Risks Involved" in Omaha, Nebraska, 3-5 OCT.

Registration deadline is 20 SEP!

go.unmc.edu/orgv

#unmcMMI #mmiUCEDD #UCEDD #MMIevent #MMIeducation
Conference notification; UNMC MMI logo and branding, SOAR conference logo; web address; text: October 3-5, 2025, Omaha, NE; Chris Worth, Community Organizer and Faculty, University of Missouri - St. Louis.
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unmcmmi.bsky.social
UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute @unmcmmi.bsky.social · Sep 9
September 2025, UNMC #MMImonthly 📰 conta.cc/3V2mAdm

This Munroe-Meyer Institute publication features #unmcMMI stories that may be of interest to people with #Disability and the wider #IDD community.

#IntellectualDisability #DevelopmentalDisability #PWD
White block text - MMI Monthly; yellow/orange calligraphy text – Newsletter; red background; white UNMC MMI logo; cyan square in the middle with a white envelope and a small red "1" unread message notification icon in the top right corner.
unmcmmi.bsky.social
UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute @unmcmmi.bsky.social · Sep 8
T-shirts for the 2025 SOAR Conference are still available for pre-order until this Friday, 12 SEP 2025!

Order online:
www.peoplefirstnebraska.com/soar-t-shirt...

Conference information:
go.unmc.edu/orgv

#unmcMMI #mmiUCEDD #UCEDD #SOAR2025 #MMIevent #MMIeducation
Conference notification for t-shirt pre-orders; UNMC MMI logo and branding, SOAR conference logo; web address; text: October 3-5, 2025, Omaha, NE.
unmcmmi.bsky.social
UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute @unmcmmi.bsky.social · Sep 5
The #SOAR2025 Conference is 1 month away! We are excited to announce our first keynote speaker: founder and executive director of Rare by Design, Kendra Gottsleben!

"When life hands you lemons, make the BEST lemonade possible!"

go.unmc.edu/orgv

#unmcMMI #mmiUCEDD #UCEDD #MMIevent #MMIeducation
Conference notification; UNMC MMI logo and branding, SOAR conference logo; web address; text: October 3-5, 2025, Omaha, NE; Kendra Gottsleben, Communication Specialist, University of South Dakota Center for Disabilities.
unmcmmi.bsky.social
UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute @unmcmmi.bsky.social · Sep 3
📢Caregivers! Join our free #MMIwebinar "Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder in Toddlers" with Drs. Patricia Zemantic and Chris Courson!

Friday, 5 SEP 2025
12-1p
8-9p

📍ZOOM: go.unmc.edu/mmizoom_asd_...

Info:
[email protected]

#unmcMMI #mmiiCASD #ASD #Toddlers #MMIevent #MMIeducation
Webinar advertisement for "Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder in Toddlers: a webinar for Caregivers"; UNMC MMI logo and branding; Drs. Zemantic and Courson pictured with their name and title; webinar dates and times; webinar web address; logo for Nebraska Council for Developmental Disabilities.
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UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute @unmcmmi.bsky.social · Aug 25
TOMORROW: Navigating Nebraska’s Medicaid Waiver Programs! Learn about Nebraska’s updated waiver programs, from eligibility and available services, to paperwork you'll need.

26 AUG 2025
6:30 - 8:30 PM
Register: go.unmc.edu/waivers2025%...
Questions? [email protected]

#unmcMMI
Advertisement flyer; UNMC MMI logo and branding; text: Family Care Enhancement Project Information Series: Changes to Home and Community-Based Waivers - Now What? Colin Large, Policy Administrator, DHHS. Jillion Lieske, DD Service Coordination Administrator, DHHS. This webinar is designed to help individuals and families understand the ins and outs of Nebraska's Medicaid waiver programs. Whether you're just getting started or feeling overwhelmed by the process, this session will walk you through what to expect, from eligibility and services offered to the paperwork involved. Contact info, date and time info, web address and QR code for registration.
unmcmmi.bsky.social
UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute @unmcmmi.bsky.social · Aug 22
Build confidence behind the wheel! The #mmiOccupationalTherapy department at #unmcMMI is now accepting participants for the Foundational #DrivingProgram.

The program consists of two tracks: Functional Driving and Community Mobility.

More info:
402-559-6580
forms.office.com/r/8Bm0yF1V1x
• Practice skills with a Driving Simulator. • Learn how to properly adjust mirrors, seats, & steering for a safe and comfortable fit in any vehicle. • Tailored to support individuals with sensory sensitivities, visual-motor challenges, executive functioning needs & delayed reaction time. • Whether you’re just getting started or overcoming past challenges, our supportive team helps you build the skills & confidence you need to succeed. • Master the bus system. • Use ride share services safely. • Develop skills for navigating public spaces, understanding landmarks, using maps & building route memory. • Stay safe while walking or biking, understand crosswalk signals, watch for traffic & practice defensive walking skills. • Doctor’s order required for insurance. • Structured around a 12-week plan of care with sessions held 1-2x per week, focusing on consistent skill development and measurable progress.
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UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute @unmcmmi.bsky.social · Aug 21
🏆 Congratulations to the Silver U Award Winner for June 2025, Hanna Beck! 🏆

Hanna is a Training/Admin Coordinator in MMI's integrated Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders.

#unmcMMI #mmiiCASD #silverU #MMIproud
UNMC Silver U Award Highlight; Hanna in circle frame; UNMC MMI logo and branding.
unmcmmi.bsky.social
UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute @unmcmmi.bsky.social · Aug 20
Please join us in congratulating Nikki Zabik on receiving a Loan Repayment grant from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

Dr. Zabik is a Research Assistant Professor in the Emotional Research Laboratory/Blackford Neuroscience Team.

#unmcMMI #mmiResearch
Research Achievement highlight; UNMC MMI logo and branding; Nikki in circle frame with name and title; award details; Text: Negative reinforcement learning in alcohol use disorder. Description: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a debilitating condition with poor long-term treatment outcomes, despite effective treatments for initial recovery. A common cause of relapse is anxiety that develops during abstinence, where individuals use alcohol for its negative reinforcing properties to remove anxiety that they experience. This project aims to better understand changes in negative reinforcement behaviors and their associated neural network during early abstinence from an AUD and in those not abstinent from an AUD.
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UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute @unmcmmi.bsky.social · Aug 19
Please join us in congratulating Andrea Cunha on receiving a R15 grant from the National Institute of Health. Dr. Cunha is a Co-Investigator on the project.

#unmcMMI #mmiResearch
UNMC MMI logo and branding; Andrea in circle frame; text: Research achievement; R15 grant from the National Institute of Health; Andrea Baraldi Cunha, PT, PhD, Assistant Professor, Physical Therapy. Title: Enhancing Upper Extremity Rehabilitation in Neurodiverse Children: BCI-Mediated Neurofeedback and Virtual Reality for Improved Engagement and Training Quality Description: The BCI-HABIT-VR project integrates brain-computer interface (BCI) technology with MMI's Virtual Reality therapy games to detect a child’s intention to move and stimulate their muscles, providing both sensory feedback and motor assistance. By linking brain signals to real-time feedback in an engaging VR environment, the system helps strengthen the brain-body connection during rehabilitation for children with cerebral palsy. This project aims to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of BCI-HABIT-VR in improving upper extremity function in children with cerebral palsy, compared to HABIT-VR alone. Collaborators: Principal Investigator: Dr. Ahad Behboodi (UNO, Department of Biomechanics), Collaborators: Ryan Thomas (Department of Research), Elizabeth Fortin (Department of Physical Therapy), Consultant: Dr. James Gehringer. NIH R15 grants are research enhancement awards that support small-scale research projects at educational institutions that provide baccalaureate or advanced degrees for a significant number of the Nation’s research scientists but that have not been major recipients of NIH support. 
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