Advocacy, Referral and Information Services

Knowing who to talk to and where to go to access services for a loved one’s disability is extremely challenging for many families. That’s why families turn to UNMC’s Munroe-Meyer Institute.

Advocacy and referral services are provided by our consumer-family coordination staff. Our coordinators are trained as professionals in human services disciplines and are knowledgeable about state and national service systems for individuals with disabilities and their families. Our staff provide information to individuals with disabilities and family members based on their specific disability or special healthcare needs. Our goal is to insure that each individual receives the opportunities to allow them to reach their full potential, whatever the range of their disability.

Advocacy
Our consumer-family coordinators have extensive training and experience in the area of individual and family rights regarding disabilities and special health care needs across the lifespan. On occasion, coordinators are contacted when an individual’s rights have been violated. In these situations we:

• Provide information on the rights of individuals with disabilities and their families
• Provide informational resources regarding the rights of individuals with disabilities
• Refer the individual or family to agencies whose work specifically involves protecting the rights of persons with disabilities
• Provide community training on topics related to disability rights, services and supports.

Referral
Referrals to our consumer-family coordinators are made by MMI staff, other community professionals and the individuals and families themselves. Services include:

• An assessment of the current status of the individual or family concern
• Referral information on diagnostic and therapy services provided at MMI
• Referral information on community service providers as well as disability specific resources
• Development plans that enable the individual and family to obtain needed community services and supports
• Assist individuals or family members in navigating service and support options