Community Advisory Board

General Purpose and Mission

The Institute’s services, interdisciplinary education, research, technical assistance, and outreach programs have been developed with the support and guidance of individuals with disabilities and family members, in order to promote the independence, inclusion, and productivity of individuals with disabilities and assist them in gaining maximum control over their lives. As part of this mission, Munroe-Meyer has received funding for and designation as a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) from the Federal Administration on Developmental Disabilities. In accordance with this designation, the Institute convened a Community Advisory Board (CAB).

The CAB is composed of MMI UCEDD Coordinators for service, education and research, consumers and providers of community developmental disability services. It serves as the primary advisory body of the UCEDD, first providing advice and assistance to the UCEDD Director and staff on the mission and activities of the UCEDD and insuring that the perspectives of individuals with disabilities are infused into and represented in all Institute efforts; and second, insuring UCEDD activities are coordinated with other disability programs and initiatives across the state. The Munroe-Meyer Institute serves as the UCEDD for the State of Nebraska. A primary goal of the membership of the CAB, in an effort to be as representative as possible, is to reach out to and garner input from disability stakeholders across the state in order to carry forward their comments, concerns, and questions to the UCEDD staff and administration.

Board Activities

The Board meets quarterly or as otherwise necessary. The Board is staffed by a Family Coordinator to the UCEDD, whose primary position objective is to support the consumer-related concerns of the Center and Institute.

The Board’s activities include:

• Assist in setting priorities for UCEDD activities.
• Review and recommend revisions to the UCEDD’s Mission Statement.
• Assist in the development of the UCEDD’s Strategic Plan.
• Assist in UCEDD policy development as it relates to UCEDD activities and services.
• Provide input and assistance in developing proposals for specific initiatives.
• Provide linkages with other relevant programs, organizations, or networks to facilitate collaborative activities.
• Advocate for and on behalf of the UCEDD.

Board Members

For more information about the Consumer Advisory Board, contact:

Sarah Swanson
Community and Family Resource Specialist
The Munroe-Meyer Institute UNMC
Phone: (402) 559-4573
Toll Free: 800 656-3937 ext. 9-4573
Fax: (402) 559-4757

Kellie Ellerbusch
UCEDD/LEND Associate
Phone: (402) 559-2264