University and Munroe-Meyer Institute leaders welcomed U.S. Rep. Don Bacon for a tour of the UNMC facility on Aug. 12.
The tour, led by Karoly Mirnics, MD, PhD, dean and director of the UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute, provided a look at services, training and research done at the institute.
This was Rep. Bacon’s first visit to MMI. He said it helped him appreciate UNMC’s scope.
“Everything’s baked into the design,” Rep. Bacon said. “It’s impressive.”
The tour, which spanned the first and second floors of the institute, started with the observation deck overlooking the gym, pool and splash pad. Other stops included the physical therapy space, independent living apartment and virtual reality lab.
Rep. Bacon also met with students hard at work in the Nebraska EmployABILITY Project. Students were working on wrapping hamburgers, data entry and virtual reality construction.
The tour also included the Caring for Champions space and pediatric feeding department before finishing in the integrated Center for Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Rep. Bacon said he’s always “had a heart” for individuals with disabilities, in part from spending time with his aunt who had disabilities.
“People invested in her,” he said of his aunt. “We’ve come a long way since I was a kid. I have a heart for these folks who are really loving, who are kind. They just need someone to invest in them so they can flourish.”
Rep. Bacon always has been a champion of developmental disabilities, Dr. Mirnics said, citing his work with Special Olympics.
“It’s a pleasure and a privilege to have him here and to educate him on the scope of our services,” Dr. Mirnics said. “We always look forward to showcasing the importance of the work we do to our representatives.”
H. Dele Davies, MD, interim chancellor of UNMC, also attended the visit. He echoed Dr. Mirnics’ sentiments.
“Congressman Bacon has been a strong supporter of UNMC and our multiple partnerships with the Department of Defense,” Dr. Davies said. “His visit to see the great work at MMI shows his continued commitment to the university.”
Drs. Mirnics and Davies and Rep. Bacon were joined by a handful of other MMI leaders, including: Amy Nordness, PhD, associate dean and associate director of MMI; Melonie Welsh, associate dean and director of MMI’s Community Engagement Department; Regina Carroll, PhD, associate dean and director of MMI’s Clinical Services; Kerry Miller, PhD, associate dean and director of MMI’s Academic Affairs; Jennifer Blackford, PhD, associate dean and director of research; Alice Shillingsburg, PhD, director of iCASD; Mark Shriver, PhD, director of the MMI University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities; and Jennifer Burt, PhD, associate director of MMI Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities.