After their appointments, Zamir and Pennelope Straughn usually leave the Munroe-Meyer Institute through the main lobby. They pass by the bubble tubes, light board and armchairs galore.
But last month, the brother and sister were met with a fun surprise — penguins.
Plush penguins, painted penguins and plastic penguins in faux snow were part of the third annual Penguin Palooza event hosted by MMI’s Community Engagement team.
The Feb. 10 event drew about 80 attendees. In addition to face painting, guests could stuff a plush penguin, create a sensory bottle, discover their penguin name and play with sensory bins.
“Events like this illustrate our dedication to helping enrich the lives of our clients,” said Jacqueline Hankins-Berry, administrative programs associate. “It also offers a break in the day for clients, many of whom are here for long hours.”
Pennelope and Zamir stopped by each station, rounding out their visit with face painting — a “Paw Patrol” character for Pennelope and a Husker logo for Zamir — and glittery temporary tattoos.
Across the lobby, Russell Schubert carefully dropped three plastic penguins into a bottle of water. With some help, he sprinkled in glitter and a few dashes of blue food coloring to create his own sensory bottle.
The 11-year-old tried out the sensory bins and penguin stuffing activities, too.
It’s important, his mother Katie Schubert said, to have opportunities like Penguin Palooza to explore a variety of sensory activities.
Amanda Graves tries to bring her 2-year-old son Cyrus to inclusive events as often as possible. Cyrus receives treatment at MMI’s Autism Care for Toddlers Clinic in Fremont.
“I bring him for the social interaction. It definitely helps him to see other kids,” Graves said.