The Munroe-Meyer Guild’s 2026 grants will aid in the treatment of children with feeding disorders, elevate caregiver engagement to improve outcomes for children with autism, and create of a multidisciplinary cortical visual impairment clinic that will offer comprehensive, personalized care.
The four proposals from the Munroe-Meyer Institute will receive nearly $100,000 from the guild. The Munroe-Meyer Guild has funded grants at MMI for more than 50 years, totaling more than $1 million in grants.
“Each year we are truly excited to see the innovative and inspiring grant proposals that come our way,” said Jennifer Read, president of the Munroe-Meyer Guild. “This year the guild is proud to have funded four exciting grants that will make a meaningful difference across our MMI community. Several of these grants will introduce state-of-the-art technology that enhances learning, innovation and hands-on experiences. We are confident these grants will help shape an even brighter future for our entire community.”
Funded proposals include:
“Development of biofeedback instrumentation for the treatment of pediatric feeding disorder”
PI: Rachel Knight, PhD, MMI Department of Pediatric Feeding Disorders
Collaborators: Amy Drayton, PhD, MMI Department of Pediatric Feeding Disorders; Brian Knarr, PhD, University of Nebraska at Omaha Biomechanics; David Kingston, PhD, University of Nebraska at Omaha Biomechanics; Bethany Hansen, PhD, MMI Department of Pediatric Feeding Disorders; Ilissa Frye, PhD student; Sidni Trotter, MMI Department of Speech Language Pathology
This project will see development and testing of a specialized spoon to measure tongue placement and pressure in the treatment of swallowing difficulties. It also will develop and test a utensil to measure bite force when teaching a child to chew for the first time.
“Empowering Caregivers: Integrating a Coaching Framework with Project ImPACT”
PI: Mary Halbur, PhD, integrated Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders
Collaborators: Amber Paden, PhD, integrated Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders; Chandler Pederson, integrated Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders; Eden Bauer, integrated Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders; Leslie Castano Van Winkle, MMI Department of Speech Language Pathology
This project will bring a proven, evidence-based program to MMI’s Autism Care for Toddlers Clinics. Project ImPACT (Improving Parents as Communication Teachers) explores everyday routines and play to help children develop communication, social skills and engagement. The initiative will elevate caregiver engagement and measurably improve outcomes for children with autism and their families.
“Bright Futures: Empowering Children with CVI at Munroe-Meyer Institute”
PI: Chelli Westengaard, MMI Department of Occupational Therapy
Collaborators: Ryan Thomas, Research; Susan Fager, PhD, MMI Department of Speech Language Pathology; Susan Riley, DPT, MMI Department of Physical Therapy
This project will develop a multidisciplinary cortical visual impairment (CVI) clinic that provides comprehensive and individualized care for children and young adults. Services will address functional vision, augmentative and alternative communication, mobility and positioning needs. Specialists from several departments will allow for integration of clinical insight with innovative adaptations and technologies customized to address each client’s unique needs.
Dean’s request: Interactive ceiling projectors
Four interactive ceiling projectors located in patient waiting areas will be replaced. The devices provide inclusive, sensory friendly engagement for individuals across the lifespan. Updated technology will maintain accessibility, enhance the patient and family experience and reinforce MMI’s commitment to innovation and family-centered care.