MEDIA CONTACT
Jeff Powell, (402) 471-6223 (office); (402) 405-4991(cell);
Jeff.Powell@Nebraska.Gov
Lincoln – Developmental Disabilities (DD) Division Director Tony Green will be taking part in the 18th Annual Walk and Roll for Disabilities event in Omaha. The popular annual event raises funds to support recreation therapy programs for adults with disabilities at the Munroe-Meyer Institute.
This year's event is significant because it is one of the first in-person events for families and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Individuals with IDD are at a higher risk of COVID-19.
Due to the increased risks, families of individuals with IDD were more diligent in isolating. While necessary, increased isolation was especially hard for these individuals since community participation and inclusion are vital to development.
The event two years ago was one of the last community events, sponsored by the Meyer Foundation for Disabilities before the pandemic shut down most in-person gatherings.
“I am very excited to be a part of this special event that means so much to the IDD community," said DD Division Director Tony Green. “It will be a special moment to see friends and families coming together once again, some of whom will be reuniting for the first time since the pandemic began."
Who:
- Mary McHale, President of the Board for the Meyer Foundation
- Melonie Welsh, Community Engagement Director, Munroe-Meyer Institute
- DD Division Director Tony Green
Where: Oak View Mall
3001 S. 144th St.
Omaha, NE 68144
When: Sunday, March 6th
9:30 AM to 12:00 PM (CT)
Walk begins at 10:30 AM
COVID precautions, including requiring masks for participants and pre-packaging food that will be handed out by volunteers, will be in place for the event. The concern is in recognition of the heightened risks people with developmental disabilities face from COVID-19. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people with developmental disabilities face a higher risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes, alongside those with such medical conditions as cancer, lung disease, or immunodeficiency.