Munroe-Meyer Institute Department of Recreational Therapy
University of Nebraska Medical Center
985430 Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, NE 68198
Ph: (402) 559-5772 or (800) 656-3937 ext. 9-5772
Fax: (402) 559-5737
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Preschool Programs: The Splash and Play program is designed for children with developmental disabilities and their peers, ages 2 1/2 to 5-years-old. Children participate in either a morning or afternoon session one day a week. Three to four age appropriate activities are offered each session designed to stimulate cooperative and parallel play skills. Activities include, swimming, art, music, sensory stimulation projects and snack time.
After School Program: The After School Program is offered each fall and spring for children and youth, ages 2 1/2 to 21. Each day from 3:30 to 5 pm, participants enjoy self-directed play sessions as well as structured small group activities that include cooking, swimming, art, music, sports/games and community outings. Younger children and pre-teens participate on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Youth 13 and up participate on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Saturday Recreation Program: This 9:30 am to noon program is offered to 2 1/2 to 21-year-old participants. Each Saturday morning participants are placed in small age-appropriate groups, and participate in a variety of structured activities such as cooking, swimming, art, music, sports/games and community outings.
Community Inclusion Social Club Transition Programs: There are two monthly clubs for 13 to 21-year-olds available: the Arnold Stern Saturday Nights program, which provides for chaperoned co-educational opportunities, and the Girls Group program which seeks to encourage friendship development among female teens and young adults. Nights and times of programs vary from month to month based upon the opportunities available across various metro events including concerts, sporting events, plays and festivals. The purpose of the programs is to provide leisure education and awareness activities within the greater community to help prepare participants for adult leisure independence and decision-making.
Social Skills School and Community-Based Programs: This program is a prescriptive service offered to middle-school and high-school students with Asperger’s syndrome or autism spectrum disorder, who would benefit from participation. Participating districts include Westside Community Schools, Ralston, Bellevue and Papillion-LaVista Public Schools. The year-round program has three required components: (1) One-to-one goal-directed training by certified therapeutic recreation specialists during the school day, (2) Parent assisted homework and communication log assignments, and (3) Bi-monthly attendance at weekend social clubs utilizing peer assisted practice in developing social skills and friendship circles. Participation in this program must be dually approved by the Recreation Therapy department and the host school. Cost to participants is minimal.