June 2023

AAP’s mission was - and continues to be - what inspires me most. That said, AAP had almost all the ingredients needed to increase its impact in our community: a dedicated and active Board of Trustees, passionate staff, committed volunteer core (AAP Guild), significant support from donors and funders, and a seemingly unlimited number of opportunities to change lives for the better. I'm proud to be part of it.

There are too many to list, but I will try! My first Making Memories’ Night at the Zoo, meeting HUNDREDS of families and seeing our mission in action, was unforgettable. My first Education Summit helped expand my understanding of how AAP could impact the community. Little did I know that (FUN FACT!) the 2018 Summit was the beginning of what would become the Common Senses Festival…a “first” for me in about 20 different ways! My first A Vintage Affaire was transformative. I am not sure if I have ever been as nervous as I was when the event began. However, as the event progressed, my nerves were replaced with an overwhelming sense of pride that I was chosen to lead such an amazing organization.

AAP has undergone significant growth in the last 18 months, with a dual focus on direct service to the autism community and indirect (training and consultation) services to assist others in serving the autism community. For the immediate future, our focus is on ensuring this growth is having the intended impact and that it is sustainable and efficient. In the next 5 years, I would like AAP to lead an effort for the Omaha Metro Area to become a national example of a neuro-inclusive community.

Having a team of dedicated and passionate professionals choose to work at AAP. I couldn’t be prouder of the group of individuals who represent our organization every day.

Autism Action Partnership, in collaboration with The First Place Global Leadership Institute’s Make Waves Center for Community Development, is conducting a comprehensive housing market analysis to determine the needs and preferences of adults with autism and/or other intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) in the Omaha area.

The Spring cohort will run July 5th - Sept 21st.

Prosper Academy, our two-year post-secondary program for young adults with autism, is launching a Prosper Academy Goes to College Event Series for young adults (and their families) interested in gaining independence and learning about our current program and student life.

Join us on Tuesday, July 11th from 6-8 PM to learn more about AAP's Volunteer Guild, engage with parents/loved ones and autism professionals, and get to know AAP!

Earlier this spring, we launched COMPASS, a new AAP program providing autism training and consultation services to Omaha and surrounding communities.

COMPASS trainers lead local art venues, corporations, and organizations in sessions including: Autism 101, Autism in the Workplace, and Providing Inclusive Spaces and Sensory Friendly Experiences. Our consultation services provide assessments of space to create sensory-friendlier environments, feedback on processes and logistics for accessibility, and more.

- Jamil, PWS Participant