As a COMPASS partner, you are Committed to Inclusion.

It is the mission of Autism Action Partnership to improve the quality of life of persons on the Autism Spectrum and their families. In order for us to achieve our mission, we must reach those that host and engage with autistic individuals in the community. It is imperative for us to find partners who embrace the idea of inclusion so that individuals with autism and their families feel a sense of belonging and can thrive in all the places they live, work, learn, and play. COMPASS Partners collaborate with Autism Action Partnership to transform sensory and social community spaces into welcoming, enriching environments that individuals of all abilities can enjoy.
One child in 36 is now diagnosed with autism (CDC, 2023) and, according to the Autism Society of America, with the average family size of four people, this translates to close to 12 million people nationwide that are impacted by autism.
Not only is it the right thing to do, focusing on inclusion makes good business sense, AAP will help make sure it is worth your while!
- Inclusive practices often benefit all guests/patrons (in addition to those with autism or similar conditions)
- Increased autism community consumer base—nearly 12 million nationwide
- Increased non-autism community consumer base who appreciate businesses that are socially responsible and community-minded
- Certificate and digital documentation to display onsite and online
- Formal acknowledgement in local media and by AAP
- Free marketing for your business/organization within AAP’s wide network of individuals and families
- Make an organization wide commitment to inclusion--from leadership to direct service staff
- Offer training to leadership, staff and volunteers on autism and inclusion practices
- Publicize commitment to inclusion and sensory accessibility to autism and non-autism community
- Implement inclusive practices and tools that improve predictability and comfort of visits
- Utilize feedback loops to gather feedback on inclusion and accessibility
- Continually assess efforts using COMPASS Partner Inclusion Checklist, with regular touchpoints and support from AAP’s COMPASS team

Disclaimer
Autism Action Partnership assumes no liability or risk associated listing businesses or organizations that are COMPASS Partners. COMPASS Partners are offered training, technical assistance, and consultation to meet the self-perceived needs of those businesses/organizations. COMPASS Partners learn about best practices and are offered support to implement and continually assess them in their own spaces. COMPASS is NOT a compliance-based program. More importantly, since no two people will experience a physical, social or sensory space in the same way, Autism Action Partnership encourages consumers to determine for themselves whether an environment is conducive to the specific needs of the individual.

COMPASS Partners: Committed to Inclusion

Testimonials

Omaha Community Playhouse

“AAP’s training was eye-opening and inspiring, offering practical guidance to bridge knowledge gaps and implement inclusive practices.
Their Autism Ally class was excellent, and I loved their inclusion of self-advocates, which reflects their true commitment to meaningful inclusion.
Plus, their facilitators are amazing!”
-Katy Kepler, Director of Mobile Theater at Omaha Community Playhouse
Omaha Symphony

“We are proud to be chosen as Autism Action Partnership’s first COMPASS Partner. We cherish our Nebraska Autism community, and we are dedicated to giving these families fun and enriching experiences. It is at the forefront of our mission to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for anyone who wants to engage with music, and we look forward to building upon our work together.”
-Jennifer Boomgaarden Daoud, President & CEO of Omaha Symphony