AAP Celebrates Opera Omaha’s Commitment to Inclusion as Newest COMPASS Partner
OMAHA, NE – Autism Action Partnership is proud to acknowledge Opera Omaha as a COMPASS Partner for their organization-wide commitment to inclusion and efforts to welcome individuals and families affected by autism.
“We’re thrilled to honor Opera Omaha for their commitment to creating enriching opportunities for autistic individuals and their families,” said Michaela Ahrens, VP of Operations at Autism Action Partnership.“ This partnership will create ongoing opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum to engage with the arts in a meaningful and supportive environment, enriching their lives and strengthening our community.”
What is a COMPASS Partner?
It is the mission of Autism Action Partnership to improve the quality of life of persons on the Autism Spectrum and their families. To achieve our mission, we rely on 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 physical, sensory, and social community spaces into welcoming, enriching environments that individuals with all abilities can enjoy.
What is involved in Becoming a COMPASS Partner:
Opera Omaha has pledged organization wide commitment to their inclusion journey, continually seeking to learn from those they serve, and to collaborate with Autism Action Partnership on achieving their goals. Autism Action Partnership offers ongoing training, technical assistance, and consultation to COMPASS Partners to support the attainment of self-identified inclusion goals.
“Opera Omaha is delighted to become an Autism Action Partnership COMPASS Partner,” said Lauren Medici, Director of Engagement Programs at Opera Omaha. “We are proud to have worked with AAP and many community partners and participants with autism and sensory needs for many years in our community programs, and opening the doors of inclusion at our opera performances is an exciting step. Ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy opera in a way that is comfortable for them is deeply connected to Opera Omaha's human centered values.”
About Autism
Currently, 1 in 36 children are being diagnosed with autism, which translates to over 2% of the population (CDC, 2023). Additionally, the CDC recently estimated that more than 1 in 50 adults in the U.S. are living with autism.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is characterized by social and communication impairments and by restrictive and repetitive behavior. The characteristics of autism present as both challenges and strengths, and no one person experiences the disorder in the same way or to the same degree. Individuals and families living with autism often have trouble finding community settings that are welcoming and accepting of their differences.
“Experiencing art, especially experiencing art together, is exhilarating, and we’re thrilled to partner with AAP to make that possible for more members of our community, “ added Medici.
To learn more about becoming a COMPASS Partner, visit www.AutismAction.org.
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About Autism Action Partnership
Autism Action Partnership serves the Nebraska autism community by providing support to families, advancing inclusion throughout our community, and creating pathways to prosperity. www.AutismAction.org
About Opera Omaha
Opera Omaha is a growth-minded, high energy, and innovative company with a demanding mission: producing opera performances in multiple formats and styles and co-creating artist-led programs for a variety of community service organizations. We believe the power of opera is transformational, and as a result supports the creation of an inventive, creative, empathetic, and inclusive community that inspires joy, self-discovery, kinder discourse, and opportunity for all.
Visit www.operaomaha.org for more information.