Autism Action Partnership Advocating for Inclusivity
Making strides for a more inclusive community, the Autism Action Partnership (AAP) announced two major milestones early this month.
Neuro-Inclusive Housing Need
First, the organization released the findings of the 2023 Omaha Neuro-Inclusive Housing Market Analysis. The study, which is one of five regions across the country to conduct such an analysis, noted that there are nearly 46,000 individuals living with Autism in Nebraska.
“The goal of this project was to compile information and get it into the hands of those who can bring about change,” said Justin Dougherty, president and CEO of AAP.
“AAP is not a housing organization, yet we hope to partner with experts from other sectors to identify the more efficient and effective “next steps.”
The study surveyed 148 individuals living with Autism, an intellectual disability, or a developmental disability (A/I/DD), as well as caregivers. Twenty-two respondents spoke Spanish.
The study found that 71% of the individuals lived with family members, and 24% (10,820) of those caregiving family members were over the age of 60.
Unfortunately, elderly caregivers also need assistance, and may eventually be unable to take care of individuals with A/I/DD.
With Omaha’s well-documented struggle with affordable housing, it isn’t surprising then that individuals with A/I/DD have limited options to turn to.
The majority of individuals with A/I/DD do not earn a housing wage and do not receive long-term support and services benefits through Medicaid due to an already existing wait list of 2,300 individuals.
Survey participants indicated that they would prefer to live in a shared, consumer-controlled housing scenario with individuals with similar shared experiences.
“There is a significant desire by individuals with A/I/DD to be a part of a ‘community,’ not just to have a house for shelter,” Dougherty said.
However, due to a lack of affordable housing, this is not
an option.
COMPASS Program
Outside of housing, public spaces are also a challenge for those living with A/I/DD. For example, individuals with Autism experience sights, sounds, smells, and textures differently. Having too much, or too little, of a sense can make the experience uncomfortable.
AAP developed the COMPASS program, launched in late 2023, to help organizations understand these differences, and make reasonable accommodations.
This week, AAP announced that the Omaha Community Playhouse (OCP) has committed to becoming a COMPASS partner. The Omaha Symphony and the Kiewit Luminarium are also program partners.
“Venues can offer sensory-friendly/relaxed performances or events, where modifications have been made to the sensory experience … modifications might include dimmed lights, lower volume, reduced capacity, or exclusive hours/showing,” said Michaela Ahrens, senior director of programs for AAP.”
She said other accommodations could include making sensory kits available for check-out and providing detailed information to guests beforehand.
Venues interested in becoming a COMPASS partner can reach out to Ahrens at mahrens@autismaction.org.
Other Ways to Practice Allyship
April is Autism Acceptance Month, making it the perfect time to learn more about this community. On April 24 AAP will be hosting a sold out Autism Ally Masterclass at the Kiewit Luminarium. Leadership said they plan to do more workshops throughout the year, which will be announced online.
If you love playing golf, the 4th Annual Swing for the Spectrum Golf Tournament on May 6 is a great opportunity to show your support. The fundraiser is taking place at Shadow Ridge Country Club, and sponsorships and tickets are still available online.
Did You Know? April Declared Financial Awareness Month
Earlier this month, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen declared April as Financial Awareness Month in Nebraska.
In the press release, Pillen was quoted saying “Teaching our kids the value of money, including how to save and how to spend, are skills that last a lifetime. That kind of knowledge creates possibility and opportunity. It also provides security. The power of financial awareness can’t be undersold.”
Core Bank will be releasing a series on financial literacy over the next month. The first in the series covered the four pillars of financial health: debt management, budgeting, saving, and investing.
The remaining blogs include saving for summer fun, simplifying your budget & preparing for emergencies, and financial options for business: small business loan vs. line of credit.
Across the river, Iowa-based TS Bank teamed up with Council Bluffs Library to host an interactive event teaching the importance of various aspects of finances.
For example, inspired by the growing sport of cornhole, “Throw Your Money Away” taught children about adding up the money they spend. There was also a grocery store where kids learned how to make a budget before shopping for their family’s dinner.
Each family also took home a copy of the book “Rock Brock and the Savings Shock,” written by Sheila Blair and illustrated by Barry Gott.
“Money and finance is not only about income and expenses, budgeting and choices, spending, saving or giving. It’s more than the paycheck and more than paying the bills, it’s about life – your life. It’s about truly living,” said Kyle Osborn, development and financial wellness director at TS Bank.
Financial Literacy Events:
Cobalt Credit Union is hosting a seminar on April 24 to cover topics such as estate documents, wills, Medicaid vs. Medicare, and strategies for retirement planning. The event is open to the public and free of charge. Event details and registration can be found here: https://cobaltcu.com/wealth-management-events.
Resources from Local Banks and Credit Unions:
ACCESSbank: https://www.accessbank.com/education-center
Veridian Credit Union: http://www.veridiancu.org/youth
Core Bank: https://corebank.com/personal-finance/
Cobalt Credit Union: https://cobaltcu.com/online-banking-tools/free-financial-resources
Scooter’s Coffee’s Rapid Growth Coffee franchise ranks No. 2 on Yelp list
Scooter’s Coffee was recently named second on Yelp’s 2024 rankings for its Top 50 Fastest Growing Brands. The Yelp ranking attributes a 53% jump in net new locations for the drive-thru coffee franchise. The company, which was founded in Omaha, was named the fastest-growing brand in the Midwest.
“Our tremendous growth as a company is due to the efforts of our amazing team, our franchisees who truly believe in our mission, our baristas who serve up smiles, and our customers who decide to make us part of their day,” said Joe Thornton, CEO of Scooter’s Coffee in a press release.
Scooter’s was established by Don and Linda Eckles in 1998. It currently has more than 770 stores across 30 states. More than 120 stores are located in Nebraska, with the majority of the growth happening across the U.S. In February, the company announced its sixth and largest distribution center near Indianapolis, Indiana, which is said to have the capability to support 300 stores.
This week customers can participate in National Cold Brew Day, on Saturday, April 20, 2024. Customers receive a $1 medium cold brew coffee. Additionally, in partnership with the TBS television show “Stupid Pet Tricks,” customers can purchase $1 pet cups, with 100% of proceeds going to Best Friends Animal Society.
The Yelp rankings list can be found at https://data.yelp.com/fastest-growing-brands-2024.
