Emma’s Story

Emma is a 21-year-old autistic woman from Omaha. Upon completing her high school transition program earlier this year, she began exploring next steps with her family. Her mom says they were looking at opportunities to learn independent living skills, but had thought that was a few years away. After a busy summer, which included Emma receiving the honor of the national title in the Miss Amazing pageant, Emma learned about Prosper Academy, a new pilot program launching the following month.

Emma had been involved with Autism Action Partnership in the past through Making Memories events and Summer Art Camp, and when they realized this could be a perfect opportunity for Emma on her road to independence, they jumped at the chance to talk with AAP staff about the program, living arrangements, coursework, and financials. After Emma’s application and interview process, she came into the office for an initial assessment with our Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Emma was accepted into the program right around the time the other students who had previously been accepted were moving into their dorm-style living.

Emma and her family made the arrangements that were needed in order to expedite her move-in and just one week later she was unpacking her boxes. Emma moved in with one female roommate at St. John Paul II Newman Center near the UNO Campus. There are four male students in the Prosper Academy pilot program as well. Emma has developed a close relationship with her roommate, as they’ve navigated new things like cooking, cleaning, maintaining schedules, and even a dishwasher snafu involving a kitchen full of soap suds. (It happens to the best of us!)

Emma and her classmates attend class on weekdays, which follows the Learn4Independence curriculum focusing on life skills such as: budgeting, prioritizing health and safety, learning public transportation, planning and scheduling, and more. In addition, the Prosper Academy Activities Coordinator plans outings in the community including festivals, baseball games, farmers markets, grocery shopping, going to movies and restaurants, and more in order to apply the work they’re learning in their coursework.

The Prosper Academy students meet with Prosper Academy and Prosper Workforce Services staff to set goals, prepare for job interviews, address challenges or concerns, overcome barriers, and plan for the future.

When Emma’s not in class, she enjoys watching Disney movies, performing in the community, and spending time with her friends. We can’t wait to see all that Emma will do in the future!