Optimal Access / Access Academy

01/15/2026

Tonight’s the night! 🌟 ACCESS Parents is back and we’re kicking off the year strong with a session & live Q&A featuring Sara Intonato.

Join us for an insightful, honest conversation with bestselling author, internationally recognized coach and speaker, and longtime advocate for nonspeaking autistic individuals. This is a powerful opportunity to ask questions, connect with other parents, and start the year feeling supported and informed.

⏰ Happening tonight | 📍 1/15 @ 5:30pm CST on Zoom
Register here: https://bit.ly/accessparentgroup
We hope to see you there!

01/14/2026

ACCESS Parents is back! 🎉 We’re kicking off our first meeting of the year with a powerful session featuring Sara Intonato 🌟

Sara is a bestselling author, internationally recognized coach and speaker, and a longtime advocate for nonspeaking autistic individuals. Join us for an honest, meaningful conversation as she shares insight, experience, and answers your questions about supporting nonspeaking, minimally speaking, and unreliably speaking individuals with high support needs.

💬 Start the year with connection, clarity, and community.
📅 Thursday, January 15th | 🔗 https://bit.ly/accessparentgroup

01/13/2026

NEW COURSE 🗺️ Geography RHYTHMS

An engaging course designed for Spellers and Typers exploring world geography, paired with rhythmic motor and spelling exercises informed by the ACCESS Method. Open to all ages and skill levels.

🗓 Meets Tuesdays at 3:00 PM CST (starting January 20)

💵 Cost:
• $180 for 6 weeks (one semester)
• $350 for both semesters
Discounts available for ACCESS Academy students

✨ Let’s travel the world together!

👉 Register here: http://bit.ly/3Z8RuTc

Contact Eric for information: eric@optimalacccess.org

01/12/2026

New compelling commentary out: Jaswal et al. argue for long-overdue study centered on nonspeaking autistic people and their right to robust communication. The momentum is real.

At least one third of autistic people have limited or no speech. Most nonspeaking autistic people are never provided alternatives that would enable the full range of expression that speech allows, si...

01/07/2026

🎉 Happy Birthday, Jacob! 🎉
From everyone at ACCESS Academy and Optimal ACCESS, we’re so thankful for who you are and the strengths you bring to our community. We hope this year is filled with growth, joy, and great moments ahead!

12/29/2025

What’s your ?

12/28/2025

Happy Birthday, Jack! We’re thankful for the kindness, energy, and individuality you bring to the Optimal ACCESS community. Wishing you a year ahead filled with growth, laughter, and moments that remind you how valued you are. 🎉

12/25/2025

As we celebrate this season, we’re grateful for our incredible Optimal ACCESS community—students, families, and partners who remind us every day that connection, dignity, and belonging matter. This year has been filled with growth, learning, and powerful moments of communication and support, made possible by your trust and partnership. Wishing you peace, joy, and meaningful moments this holiday season and into the new year. 🎄✨🎁

12/25/2025

Happy Birthday, Aulton! Being a Christmas baby means your life is wrapped in light, joy, and celebration, and we’re so grateful for the warmth and presence you bring to the Optimal ACCESS community. Wishing you a day filled with love, peace, and special moments just for you. 🎄🎉

12/20/2025

“ENGAGE MY BRAIN!”
Listening doesn’t have a look. Nonspeaking kids are often provided the exact opposite of what they need to regulate. This is neurodiversity at work. Underestimating the intelligence and academic potential of these students is what leads to dysregulation. They don’t need mindless drills our modified curriculum. They need us to BRING IT, not restrict their academic learning or build in unnecessary repetition. Adequate engagement is the best support for engagement and regulation. Don’t assume they aren’t listening and learning. ASK THEM!

12/19/2025

In recent months, the media has been filled with stories about autism—many of them filled with confusion, division, and fear. Families are left wondering what to believe, and autistic individuals are feeling more misunderstood than ever. At Optimal ACCESS, we believe this is our moment to bring clarity, science, and compassion back into the conversation.

That’s why the 2026 Rethinking Autism Conference is more than just another event—it’s a lifeline. Together with the University of Southern Indiana, we’re gathering leading voices in applied neuroscience, movement science, communication access, and family-centered support to restore hope and rebuild trust for families affected by autism.

Why Attend?

▪️Learn from leading autism advocates, applied neuroscience researchers, and neurologic music therapy innovators.

▪️Hear inspiring stories from autistic self-advocates who are challenging stereotypes and leading change.

▪️Participate in practical workshops focused on communication, regulation, and movement-based supports for nonspeaking, minimally speaking, and unreliably speaking individuals.

▪️Connect with educators, therapists, healthcare providers, and families who are shaping the future of autism support.

Together, We Can Calm the Noise and Restore Confidence.

Families deserve to feel informed, supported, and hopeful—not fearful or overwhelmed. By attending this year's Rethinking Autism Conference, you’re not just participating in an event; you’re joining in a national movement to replace anxiety with understanding, misinformation with truth, and division with unity.

For more information or to pre-register for Early Bird pricing when registration officially opens visit: https://www.optimalaccess.org/rethinking-autism-conference/

Know someone who should be part of this conversation? Please share this post and invite them along.