Optimal ACCESS

We are an agency that believes every individual has value, regardless of how they move or communicate.

We believe that every individual has a right to meaningful communication, an equitable education, and a safe environment in which to live and grow.

We believe that individuals with disabilities have the right to the supports and accommodations they need to experience and participate in their best life.

We recognize that there is a stigma surrounding autistic individuals with complex communication and movement differences. This stigma is based on outdated information and attitudes, but it creates unfortunate boundaries to full participation and meaningful inclusion for many children/adults in our community.

In addition to our programs, we are committed to advocacy and community education to improve acceptance of and available supports for autistic individuals who continue to be underserved and underestimated. To this end, we have provided hands-on opportunities for area college students and young professionals to intern or work in our programs and build skill and understanding of the needs of this population. We have provided training to local law enforcement, first responders, and hospital staff to improve outcomes during crises which involve nonspeaking autistic individuals. We have hosted conferences to train teachers, administrators, therapists, medical professionals, and parents about the underlying strengths and unique needs of autistic students and community members. We are making a difference.

Please join our #rethinkautism campaign to help bring awareness and acceptance!

Optimal ACCESS is committed to supporting and advocating for underserved youth with differing abilities to achieve their maximum potential, while building their confidence and independence for living.

In the Fall of 2014, we opened ACCESS Academy, a therapeutic day school for nonspeaking autistic students who were struggling to make academic progress in a traditional special education setting. We continue to partner with families and school districts to provide innovative opportunities for high-need students to learn, reduce their incidence of trauma and mental health consequences, and get on a path of success.

Since Summer 2014, we have offered an annual therapeutic CAN-Do Camp for students with high needs who would otherwise miss out on the summer camp experience. Since the start of the pandemic, we have successfully developed a virtual model of CAN-Do Camp [Home Edition] that includes a Family/Caregiver Training and Support Program, bringing meaningful family engagement activities, music therapy, and a unique trauma-informed approach.

In September 2020, we innovated the first nationally accredited K-12 (and Adult Education) VIRTUAL School specifically for nonspeaking or minimally speaking students who spell to communicate, to earn an accredited High School Diploma! Our program, a collaboration with Keystone, is opening doors for capable students who believed they would never have the opportunity for an age-appropriate, academic education. Some of our students now have their eyes set on college!