Optimal Access / Access Academy

04/07/2026

We’re continuing our campaign by highlighting what it really means to have ACCESS to support 💙

Support isn’t about control—it’s about connection.
It looks like co-regulation, not compliance.
It looks like being understood, not managed.

When the right supports are in place, individuals can engage, communicate, and thrive.

This is what ACCESS looks like.

What does ACCESS to support look like for you? 👇

For more information: https://www.optimalaccess.org/

04/04/2026

The time is NOW!
Listen to understand the importance of this moment in history. Thank you, in advance, for joining the community to uphold the rights of every human to have reliable access to text-based communication - 26 letters!

Non-speaking autism advocate, Elizabeth Bonker, and Dawnmarie Gaivin, founder of the Spellers Freedom Foundation, join Del to challenge one of the most entrenched assumptions in autism care: that individuals who cannot speak also lack the ability to think or understand. Through spelling-based commun...

04/04/2026

April is here—It's Autism Acceptance Month 💙

This year, our campaign is all about recognizing that ACCESS changes everything. When individuals have ACCESS to communication and regulation supports, educational success and dignity follow.

Acceptance is more than awareness—it’s action. It’s creating spaces where autistic individuals are supported, understood, and empowered to thrive.
Join us this month as we highlight the many ways ACCESS opens doors.

PLEASE SHARE and offer your own examples of ACCESS!

For more information: www.optimalaccess.org

04/01/2026

April is here—welcome to Autism Acceptance Month 💙

This year, our campaign is all about recognizing that ACCESS changes everything. When individuals have ACCESS to communication, regulation supports, inclusive environments, and meaningful relationships, they gain access to learning, independence, connection, and a life filled with possibility.

Acceptance is more than awareness—it’s action. It’s creating spaces where autistic individuals are supported, understood, and empowered to thrive.

Join us this month as we highlight the many ways ACCESS opens doors.

03/28/2026

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03/26/2026

🌟 Reminder for ACCESS Parents! 🌟
Don’t forget—our monthly ACCESS Parent support meeting is TONIGHT at 5:30pm CST on Zoom. We’d love to have you join us for connection, understanding, and shared support. 💛
👉 Please make sure to complete the registration form to receive the Zoom link! We can’t wait to see you there. 🩵💻
Register here: https://bit.ly/accessparentgroup

See you there!🦉

03/20/2026

If you know you know…

03/18/2026

🎉 Happy Birthday, Nate! 🎉

From all of us at Optimal ACCESS and ACCESS Academy, we’re celebrating you today!

You bring so much to our community—your unique perspective, your growth, and the way you continue to push forward and expand what’s possible. We’re grateful to be on this journey with you and to witness all that you’re accomplishing.

We hope your day is filled with celebration, laughter, and everything you love.

Happy Birthday, Nate—we’re so glad you’re part of the ACCESS family! 💙

03/17/2026

Different roles. Different perspectives. One shared purpose.

At the Rethinking Autism 2026 Conference, every chair represents a voice that matters—educators, researchers, school leaders, service providers, autistic individuals, therapists, advocates, students, parents, and communication regulation partners.

Because meaningful conversations happen when every perspective is included—and there’s a seat reserved for you.

If you haven’t registered yet, this is your sign. 💙
Register here: https://whova.com/portal/registration/go5aTazY1srsLiI93rju/

03/17/2026

The City of Evansville has officially proclaimed Rethinking Autism Week.

This is more than a moment — it’s a movement.

A shift toward understanding autism through a neuromotor lens,
toward presuming competence, and toward creating real access to communication, education, and autonomy — especially for autistic individuals with high support needs.

Let’s keep rethinking autism. Together.
Registration Link: https://whova.com/portal/registration/go5aTazY1srsLiI93rju/