Optimal Access / Access Academy

02/20/2026

Not only do we have an incredible speaker lineup for the 2026 Rethinking Autism Conference… just wait until you see our Panelists. 👏

This powerful conversation brings together professionals, parents, and self-advocates to wrestle with a question that truly matters: What’s actually working in supporting individuals with high support needs in the pursuit of a good life?

You’ll hear real stories and practical insight about what makes the biggest difference — presuming competence, relationship-based supports, meaningful access to communication, and environments grounded in dignity, trust, and hope.

This isn’t theory. It’s lived experience. It’s clarity. It’s encouragement.

If you care about nonspeakers and individuals with high support needs thriving — you don’t want to miss this.

🔗 Register here:
https://whova.com/portal/registration/go5aTazY1srsLiI93rju/

🎤 Meet the Speakers: https://whova.com/embedded/speakers/lW3prH35I9qyNRpKgG%40Nw7aTZfyQgq4K7a9jysLpSY0%3D/?utc_source=ems

🗓 View the Agenda:
https://whova.com/embedded/event/HNEYnhKz9-1wzm1Ze%40vs%40zjJY-d-KrQq3Yg5KLBueVU%3D/?utc_source=ems

02/19/2026

WE ARE ONE MONTH AWAY from the 2026 Rethinking Autism Conference, hosted in partnership with Optimal ACCESS and the University of Southern Indiana, and underwritten by the USI Foundation! 💙

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to learn from leading voices, expand your understanding of autism through a neuromotor lens, and be part of meaningful conversations that are reshaping support for nonspeaking individuals.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, therapist, or advocate, this event offers practical insight, powerful stories, and a community committed to raising the standard.

Register today and secure your spot for this transformative experience.

🔹 Register here:
https://whova.com/portal/registration/go5aTazY1srsLiI93rju/

🔹 View the speakers: https://whova.com/embedded/speakers/F%40oBhUBUIEEfbJcQbGe8Gg0I1puFyMvOgQrHkPdLUZo%3D/?utc_source=ems

🔹 Check out the agenda:
https://whova.com/embedded/event/pL1aRWa5uJTVkHT5WAuGuJJgMvcLql2nAzIJodqUPJw%3D/?utc_source=ems

If someone comes to mind who needs this space, tag them or share this with them.

March is coming fast — we can’t wait to see you there! 💙

02/19/2026

Please put on your advocacy armor and prepare to fight for continued protections, more targeted person-centered services, and less barriers for choice.

Medicaid is changing. And for a lot of people with disabilities, that’s not just news. It’s personal.

A recent U.S. News article breaks down what’s coming next, including work reporting requirements, more frequent eligibility checks, and major funding shifts. Our Senior Director of Medicaid Policy, Kim Musheno, explains what’s at stake: “If states have to make cuts, supports are at risk, and that affects people's ability to work, live independently and participate in their communities.”

This isn’t just about coverage. It’s about whether people can keep the services that make daily life possible.

Read the article to understand what these changes could mean for people with disabilities and their families.

https://health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/whats-changing-with-medicaid-eligibility

02/16/2026

We are honored to introduce the incredible speaker lineup for the 2026 Rethinking Autism Conference, hosted in partnership by Optimal ACCESS and the University of Southern Indiana, underwritten by the USI Foundation.

This conference brings together leading voices, educators, researchers, clinicians, nonspeaking individuals, and families who are committed to rethinking autism through a neuromotor lens. Together, we will explore communication, regulation, movement differences, autonomy, presuming competence, and practical strategies that truly support nonspeaking and unreliably speaking autistic individuals.

CEUs are available for Occupational Therapy, Music Therapy, and Behavioral Health and Human Services licenses.

This is more than a conference — it’s a movement toward understanding, dignity, and meaningful inclusion.

🔗 Register here:
https://whova.com/portal/registration/go5aTazY1srsLiI93rju/
🎤 Meet the Speakers: https://whova.com/embedded/speakers/9nElNFFvxL2IsPGAgOwTzrcRLe5rNEJ5Zt5v8X9I%40Tc%3D/?utc_source=ems
📅 View the Agenda: https://whova.com/embedded/event/HdBwL%40kDELikk4cNh-Gb0R0pZ6HDbClxjkiWiAxzp%40s%3D/?utc_source=ems

Join us as we rethink what’s possible.

02/14/2026

Real support starts with relationship.

At the 2026 Rethinking Autism Conference, we’re moving beyond compliance-based models and diving into practical, regulation-first strategies that center dignity, communication, and connection — especially for individuals with high support needs.

If you care about what actually works in helping autistic individuals build meaningful, empowered lives, this conference is for you.

🗓 March 19–20, 2026
In partnership with USI Disability Resources and underwritten by the USI Foundation.

Secure your spot now:
https://whova.com/portal/registration/go5aTazY1srsLiI93rju/
🔗 in bio

Come rethink what’s possible.

02/14/2026

Happy Birthday, Manav! 🎉

One of our newest students and already making an incredible impact. Your determination, positivity, and constant reminder to all of us — “Keep going, keep going” — inspires more people than you know.

We’re so grateful you’re part of ACCESS. Keep leading. Keep growing. Keep going. 💛

02/13/2026

🚨 LAST CALL FOR EARLY BIRD 🚨
This is it. The final day to grab your discounted ticket for the 2026 Rethinking Autism Conference hosted in partnership by Optimal ACCESS and the University of Southern Indiana.

If you’ve been thinking about coming… this is your sign.
If you’ve been meaning to register… now’s the moment.
If you care about better supports, deeper understanding, and what actually works — don’t miss this.

Early Bird pricing ends TONIGHT.

🎟 Register now:
https://whova.com/portal/registration/go5aTazY1srsLiI93rju/
🔗 Link is also in our bio.

Let’s rethink what’s possible — together.

02/12/2026

Neurologic Music Therapy is the foundation of Optimal ACCESS and we are informed by the continually emerging science and lived experience of our students.
Listen below to hear how NMT optimally supports one of our very successful ACCESS students daily!

02/11/2026

This week, we celebrate Indiana Music Therapy Advocacy Week 🎶

Thank you to Governor Braun and the State of Indiana for officially recognizing the vital role music therapy plays in strengthening our communities.

Music therapy supports individuals of all ages through evidence-based, relationship-centered care—helping with communication, regulation, emotional expression, and quality of life.

Did you know? Many of the principles and techniques with the ACCESS Method are grounded in Neurologic Music Therapy. Our highly trained and compassionate/neuro-affirming therapists are leaders in the movement to and understand the neuromotor differences experienced by autistic children and adults.

Learn more at www.optimalaccess.org or call (812) 490-9401. You can also visit our sister organization, Integrative Music Therapy & Support Services, at www.inmusictherapy.com.

🎶

02/11/2026

RETHINK THIS!
What if intelligence isn’t measured by speed, eye contact, or compliance—but by persistence, intention, and the courage to keep trying in a body that doesn’t always cooperate?

This is the heart of the 2026 Rethinking Autism Conference—where we challenge assumptions, presume competence, and focus on what truly supports communication, regulation, and a good life.

⏰ Early Bird registration ends this Friday

👉 Register here: https://whova.com/portal/registration/go5aTazY1srsLiI93rju/ or 🔗Link in bio

It’s time to rethink what we see—and who we believe.

02/10/2026

🤍 Parents… if you’re in a hard spot, please come.

If you’ve been carrying a lot lately and just need a place to exhale, feel understood, and not have to “hold it all together”… this is for you.

Sara Intonato doesn’t host support groups in the traditional way — she hosts Support Circles for parents who want a real space to be heard, supported, and gently coached through what they’re facing.

📍 Parent Support Circle is TONIGHT
🗓 Feb 10 @ 6PM CST (Zoom)
💙 Hosted by Sara Intonato | Sponsored by Optimal ACCESS
🔗 Register here: https://bit.ly/ACCESSparentcircle

If you need a place to land… this is it. 🤍