Supporting Potential in Autism
Creating Optimal ACCESS
to life, learning, communication & autonomy for those who cannot rely on speech for communication
Help Our Efforts Flourish
Join us as a mission partner!
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions for children and families.
Checks, stocks, cash, and credit card donations accepted.
Your generous donation will help fund our mission in 2025.
Who We Are
Our History
Optimal ACCESS (formerly Optimal Rhythms) was founded in 2014 by a group of community members who recognized the need for a local organization dedicated to helping nonspeaking (including unreliably speaking and minimally speaking) autistic students with apraxia to be understood as thinking, caring, and capable learners. Since then, we have grown into a thriving nonprofit, equipping nonspeakers with the skills to communicate, caregivers and first responders with an improved understanding of the needs of nonspeakers,
and educational opportunities that break down barriers while supporting potential.
Our programs now serve hundreds of children, adults, and families annually.
SPELLERS, THE FILM
SPELLERS
Inspired by the book Underestimated, this full-length documentary challenges conventional wisdom regarding a group relegated to society’s margins: autistic nonspeakers. The film opening asks, “What if we’ve been wrong…about every single one of them?”
SPELLERS tells the stories of eight nonspeakers—who spell to communicate.
Watch to understand why Optimal ACCESS is committed to supporting potential in autistic students in our community and across the globe.
Safety First
KEEP ME SAFE PROGRAM NOW AVAILABLE IN VANDERBURGH CO, INDIANA!
This new registry for vulnerable persons is informed by individuals with sensory, motor, and communication challenges and will better inform first responders to the needs of individuals who respond best to specific supports and accommodations.
This registry is designed as a collaborative effort across communities to ensure the safety of those who are statistically at risk.
Click on the button below to lean how you can enroll and receive your Keep Me Safe Decals.
For information about how to bring this program to your area, contact us at 812-490-9401.
2024 ACCESS Family Summer Intensives
2024 ACCESS FAMILY SUMMER INTENSIVES WERE A HUGE SUCCESS!!!
This enhanced program is designed to challenge families
of nonspeaking students and young adults to
CONNECT and COMMUNICATE through
COMPASSIONATE SUPPORT and GOAL SETTING.
This in-Person opportunity for Parents and Nonspeaking Individuals is being provided in response to requests for families who want to build their support skills not only for spelled communication but for real life!
Families will receive activity kits with all of the materials needed for this 4-day intensive - it doesn't get much easier than that!
Family and small group sessions will be filled with engaging activities, movement challenges, sensory-motor supports, communication opportunities, peer interaction, and parent/caregiver training that has been proven to lead to improved confidence and communication in the home.
Our incredible staff will meet you where you are and ensure you and your loved one success!
Thank you to all of the campers and families who participated in previous camp experiences since 2014. We have learned so much and we have so much to celebrate!!
The 2025 Family Intensive spots will be filled on a first-come first-served basis. Contact us for registration information!
ACCESS2Academics Home Education Program for K-12 or Adults
This program grew out of the needs we've heard expressed for years from parents and students who have been advocating for an educational opportunity that presumed competence and supported the motor and regulation challenges so many autistic students face in our schools. This program is implemented virtually, and we are so excited and prepared to partner with students and families all across the country (and beyond) to unleash potential and achieve their dream of rigorous classes that allows them to earn an academic diploma -even if they believed they had missed their chance! No more discrimination. No more set-backs. No more isolation. Welcome to our A2A Community!
ESA funding can be used for A2A in IN, NC, and AZ!
More states coming soon!
Contact us for details.