APRIL IS AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH See below for exciting events!

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    • Home
    • About Us
      • About us
      • Neurologic Music Therapy
      • Why #RETHINKAUTISM
      • We're Hiring
      • Our Board of Directors
      • Contact Us
    • Programs
      • Our Services
      • ACCESS2academics
      • ACCESS Academy
      • Social Groups / Courses
      • CAN-Do Camp
      • Training & Consultation
      • Rethinking Autism
      • KEEP ME SAFE REGISTRY
    • Products
      • Communication Supplies
      • ORI/ACCESS Products
    • Donate
      • Donate now!
      • Sponsor a Student/Camper
      • Speak Only W/ Your Heart
      • Holiday Hope Donations
    • Research and Books
Club Mission
  • Home
  • About Us
    • About us
    • Neurologic Music Therapy
    • Why #RETHINKAUTISM
    • We're Hiring
    • Our Board of Directors
    • Contact Us
  • Programs
    • Our Services
    • ACCESS2academics
    • ACCESS Academy
    • Social Groups / Courses
    • CAN-Do Camp
    • Training & Consultation
    • Rethinking Autism
    • KEEP ME SAFE REGISTRY
  • Products
    • Communication Supplies
    • ORI/ACCESS Products
  • Donate
    • Donate now!
    • Sponsor a Student/Camper
    • Speak Only W/ Your Heart
    • Holiday Hope Donations
  • Research and Books

ACCESS2Academics FAQs

Are virtual classes with other students or at their own pace?

Are virtual classes with other students or at their own pace?

Are virtual classes with other students or at their own pace?

Our classes are asynchronous and student can sign in when it works for them to sign in and access their classes. We encourage student to approach this opportunity seriously and with commitment, setting daily schedules and holding themselves accountable to set a good pace. Classes are individually paced to enhance flexibility.  Students taking the same classes may choose to study together at times. We encourage students to connect via our Student Facebook Group and our private Discord channel. 

How are you promoting the A2A program?

Are virtual classes with other students or at their own pace?

Are virtual classes with other students or at their own pace?

We are growing through word of mouth from families and professionals who know and respect our work. We are sharing with our Facebook and Instagram followers, and through groups within the nonspeaking community.

We are connected to a few autism and AAC groups, so feel free to share with others you know. We do intake interviews to ensure families are fully committed and ready, before enrolling.

Am I able to see the curriculum before payment?

Are virtual classes with other students or at their own pace?

May I share this information with other families?

Yes, please make a request to schedule a demo during your intake call.  


The curriculum options are :

K-5

6-8

9-12

Adult Ed (Mastery-Based)


Each option above is slightly different in the layout and design.


May I share this information with other families?

May I share this information with other families?

May I share this information with other families?

We'd prefer you share with specific families who you think are a good fit or share a common understanding of apraxia/dyspraxia and how it impacts the motor abilities of nonspeaking, minimally speaking, and unreliably speaking students.  Families need to be committed to the journey and supportive of their student tackling general education curriculum with consistent, proven supports.

What is meant by "Powered by Keystone"?

May I share this information with other families?

What is meant by "Powered by Keystone"?

Our program is uniquely designed as a partnership with Keystone. Keystone provides accredited curriculum and licensed teachers, while we are providing administration, training, programming and supports to make the curriculum accessible and engaging for our twice-exceptional students. 

Why ACCESS?

May I share this information with other families?

What is meant by "Powered by Keystone"?

ACCESS =

Assuming Competence 

Can 

Ensure 

Student 

Success

The ACCESS programs have a unique neurologic approach which addresses the movement and sensory differences associated with autism, while always assuming competence.


What are the key program elements of the A2A program?

What are the key program elements of the A2A program?

What are the key program elements of the A2A program?


Key Program Elements Include:

  • General Education Curriculum with Licensed Teachers
  • Differentiated Learning
  • Natural Environment Life Skills Training
  • Sensory Supports to Improve Body Awareness and Neurologic Connectivity
  • Communication Strategies that Support the Specific Needs of Students with Apraxia/Dyspraxia
  • Highly Trained Coaches and Therapy Staff
  • *1:1 CRP to Ensure Safety and Consistent Access to Communication and Learning Supports

*Provided by the family

​


Are there already students involved?

What are the key program elements of the A2A program?

What are the key program elements of the A2A program?

Yes! This program began in the Fall of 2020 and we have been growing since then!

 We have experience operating a therapeutic day school, ACCESS Academy, for 9 years.  We supported a few local students in virtual public school over two years, prior to COVID and for 4 years within our in-person school. We have a good understanding of what is needed to ensure student success and what barriers create frustration and delay progress. We have interest from many families all over the United States (and beyond) who have chosen home education to better meet the individualized needs of their student, but are excited about working with the experienced Optimal Rhythms team to have training, support, acceptance, and the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma . This unique program is designed to eliminate barriers for students who struggle to communicate via speech, while ensuring academic access and student success

Does it matter where we live?

What are the key program elements of the A2A program?

Does it matter where we live?

No, it doesn't matter where you live, that's the beauty of our unique program. You do need reliable internet access and a computer with a webcam. We also recommend having a designated learning space (desk, upright chairs for student and CRP) and indoor/outdoor space for productive movement breaks.

We have interest from many families all over the United States (and beyond).  We have heard from some families thinking of building a regional community of A2A students for increased support, school spirit, and social opportunities.  Either way, we have intentional planes for students connecting with each other!

What is Parliament?

Will you support us to start a social group in our area?

Does it matter where we live?

Parliament is our weekly social group for ACCESS Owls (students) and their CRPs. It's a great way to connect, practice skills, encourage  each other, etc.  We provide some coaching too for CRPs and students who are interested in building skills for best practice (co-regulation, posture, purposeful movement, etc.)  Participants enjoy social exchanges through games, trivia, lively chat discussions, guest speakers, etc.

What is Progressive Proprioceptive Activation (PPA)?

Will you support us to start a social group in our area?

Will you support us to start a social group in our area?

PPA is a powerful rhythm-based sensory-motor intervention/technique, developed by neurologic music therapists (NMTSA), to support an improved brain-body connection and body awareness. We recommend starting every day with PPA! Contact us to learn more or access training!

Will you support us to start a social group in our area?

Will you support us to start a social group in our area?

Will you support us to start a social group in our area?

Absolutely! We realize that social connection is crucial to strengthening our communities. We have found unique ways to create oppourtunities for social engagement. 


Copyright © 2023 Optimal Rhythms - All Rights Reserved. 

Optimal Rhythms is a 501c3 charitable organization. [EIN 46-3704955]


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