Supporting Potential in Autism
Creating Optimal ACCESS
to life, learning, communication & autonomy for those who cannot rely on speech for communication
Creating Optimal ACCESS
to life, learning, communication & autonomy for those who cannot rely on speech for communication
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.
Optimal ACCESS is hosting an ON-DEMAND Screening until December 16.
Tickets Only $10
Call 812-490-9401 for questions or for help reserving tickets.
We provide a range of services to support students with diverse learning needs. Our services include individualized education plans, academic tutoring, communication training, sensory-motor support, behavioral support, and social skill opportunities. We believe that every student deserves access to the resources they need to succeed, and we are here to provide that support.
Want to learn more about our services? Fill out the form below to request more information.
Casey is a board-certified neurologic music therapist, small business owner, sought-after presenter, and fierce advocate for the rights of those with communication disabilities. She founded Optimal ACCESS (formerly Optimal Rhythms, Inc.) to provide increased access to community training programs and support services for autistic individuals and those with neurologic disabilities or injuries who struggle to communicate via speech or move reliably to be understood.
Eric is a University of Evansville grad with 15+ years of experience in the field of music therapy. Eric started his career with Integrative Music Therapy and was instrumental in the start of Optimal Rhythms and ACCESS Academy. He has presented at regional and national conferences, often alongside self-advocates. Eric is a neurologic music therapist, a composer, and a songwriter. He enjoys being a husband and daddy and loves making music with all people.
Kaitlin has been a member of the Optimal Rhythms team since 2019, supporting students in-person and virtually. She is passionate and skilled at helping families get the supports they need to address the individualized needs of our students. She graduated from the University of Southern Indiana with a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology and recently received a Master's degree in Clinical Counseling from Indiana Wesleyan University.
Tammy is an experienced professional who understands the nonprofit sector. She is passionate about people and works hard to creatively engage with stakeholders to share our mission and the needs of our students.
Tammy is an avid watercolor artist and an active wife, mom, and Grammy.
Our amazing team of full-time and part-time staff is committed to serving those with complex communication, sensory, and motor challenges.
If you have an interest in learning more about how you can train to be a part of our team, visit our About Us page to complete an application.
We grew out of the needs expressed by our community. Many other programs focused on DISability and did not provide opportunities to young autistic individuals to learn and live at their highest potential. In 2014, we opened ACCESS Academy as an alternative to traditional special education/life skills. Focusing on our student’s strengths
We grew out of the needs expressed by our community. Many other programs focused on DISability and did not provide opportunities to young autistic individuals to learn and live at their highest potential. In 2014, we opened ACCESS Academy as an alternative to traditional special education/life skills. Focusing on our student’s strengths and abilities, then supporting their challenges, allowed them thrive!
To optimally support autistic individuals to experience their full potential through access to communication, education, and connection for a good, full, and autonomous life.
Nancy was a friend of our students at Optimal Rhythms. She valued them and asked that others remember to support them at her passing. She was full of joy and patience.
Jay is the father of Optimal Rhythms CEO, Casey (Heath) DePriest. He was a life-long educator and a long-time supporter of the mission of Optimal Rhythms.
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