USI to host 2026 Rethinking Autism conference March 19-20
The University of Southern Indiana Disability Resources Office, in partnership with Optimal ACCESS, Inc., will host Rethinking Autism 2026: Synchronizing Connection, Regulation and Communication for Learning on Thursday and Friday, March 19–20, in Carter Hall in University Center West on the USI campus.
This year’s conference will explore how many autistic individuals—particularly those who are nonspeaking, minimally speaking or unreliably speaking—experience differences in motor planning, sensory processing and nervous system regulation that significantly impact communication and participation. When these differences are misunderstood, support systems often default to compliance-based strategies that can overlook true intent. The conference will reframe autism through a neuromotor and neurodiversity-affirming lens, offering a more accurate, humane and effective path forward.
Keynote speaker Erin Clarelli, MS, OTR/L, nationally recognized occupational therapist, educator and Founder and CEO of Sunrise Therapies, specializes in motor-based, sensory and body-informed approaches for nonspeaking and minimally speaking autistic individuals. Her address will shift the conversation away from motivation and behavior and toward movement, regulation and presuming competence, setting the tone for learning, reflection and meaningful change.
The event is designed for autistic self-advocates; parents and caregivers; educators and school administrators; occupational, speech, physical and music therapists; behavioral health professionals; psychologists and clinicians; university students and researchers; and state, regional and agency leaders. Administrators and decision-makers are especially encouraged to attend, as the conference will directly address system-level change and sustainable support models.
The conference is made possible through generous support from donors to the USI Foundation and was created in collaboration with USI Disability Resources and Optimal ACCESS, Inc. Additional sponsors include CrossPoint Polymer Technologies, the Koch Foundation, Koch Air and GenesisBuild. Exhibitors include Optimal ACCESS; Integrative Music Therapy and Support Services; Music Together: Gather and Play; USI Disability Resources; Spelling Moore; Gateway Residential Services; A Meaningful Life, Inc.; and Indiana Professional Management Group.
USI’s partnership with Optimal ACCESS, Inc. reflects a shared commitment to advancing innovative, neuro-affirming approaches to autism support. Through its expertise in educational innovation and alternative education models, Optimal ACCESS equips USI faculty and staff with strategies and tools that enhance accessibility, inclusion and meaningful support for autistic individuals across campus and throughout the community.
Registration is required to attend. To register, visit the 2026 Rethinking Autism Conference Event Page.
For more information or disability-related accommodations, contact Michelle Kirk, Manager of Disability Resources, at mdkirk@usi.edu.