What Are Access Points?

If you are a Florida parent navigating special education, you have likely heard the term Access
Points. We’re here to help you fully understand what that means for your student, as Access
Points play a powerful role in how students with cognitive disabilities learn, grow, and succeed
in school. With the right guidance, Access Points can feel far less overwhelming and much more
empowering.

Simply put, Access Points are Florida’s academic standards for students with significant
cognitive disabilities. This allows students to learn the same core ideas as their peers at their
own personal level.

Why Are Access Points Important?

Access Points exist because learning should be meaningful and achievable for every student. Traditional grade-level standards are not always the best way for every student to learn. Access Points focus on what truly matters most for each learner.

With Access Points, instruction emphasizes:

• Key academic concepts
• Practical and real-world skills
• Individualized growth and progress

Who Uses Access Points?

Access Points are used for students who take the Florida Alternate Assessment (FAA) rather than the FAST assessment. This decision is made by the IEP team and is based on a student’s individual learning needs.

It is important to know that Access Points do not lower expectations. Instead, they provide a clear and supportive pathway for students to make meaningful academic progress while working toward their personalized goals.

How Are Access Points Taught?

Teaching through Access Points looks different from a traditional classroom. Instruction is often:

• Highly individualized
• Hands-on and visual
• Taught in small groups or one-on-one
• Connected to everyday life and routines

This approach helps students apply what they learn beyond the classroom and build skills they can use at home and in the community.

How Focus Academy Helps Students Thrive

At Focus Academy, we specialize in supporting students who learn through Access Points. Our experienced teachers intentionally design lessons that meet students where they are while encouraging steady growth.

We combine Access Points instruction with social-emotional learning, life skills, and transition planning to help students build independence, confidence, and a strong sense of self. Our goal is not just academic success, but helping each student thrive.