FAQs
General
Are you a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization?
Yes, ACCEL is a proud 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This means that your generous contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Are you a Qualified Charitable Organization (QCO) for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit? What is your QCO code?
Yes, ACCEL is a Qualifying Charitable Organization (QCO) for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit. ACCEL’s QCO Code is 20317
This means that when Arizona residents donate to ACCEL, they can receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on their state income tax liability, up to certain limits. You can find more information and current credit limitshere.
Do you accept donations?
Absolutely! ACCEL relies heavily on the generosity of individuals, foundations, and corporations to fund our vital educational, therapeutic, and vocational programs for children and adults with disabilities.
Who can I contact or how can I make a donation?
You can make a secure online donation through our partner organization, Executive Council Charities. Executive Council Charities has partnered with ACCEL to match your contribution, making your donation even more impactful! If you’d like to take advantage of this donation match, you can donatehere. If you would prefer to donate online directly through ACCEL, you can donatehere.
If you prefer to donate by mail, have questions, or would like to discuss a specific giving opportunity, please contact our Advancement team at development@accel.org.
What types of donations do you prefer?
While all donations are deeply appreciated, monetary gifts (one-time or recurring) are often the most flexible and allow us to allocate resources where they are most needed. We also welcome gifts of appreciated stock, planned gifts, and corporate matching gifts.
Do you accept grants?
Yes, ACCEL actively seeks and accepts grants from foundations, corporations, and government agencies that align with our mission and support our programs. If you would like to discuss any grant opportunities with ACCEL, you can contact our Advancement team at development@accel.org.
Do you accept money and items?
Yes, we gratefully accept both monetary donations and certain in-kind (item) donations.
What kinds of items?
We welcome various in-kind donations that directly support our students and programs. These often include:
- Technical equipment: Laptops, iPads, and other devices that aid learning and communication.
- School supplies: Art supplies, general classroom materials, educational games.
- Therapy supplies: Specific items for occupational, speech, or behavioral therapy (please contact us first to discuss specific needs).
- Vocational program supplies: Tools or equipment relevant to our student and adult vocational training (e.g., screen printing, woodworking).
For any item donation, we encourage you to contact us first at development@accel.org to ensure the item meets our current needs and can be properly utilized. This helps us ensure your generosity has the greatest possible impact!
Bista
What information is needed to start services?
Please complete ourNew Client Inquiry so we have all of the information needed to contact you and set up an intake.
What services does Bista provide?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device evaluations, ABA-based social groups, Autism diagnostic evaluations, family & caregiver consultations, feeding therapy, occupational therapy, school consultations, and speech therapy.
Who does Bista serve?
Bista provides early intervention services primarily for children with developmental delays or disabilities, often focusing on those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Bista’s services typically cater to infants, toddlers, and young children.
What type of insurance does Bista accept?
- ARIZONA Commercial Funders
- Blue Cross (BCBS + BCBSAZ)
- TriCare
- AZ Complete Health
- Aetna
- Cigna/Evernorth
- United HealthCare (UHC)
- UMR
- Magellan
- MHN
- United Community Plan (UHCCP)
- AZ Complete Health
- Banner
Where are Bista clinics located?
We have clinics in Arizona in Phoenix, Chandler, Tempe, Tucson, and Marana and a clinic in Urbandale, Iowa. We also provide services in home and community settings in North Atlanta, Georgia.
Does Bista accept ESA funds?
Yes! You can use your ESA funds with us. We are listed under Accel in ClassWallet.
K-12 Education Program
What are the special education eligibilities served?
Autism
Vision impairment
Multiple Disabilities with Severe Sensory Impairment
Multiple disabilities
Other health impairment
Traumatic brain injury
Speech language impairment
Orthopedic impairment
Mild intellectual disability
Severe intellectual disability
Developmental delay
Specific learning disability
Emotional disability
How do I enroll?
To inquire about enrollment eligibility, please complete ACCEL’S school inquiry form,here. Complete and current school records are required at the time of inquiry.
- Current IEP
- Current MET
- Current ESA contract if applicable
What is the length of ACCEL’s school year?
180 instructional days
Does ACCEL provide Medicaid claiming to district partners?
Yes, ACCEL provides documentation to each district to submit for Medicaid reimbursement for each of their students.
Does ACCEL provide extended school year (ESY)?
Yes
What therapies does ACCEL provide, and are they included in the tuition?
ACCEL offers a comprehensive range of therapeutic services designed to support each student’s unique needs. These include Speech-Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Vision Services. For students enrolled in our K-12 program, all therapies outlined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP) are provided directly on campus and are included as part of the tuition cost.
I’m a parent/caregiver of an ACCEL student; where can I find more information about my student’s campus?
Visit our Family and Caregiver Resource page to find calendars, links to relevant documents, and campus information.
How do I contact my student’s teacher?
Visit our Family and Caregiver Resource page to find calendars, links to relevant documents, and campus information. You can reach your student’s teacher via email, phone, or through the SeeSaw platform. Teachers also send home a daily communication log to facilitate communication between parents and teachers.
How does the school communicate information/updates?
ACCEL typically communicates through email, communication logs, and newsletters sent home with your student.
Do you provide lunch/breakfast?
Yes, ACCEL offers meals through the National School Lunch Program, including breakfast and lunch. Applications for free and reduced meals are available.
How much is lunch/breakfast? Do you offer a free lunch program?
The cost of meals and eligibility for free or reduced-price meals depend on your application.
Where can I find the school lunch menu?
Monthly menu offerings are sent home with your student.
Do you provide transportation?
ACCEL does not offer transportation services.
Are there cameras in the classrooms?
Yes, ACCEL has security cameras in all classrooms to enhance safety and provide a secure environment for our students.
Adult Services
What is ACCEL Adult Services (AAS)?
ACCEL Adult Services (AAS) provides comprehensive lifelong education and vocational training for individuals over the age of 18 who have developmental disabilities. Our goal is to empower our members to live with dignity and independence, whatever that may look like for them.
Who is eligible for ACCEL Adult Services?
- Individuals are generally eligible for ACCEL Adult Services if they are 18 years of age or older and no longer attending high school.
- Funding for our programs typically comes through the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) or Rehabilitation Services funding, and potential members must qualify for these funds. Private pay options are also available.
How can I begin the referral process for Adult Services?
Please use ourAdult Services Inquires and Referrals form.




