Programs & Workshops for Neurodivergent Students
Rather than expect students to adapt to the environment, we created the ideal environment.
Islands of Brilliance provides unique learning and social engagement opportunities for neurodiverse students. Our programming is rooted in art, design, and STEaM-based curriculum. Students have the chance to work on projects that help them grow their intrinsic capabilities and communication and technical skills while practicing critical social and emotional learning competencies in a supported environment.
Magic. That’s what we believe our programming has created. If you have the opportunity to witness students in-action during workshops, you’ll see why. They’re sharing their unique voice, ideas, and creativity alongside peers that relate, understand, and motivate them.
They’re part of a special environment, a one-in-a-million community.
Our Learning Approach
Let’s explore together!
An IOB student works with his mentor on a project around his SpIn, Yoshi.
Imagine your student is going to school, but they get to choose the curriculum. They get to decide what they are going to learn. Instead of saying “Learn this,” IOB says “Let’s explore together.” And it is magic! We have learned that neurodiverse students learn better and engage more when they are encouraged to learn and share through the exploration of their special interests – what we call their SpIn. We use creative projects, specifically digital graphic software, as our playground.
The IOB environment is built on mutual learning. Students are paired with a mentor – someone who is an expert in creative software. We trust that the students are the experts in their areas of interest, and above all, we believe in their capabilities. Together, mentors and students share what they each know in order to learn and create a project together with the understanding that they both can learn from the experience.
Collaboration and creation lead to communication. By fostering their inspiration, their SpIn, we begin to see kids who might not engage verbally begin to engage through their art. Together with their mentor, they create an environment that leads to authentic expression versus expecting students to adapt to a predetermined environment.
Explore Our Paris Programs
Program Location:
Paris College of Art
241 Bd Pereire, 75017 Paris
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Foundation Programs
Session 1: January 6 & 7
Time: 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Price: $575Session 2: January 8 & 9
Time: 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Price: $575Over the course of two workshops, Students are paired 1:1 with a design mentor to learn technical software skills using Adobe Photoshop / Adobe Illustrator / Procreate — as well as build social and emotional development skills.
The best part? Students are encouraged to bring their own passions and interests to use as their design inspiration. The final day culminates with an in-class presentation and celebration of their work.
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Side Quest
Session 1: January 6 & 7
Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Price: $575Session 2: January 8 & 9
Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Price: $575The most rigorous IOB program, Digital Academy provides apprentice-style instruction in a product-based learning environment.
Our highly skilled Creative Technologist will help guide the exploration of specific topics within a focus area. Each focus area will have related topics to explore over the duration of the Side Quest with other learners.
The learning environment will feel like a exploration game. Each SideQuest aims to teach people how to teach themselves, as well as how to interact with emerging technologies while unleashing the group's full creative potential.
Program Outcomes
Self Awareness
Self Management
Responsible Decision Making
Encourage lifelong learning and curiosity
Improve social skills and communication abilities
A feeling of connection within a community of peers
Develop new skills and knowledge in emerging creative technologies
Promote community-oriented and mindful behavior
Increased confidence to share their ideas and what they produce
This Program is a Good Fit For
Students who welcome an opportunity to explore high-level design software in a collaborative environment.
Meet our Digital Academy Team
Designed by Chris Willey, Islands of Brilliance Director of Technology, Digital Academy programs are specifically designed to give experienced students opportunities for advanced growth in terms of technical skills and their ability to learn independently. IOB Creative technologists, IOB Education Specialists and community professionals provide guidance and encouragement.
