Programs & Workshops for Autistic Students
Winter/Spring & Summer program registation is open and filling up fast! View our 2024 schedule!
Rather than expect students to adapt to the environment, we created the ideal 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.
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..
New to Islands of Brilliance? Our Concierge Approach is here to help!
We’re happy to answer any questions you might have. Whether you are interested in learning more about our distance learning programs, registering your student, or volunteering with us.
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Sandbox Programs
Our most frequent and accessible options, Sandbox Programs provide a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment for your child to learn, create, and connect.
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Sandbox Daily Programming
For many of our Sandbox students, having the opportunity to spend time with their fellow doodlers and creative companions is the highlight of their day. Which is pretty awesome considering these programs meet each weekday!
Features: Daily connection with peers • Students choose participation level and breakouts • Creativity • Flexibility of online
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Sandbox@ Road Show
Sandbox@ Roadshow brings IOB to your community. These in-person, 90-minute workshops combine art, storytelling, and STEaM-based projects. In-person workshops include 3 of our most popular Sandbox activities.
Features: Community partnership program • Introduction to IOB’s unique blend of art,, creativity and social learning • The whole family can participate
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Homeroom
Homeschool students - this program is just for you! We’ve created a special learning space for creativity and community that fits into your weekly schedule!
Features: Weekly connection with peers • Structured creativity • Flexibility of online
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iPad Labs
Explore and expand your creativity with our newest offering...IOB iPad Labs! These 90-minute sessions are all about fun and creative discovery in a supportive environment on the Apple iPad.
Features: Drop-in flexibility • Guidance from creative professionals • Supportive environment
Foundation Programs
Students are paired 1:1 with a professional design mentor to learn technical software skills using Adobe Photoshop and/or Adobe Illustrator as well as build social and emotional development skills.
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Foundation Programming: 2D Photoshop, Illustrator, and Procreate
Students have the chance to use their own passions and interests as design inspiration while they work and collaborate one-on-one with a mentor exploring the basics of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, then sharing their creations with the class.
Features: Connection with peers and mentors • 1:1 guidance from a professional design mentor • Flexibility of virtual or in-person
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Foundation Programming: 3D Blender Modeling
Students will work one-on-one with a mentor to learn the basics of the craft used in many industries, including gaming, architecture, movie production, engineering, and commercial advertising.
Features: Connection with peers and mentors • 1: guidance from a professional design mentor • Flexibility of virtual
Academy Programs
The most rigorous IOB program, Digital Academy provides apprentice-style instruction in a product-based learning environment.
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Digital Academy: Quest
Quest is a new personalized learning program at Islands of Brilliance (IOB). Quest is an opportunity for advanced students to determine their learning path and make progress toward their goals within a community of other like-minded autistic learners.
Features: Advanced learners can choose their own path • Connection to a creative autistic community • Flexibility of online • Flexible program duration
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Digital Academy: SideQuests
Are you fascinated by emerging technologies and looking to unleash your creative potential?
SideQuest offers creativity-focused labs tailor-made for daring invidiuals 14+ who have already proven their mettle by successfully completing IOB programming.
Features: Develop new skills • Guided by highly-skilled Creative Technologists • Hybrid format gives time for connection AND flexible growth
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Digital Academy: CollabQuest
Introducing CollabQuest! Unique design experiences for autistic individuals aged 14 and above in the IOB community. CollabQuests are project-based learning programs in partnership with other organizations, institutions, or corporations. Students work from a design brief with the guidance of an experienced Creative Technologist and subject matter experts.
Features: Real-world, hands-on creative project • Hybrid format • Connection through collaborative teamwork
Community Support Programs
Whether you’re a young adult living with autism or is someone who loves and supports them, we know life can be challenging. Our Community Support programs provide professional and peer guidance to help along the journey.
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Brilliant Breakfast Club
Older students are invited to hang out with us for a social experience and peer discussion designed to foster pathways and build daily living skills for future independence.
Features: Connection to community of peers • Hybrid format for consistent connection and in-person outings • Promotes independence
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The Fellowship
An opportunity for neurodiverse teens and young adults (aged 16 through early 30s) to gather for creative arts-based activities and guided discussions. The Fellowship meets in-person in: Eau Claire, Rice Lake, LaCrosse, Viroqua, Wausau, and Tomahawk.
Features: Connection to community of peers • Promotes independence and creativity
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Brilliant Connections
A collaboration with Milwaukee’s St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care, Islands of Brilliance, and Mount Mary University Occupational Therapy program.
Features: Connection to greater community • Citizenship • Understanding of strengths and talents
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Lighthouse
Parents and caregivers are invited to join this weekly one-hour moderated discussion that provides connection, conversation, and community support in a safe, respectful environment.
Features: Supportive community • Moderated by experienced staff • Fleible, some when you can!
