Islands of Brilliance

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Islands of Brilliance Pioneering the use of art, creativity, and creative technologies to champion autistic & neurodivergent individuals.

Islands of Brilliance (IOB) is a learning experience developed specifically for children and young adults on the autism spectrum. Rather than expect students to adapt to the environment, we created the ideal environment. IOB utilizes project-based learning that allows our students to grow their intrinsic capabilities and practice communication, increasing their likelihood of independence as adults. Our student-focused programming is rooted in art, design, and STEaM-based curriculum. It helps children and young adults learn valuable technical skills, practice critical social and emotional learning competencies, all within a supported environment. Best of all, our students have a place to share their unique voice, ideas, and creativity alongside peers that relate, understand, and motivate.

Join us Saturday, November 14 for our next Brilliant Mornings meetup:Yoga and Sound Bath!!Join us for November’s Brillia...
10/13/2026

Join us Saturday, November 14 for our next Brilliant Mornings meetup:
Yoga and Sound Bath!!

Join us for November’s Brilliant Mornings, a caregiver appreciation gathering with time to pause, reconnect with yourself, and refill your cup. You spend so much time caring for others. This morning is for you.

Together, we’ll enjoy:
• A check-in on your wellness compass
• Sound Bath - Restorative Yoga
• Space to breathe, share, and simply be

When: Saturday, November 14
Time: 10:15 AM - 11:30 AM
Where: 507 S. 2nd Street, Suite 305, Milwaukee
Register: https://islandsofbrilliance.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F28450

Program rundown:
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM: Light refreshments
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Sound Bath - Restorative Yoga
11:30 AM – Noon: Optional: Participant Shareout (Workshops), Community & Conversation

You spend so much time caring for others, give yourself permission to be cared for too. Come as you are, leave with renewed energy and connection.

Coffee, light refreshments, and plenty of time for meaningful conversation with other supportive parents and caregivers.

Register here: https://islandsofbrilliance.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F28450

🎨📚 Meet Ben Peetz: artist, storyteller, published author.Ben is autistic, has a language processing disorder, and has sp...
10/09/2026

🎨📚 Meet Ben Peetz: artist, storyteller, published author.

Ben is autistic, has a language processing disorder, and has spent years building worlds out of the things he loves. He sharpened his digital art skills in IOB workshops, and now he’s accomplished a major personal goal, his first children’s book, The Crush, is complete!

It’s the first story in his 7/24 Deeds series. The gang are teenage friends in Emerald Falls who do good deeds 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. In this one, Borri gets help from his friends with a first crush, and Violet gets help with an onion ring problem.

Ben created the characters and illustrated every page. He co-wrote the story with writer Amy Schwabe, and his mom, Alison, helped bring it to life.

Ben’s dream is to turn his characters into animated shows someday. His family hopes his path can help show what creative careers for people with disabilities can look like, because as Alison says, “the best way for Ben to be able to support himself is to be Ben.”

Ben’s name is on the cover. We couldn’t be more proud.

📖 Get The Crush on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Crush-24-Deeds-Story/dp/B0HHWTXZBM
🃏 Books and character trading cards: https://benpeetz.bigcartel.com/
📍 Meet Ben and pick up a copy at the Self-Determination Conference, Oct 20–21.

Want the backstory? Amy’s series Learning from their Stories is a great read: https://amyschwabe.substack.com/

It's time for Monster Bash, our signature Halloween-themed neurodiverse dance party that celebrates the creativity of ou...
09/29/2026

It's time for Monster Bash, our signature Halloween-themed neurodiverse dance party that celebrates the creativity of our students, the generosity of our community, and the power of inclusion. We’re putting together our fourth edition of this unforgettable evening of costumes, creativity, games, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, dancing, and surprises Saturday October. 17th at the Eagleknit Building, from 6 to 8:30pm.

Register here: https://www.islandsofbrilliance.org/brilliant-monster-bash-2026

Prepare to see some of the most imaginative art take place onsite at IOB’s Monster Bash! Different stations will offer unique sensory and creative experiences.
• DJ
• Doodle / Sketch Lounge
• Digital facepainting
• Zen Den
• Pumpkin decorating
• Games / Fun!

Register for this free event: https://www.islandsofbrilliance.org/brilliant-monster-bash-2026

09/17/2026

Register now for the 2026-2027 AI Network, starting September 28th!

Join K-12 instructional coaches, educators, and library media specialists to discuss practical applications, ethical considerations, and instructional strategies for using AI tools to enhance teaching and learning. Share resources, problem-solve challenges, and stay at the forefront of this transformative technology together.

https://cesa1.app.neoncrm.com/event-detail?event=10356

CoP ASD//DD & WAuTD Coalition Free Virtual GatheringDate & Time: Sept. 22, 2026 9:00AM-11:00AM Via ZoomTopic: Relationsh...
09/17/2026

CoP ASD//DD & WAuTD Coalition Free Virtual Gathering

Date & Time: Sept. 22, 2026 9:00AM-11:00AM Via Zoom

Topic: Relationships
→ Speaker: Madeline Barger MS, LMFT, BCBA, AASECT-CST
Leader W. Adult Autism Program At The Waisman Center
→ Additional Speakers: Self-Advocate Perspectives

Register: uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cO0mSXNsRDCw8rY
More Information: connections.waisman.wisc.edu/

09/16/2026

YOUR VOICE MATTERS — USE IT.

If you are an IRIS participant, family member, caregiver, or advocate, please consider joining the next IRIS Advisory Committee meeting on Tuesday, September 22 from 10am - 12:45pm.

This is an opportunity to bring the voices and real-life experiences of IRIS participants and families directly to the people involved in the program.
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/iris/iac-09222026-agenda.pdf

Listen. Learn. Speak up.

Hear about upcoming decisions, changes, and events that may impact IRIS participants and help make sure the conversation includes the people who experience IRIS every day.

There is also a 3-minute public comment period. This is your opportunity to share what is working, what isn’t, barriers your family is facing, and concerns you believe need attention.

You don’t need a prepared speech. You don’t need to be an expert. You have lived experience and that perspective matters.

Decisions about IRIS should include the voices of the people who rely on it.
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/iris/iac-09222026-agenda.pdf

09/16/2026

Some conversations are too important to avoid. 👀

HEART Consulting, LLC is partnering with Community Outreach Wisconsin through UW to bring some seriously relevant topics to the table - sexuality and online safety, trauma and big emotions, gender identity and neurodivergence, and more.

Check out these upcoming in-person trainings 👇
📱 Sexting, P**n, and Online Dating...Oh My!
October 22 | 9–11am

🧠 Trauma, Brains, and Big Emotions
November 11 | 9–11am

🌈 The Double Rainbow: The Intersection of Gender Identity and Neurodivergence
December 3 | 9–11am

Check out HEART Consulting, LLC event page for more information, or visit Community Outreach Wisconsin to register. For any questions, please reach out to Michael Truman at [email protected]

Skate into a great cause! Mark your calendars, IOB community — Nicole Green Powley one of our own Board Members is hosti...
08/21/2026

Skate into a great cause!

Mark your calendars, IOB community — Nicole Green Powley one of our own Board Members is hosting an Accessibility Fundraising Skate on September 10, 6:00–8:30pm at Skateland, and it's all in support of Islands of Brilliance!

This one's built for everyone: lights turned down, music turned lower, and ear plugs on hand — because good vibes should feel good for every kind of sensory experience. 💛

Here's how it helps IOB: mention Islands of Brilliance at the door, and we receive half the proceeds. That's it — just show up, say our name, and skate.

Can't make it on the 10th but still want in? We've got merch! Send a message to grab something and support IOB from anywhere.
Skating + community + a good cause = a pretty brilliant night. See you on the rink! 🛼

📍 Ozaukee Skateland – 7084 Sycamore Dr. Cedarburg WI 53012
🗓️ September 10, 6:00–8:30pm
🎟️ Mention "Islands of Brilliance" at the door

Next Wednesday, August 5, Korey Christiansen from Cream City Think Tank is hosting "Creative Work, Community & Culture" ...
07/30/2026

Next Wednesday, August 5, Korey Christiansen from Cream City Think Tank is hosting "Creative Work, Community & Culture" at Indeed Brewing in Walker's Point from 7 to 8PM.

It features Ryan Hainey and his new book, Midwest Home: Interior Design in America's Heartland, but it is less a book talk and more a loose, honest conversation about making things and actually getting by as a creative person in this city.

Stop by and meet a community of makers and absorb the good vibes coming from True Skool!

We're deeply grateful to the Milwaukee Brewers Community Foundation for their meaningful support of Islands of Brillianc...
07/06/2026

We're deeply grateful to the Milwaukee Brewers Community Foundation for their meaningful support of Islands of Brilliance!

This partnership reflects something vital: that when we invest in people's potential, especially those who've been overlooked, entire communities benefit.

The Foundation's trust in our work is a reminder that there are people committed to creating pathways where autistic youth can discover their voice, build their skills, and chart their own course.

It's rare to find partners who see what's possible, and commit to helping make the change they want to see in the world. We're honored to work alongside the Brewers Community Foundation in building brighter futures across Wisconsin.

Interested in the work we do? Learn more and get involved at islandsofbrilliance.org.

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Milwaukee, WI

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