Building on Constants
Hello! I hope your 2025 is off to a great start, and I’m glad you’re here. How about we start this off with some joy? I thought you’d like that.
Adam in the Abstract
(Click on image to enlarge.)
Let me gush for a moment about Adam. He’s been lighting up IOB since he first walked in the door way back in 2015. Adam is best known for his love of monsters and creepy subjects, and his “Scary Warning” has been an alert for other students in Doodle Lounge, heralding the unveiling of his latest hair-raising artwork. But recently, something has shifted. Adam has been producing abstract artwork at a prodigious rate. He started last Fall by making bookmarks—I was a grateful recipient of one that is currently keeping my place in a Cormac McCarthy novel. They have since grown in scale and his creative output is quickening. Take a peek at the work of this emerging abstract artist.
The artwork spotlighted at top reminds me of the intricate patterns in the work of Swiss/German abstract artist Paul Klee. Imagine if Adam worked on an even larger scale canvas with acrylic paints. IOB’s Lead Creative Technologist Natalie Derr is working with Adam’s mom Michelle to put together an exhibit at the Inclusion Coffee Company in Hartland. How cool is that?! Stay tuned for more.
Mantra Manifested
We began 2024 with a simple yet ambitious mantra: to provide as many doses of joy, for as many people, in as many spaces as possible. Let’s take a look at how we did.
As you can see, our mantra became reality in extraordinary ways. Through innovative initiatives like The Brilliant Fellows Network, and new offerings such as IOB@, Foundation Animation & Media, and Digital Academy SideQuest, we reached more neurodivergent participants than ever before, empowering them to embrace their creativity, build confidence, and foster meaningful community connections. By meeting systemic challenges head-on—like the high unemployment rate among autistic adults and the critical shortage of inclusive spaces for neurodivergent learners—we’re not just imagining a better future; we’re actively building it everyday.
But this is just the beginning of what’s possible. Are we satisfied? No. We always feel we can push the envelope of what’s possible in service to the community we love. As we look ahead, we’re asking ourselves a powerful question: What if we could 10x our impact?
Brilliant Backpack
Before we go forward, let’s take a step back and review the current need.
Autism prevalence has surged by 317% since 2000. In 2024, the CDC reported that 1 in 36 children aged 8 are autistic, increasing demand for high-quality service providers in schools and communities.
Autistic individuals face significant employment barriers, with an estimated 85% unemployment rate. The NIH reports that 80% of autistic adults experience mental health challenges, such as anxiety, further limiting job opportunities.
In August 2024, the Bureau of Labor Statistics highlighted a severe shortage of special education teachers. Within five years, 50% of special educators experience burnout; within ten years, 75% leave the profession. A 2021 meta-analysis found that low job efficacy is a key factor in burnout, emphasizing the need for better professional development support.
Clearly autism presents a multifaceted challenge to our community that demands action. The increasing prevalence, high unemployment rates, mental health struggles, and teacher burnout highlight a systemic need for better services, support, and a perception change that recognizes the potential within autistic individuals.
Brilliant Backpack is our ambitious new initiative that answers the question we’ve been asked for years - “How do we get Islands of Brilliance into schools?” With growing interest from across the state, we’re developing a toolkit of IOB programming, methodology, and professional development designed for public schools, charter schools, and disability service providers.
We’re currently developing our Business Model Canvas and launching a Customer Discovery phase, where we’ll interview at least 30 school administrators, special education directors, and educators to identify challenges, opportunities, and funding mechanisms that will shape our Brilliant Backpack offering. Our goal is to launch 3-4 pilot programs this fall, learn from them, and expand. This is the IOB story arc. If it worked for one, could it work for many? And since we know it works for many, the real question is—how many?
Your Turn
We believe Islands of Brilliance is an incredible, unfolding story. And we know that a story is only as good as its ability to be retold. If you have the chance to tell someone about IOB, here are some key points that can use:
IOB’s mission is deeply rooted in creating inclusive opportunities that foster joy, creativity, and community. There’s literally nothing else like it. (Invite someone to see it in person!)
As an organization IOB continues to innovate through initiatives like the Brilliant Fellows Network and Brilliant Backpack, aimed at reaching more individuals and organizations.
Outcomes from IOB programs demonstrate measurable success, showcasing the transformative potential of our methods
IOB is committed to scaling its impact, which requires additional funding, partnerships, and advocacy to achieve ambitious goals
These are constants at Islands of Brilliance. When you have constants as strong as these, our focus is to continually build upon them.
IOB’s story is one of growth, resilience, and the transformative power of joy. Together, with the support of our incredible community, we’re ready to scale new heights and create a world where every neurodivergent individual can thrive. Will you help us on this journey?
