Partnerships
THE paideia SCHOOL
Connections partners with The Paideia School to collaborate, connect our students, and demonstrate our shared values of acceptance and inclusion of individuals with differences. Paideia faculty members serve on our Board of Directors, help us coordinate joint classes and after-school programs, and mentor our teachers.
Since our first year, we have connected our students with their neurotypical peers at Paideia through month-long “short term” electives. We have now completed eleven of these courses and have two more scheduled this school year. So far, over 100 students from Paideia have joined CSA students for kickball, four square, bowling, pool parties, talent shows, board games, water balloon fights, and other activities that keep us laughing, learning, and growing together. Dozens more Paideia students have connected with our students through online video chats to discuss issues related to the neurodiversity movement as part of their school’s Neurodiversity Club. Paideia students have also interned with us as part of their cross-age teaching program and joined us on campus for sexual health and education classes. A joint math and science after-school program is in the works for Spring 2023. Paideia students attend our school prom, volunteer at our summer camps, join us for social events and fundraisers, and hang out with our students on weekends. The partnership between our schools has truly been life-changing.
The various programs we have created together have served to facilitate friendships between students that extend beyond school and will hopefully last a lifetime.
Every day, our students prove that differences in thinking, relating, and communicating do not have to be barriers to friendship but rather can serve to create deeper connections and more authentic relationships.
museum of design atlanta
The partnership between Connections and Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) allows our students to take part in an enriching art, design, and technology education program that inspires creative thinking, facilitates development of problem-solving skills, and promotes collaboration. This program reflects the shared priorities and values of both organizations, including education, inclusion, creativity, and community engagement.
The goal of this partnership is for students to acquire 21st century skills, such as critical thinking and innovation, through on-site instruction and hands-on learning led by one of the museum education specialists. The program also includes field trips to view museum exhibitions. Knowing that design has the power to make the world more inclusive, intuitive, functional, and beautiful, we at Connections and MODA believe that insights from the neurodiverse community are invaluable. We want our students’ voices to be included in design conversations and for them to have opportunities to use their intelligence and empathy to address real-world challenges. Connections and MODA engage in an ongoing exchange of resources and knowledge in hopes that the greater Atlanta community will grow more aware of neurodiversity and its benefits as well as how design can make the world a better place.
Please check out MODA’s website for information on special events and upcoming exhibitions! With access to the Design Club, our students get unlimited free admission to the museum with one adult.
