Margaret Fairbanks

Margaret Fairbanks is the co-founder and current Director of Education at Islands of Brilliance, an experiential learning workshop designed for students on the autism spectrum. Her entry into the world of autism began when her son, now 20, was diagnosed at the age of 3. Through love, patience, research and trusting her instincts, Margaret evolved from a parent who was truly a "deer in the headlights" to where she is now, with a Masters Degree in Special Education, and having taught in the schools for the past 10 years and in the process, creating (along with her husband) Islands of Brilliance. Their vision revolves around changing perceptions of individuals with autism from having a disability to individuals with amazing capabilities and untapped potential. IOB's current focus is to create a better transition solution for these amazing individuals that builds on strengths and provides community and opportunity. When not working with the IOB program, which takes most of her time, she spends what time she does have gardening and renovating the 100 year old family home through paint and sweat. That and an occasional glass of wine while playing games with the family on their front porch.