Ivy Street School - Tumblr Blog

Since its founding in 1993, the Ivy Street School has helped students with brain injuries transition into productive, satisfying adulthood. The school accepts students aged 13 through 22, both day and residential, and offers a transitional program to help advancing students become accustomed to independent living. The Ivy Street School incorporates independent living skills within a program that also includes individualized academics, occupational and related therapies, and social support, as well as work experiences that develop students' employment skills and experience. Students also enjoy the fellowship of a community that understands their struggles, often a rare gift for an adolescent with a brain injury. The Ivy Street School operates under the direction of Ron Allen, PhD. A board-certified behavior analyst and certified brain injury specialist, Dr. Allen stands out as a highly regarded speaker in the fields of behavioral therapy and brain injury recovery. He has led the school since its third year of operation, during which time he has led a team of educators, therapists, and clinicians to help each student reach full potential.

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Adjusting After a Traumatic Brain Injury

Located in Brookline, Massachusetts, Ivy Street School provides a safe and therapeutic learning environment for children and teens who have experienced traumatic brain injuries and other neurological challenges. By giving students an extended support network, Ivy Street School provides the resources they need to live life to the fullest. It also helps them adjust to the changes in their lives. An adjustment period follows any traumatic brain injury that affects long-term neurological functioning. Even though each individual’s situation is unique, there are certain emotions and struggles that follow such a life-changing event. It is important that the individual’s family members and support network be aware of these common feelings. At first, the individual may be in denial. He or she may not want to believe that the event will have a long-term effect on their lives. Later on, he or she may feel despair or sadness over the loss of skills or previous levels of functioning. The injury will often change the way he or she relates to others, and the individual may have difficulty coming to terms with its impact. As the adjustment process continues, he or she might feel frustration over the rate of progress. During all these stages of adjustment, it’s important that the individual have a wide network of support in order to overcome the challenges and continue to move forward.                            

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Ivy Street Students Explore Photography in "Shooting Beauty" Workshop

The Ivy Street School offers an array of educational, vocational, and social resources to help students overcome the challenges associated with brain injury. In addition to pursuing their educational goals based on personalized academic plans, students at the Ivy Street School take part in activities spanning sports, vocational training, charity, and the arts. Recently, students had the opportunity to expand their creativity with photographer Courtney Bent in a workshop inspired by her documentary film, Shooting Beauty. Shooting Beauty chronicles Courtney Bent’s experiences as a fashion photographer who launches an educational program at a local community center, helping individuals with disabilities explore photography as a form of self-expression. In recent years, the Shooting Beauty Project has developed into a traveling workshop, university lecture series, and corporate diversity awareness program. During the workshop, Ivy Street students took several varieties of photos, including portraits, self-portraits, still-life, nature, and landscape shots. In addition to taking both black and white and color photos, they also learned about editing techniques. At the end of the four-day workshop, students chose their favorite pieces to be featured in a presentation at their school’s annual gala. Courtney Bent returned for the event, showcasing the diverse collection of photographs that documented not only the students’ surroundings, but also their individual interests and personalities.     

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Extravaganza! Showcases Ivy Street Student Talent

For more than 20 years, the Ivy Street School has aided the educational, social, and vocational development of adolescents with brain injuries and neurological disabilities. Serving young men and women from the ages of 13 to 22, the Ivy Street School provides academic and life skills education; individual, group, and restorative therapy; recreational activities; and vocational training. Each year, the Ivy Street School organizes Extravaganza!, an event showcasing the diverse talents of its students. Rehearsals begin as early as January for this summer event, with students playing a large role in deciding which skits and musical numbers will be performed. While Extravaganza! is free to attend, it serves as the school’s primary fundraiser, drawing significant donations which benefit classroom technology, recreational programs, vocational opportunities, and staff professional development. In 2014, Extravanga! was held at Boston’s Wheelock Family Theatre, an organization that has provided vocational training for many of Ivy Street’s students. The event was attended by families, alumni, and associate organizations such as Partners for Youth with Disabilities, and was emceed by former WCVB-TV meteorologist David Brown. Students’ musical performances were accompanied by the band Flipside, while students also collaborated with magician David Hall and comedian Will Luera to provide a full night of entertainment.