Able ARTS Work empowers individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities through creative engagement by providing therapeutic, vocational, and educational art and music services. We believe music and art are vital tools to liberate and transform the lives of all people. Using evidence-based practices and range of creative arts therapies, our instructors and therapists assist service users to reach their individual social, educational, vocational and developmental goals. Our outreach programs support arts education for youth of all abilities and offer opportunities for accessible music and art education to the community at large. Our goal is to spark social change by unifying the community under a common interest: CREATIVITY.
Since 1982, Able ARTS Work has provided adult day services for people with moderate to severe intellectual & developmental disabilities & autism through:
Meet a Resident Artist of Able ARTS Work:
"I feel confident and comfortable here at Able ARTS Work. I have learned so many skills from the many different classes. When I do Noise Band, I get to play the keyboard and sing - which is my favorite thing to do. It makes me feel elated and overjoyed. I love performing but love it when I get to do it with my peers. When we record in Noise Band, I love making the arrangements ... choosing what instruments should be in it or not to make it sound the best it can be. I really like the whole kit and caboodle. I want to be here until I am 103!" - Kristin, AAW Resident Artist
Able ARTS Work provides tailored, in-home adaptive skills training through creative arts therapy & education for adults with developmental disabilities.
Through the Mobile Arts Program, participants:
Meet a Client of the Mobile Arts Program:
"...It (MAP) was a blessing...The instructor taught her how to hold a pencil, how to draw...She really likes to paint, for example, to paint lakes, mountains, flowers, things like that - anything from nature... And my daughter began to talk and talk and she started to sing. She also started to articulate her words more because before she was unable to say "mama". This program has helped her immensely. I think the instructors they have here, are the some of the best... it is a real help for me...It makes me feel at ease as a mother..." - Parent of Mobile Arts Program Client
Able ARTS Work also offers programs to meet the needs of the community, particularly those underserved & marginalized. From health & wellness to arts education & enrichment programs, each values contribution, accessibility, & engagement resulting in the development of a healthy, vibrant community.
Through creative enrichment, the community is provided :
Meet the Exhibitions Coordinator:
"I have participated in multiple group shows, sold work, and made so many meaningful connections with others in the disability community. They (Able ARTS Work) continue to nurture and encourage me as an artist, having provided me with the confidence to keep on this path...while also challenging me at times to step outside my comfort zone... I am so very grateful that this organization exists to create a space for this community..." - Kristin, Community Artist
The primary mission of Able ARTS Work is to provide lifelong learning, community service and vocational opportunities through the creative arts for people of all abilities and all ages in an environment of warmth, encouragement and inclusion. Able ARTS Work provides unique development opportunities to all participating staff, students and partnering community members, together we grow.
Organization name
Able ARTS Work
Tax id (EIN)
95-3658291
Operating Budget
Large ($1,000,000+)
Mission Category
Arts & Culture, Education, Individuals with Special Needs, Civic & Community Engagement, Mental Health
City Council District
District 8
Address
3839 Atlantic AvenueLong Beach, CA, US
Hawthorne, CA, US
San Diego, CA, US