Able ARTS Work

Able ARTS Work was established in 1982 as a non-profit organization to provide inclusive programming for individuals with developmental disabilities & autism through the creative arts.

Using the creative arts as a tool, our primary focus is to support artists with disabilities in their creative expression through inclusive community participation. Able ARTS Work also offers a number of programs to meet the needs of the community from health & wellness, arts education to enrichment. Each outreach program values contribution, accessibility, & engagement of people of all abilities & all ages.

 Able ARTS Work aims to foster inclusion through creativity, initiative, & expression. 

---

Able ARTS Work provides adult day services for people with moderate to severe intellectual & developmental disabilities & autism. Our services develop & strengthen personal, social, developmental, & vocational goals through the creative arts.

 Meet Resident Artists of Able ARTS Work:

Resident Artist Jake, AAW San Diego

Hot Red Purple, Acrylic on Canvas, 2026

"I'm so thankful Jake attends Able ARTS Work (AAW). He's truly happy to attend every day... I've seen him grow in confidence, independence & gain new skills & interests... (he) gets to keep learning & gets to be a part of the community there. Finding a program like AAW is especially important to me... I feel AAW allows students to have purpose, learning opportunities & the chance to feel like they have a say in their own lives. AAW allows them to stay engaged in a meaningful life..." - Shannon, Parent of AAW Resident Artist  

 Resident Artist Kelsey, AAW Long Beach

Monster Dinner Party, Ceramic, 2026

"Kelsey has been a joy to have in my classes... I have always admired her creative curiosity & enthusiasm to try different mediums...Kelsey is always enthusiastic to tackle new projects as a result her portfolio has expanded significantly... She has quietly proven to become masterful in her craft... I am excited to see what Kelsey continues to accomplish at Able ARTS Work." - Daniela, AAW Art Instructor  

---

 

Accessible Arts Workshops provide standards-based visual art & music education to children & adults in schools, classrooms, libraries, museums, & community centers throughout Southern California. Our workshops explore creative expression, integrate social-emotional learning, & promote creativity, well-being, accessibility & inclusion among individuals with & without disabilities. 

 Meet Participants of Accessible Arts Workshops:

“.... a while back James had us do a spontaneous painting work where we just took colors & just went with it & I rather enjoyed that. It’s a good release of feelings & ended up being a good piece of art that came out of it ... just letting loose & going with the flow. That’s what I like about the Able ARTS Work workshops ... being creative for creative sake... good for the mind & the psyche .... it's opportunities for people to do this kind of work who may not have other opportunities to do these types of things... It’s something different that someone like myself would normally have access to ... it’s a good service to the community.” - Jay, AAW Workshop Participant
 

“ I love art, I love every class. Whatever is creative I'm interested in. I have learned a lot of kinds of art ... & I'm always interested in finding out new things or passing this on to others. I always get something from every class & incorporate it into something for the future ... it’s rewarding for me & the other seniors ... it keeps me engaged, alive, interested & learning... Able ARTS Work is amazing.” - Delfina, AAW Workshop Participant