Able Arts Work

Arts and Services for Disabled, Inc (DBA Able ARTS Work) provides lifelong learning, community service and vocational opportunities through the creative arts therapies (music, dance/movement, drama, visual and language arts) to individuals of all abilities. The day programs provide adults full-day care and services year round (6 hours/day, 5 days/week) and ancillary workshop programs for physically, emotionally, developmentally and intellectually disabled individuals. Programs incorporate education classes including "daily living" classes designed to be age appropriate and provide proper supports to ensure recreational, leisure, professional and academic success. The arts are utilized as a "Universal Design" to break down barriers and access many life curricula to those individuals with disabilities who have difficulty working, living and socializing in an unaccommodating world. Our "Love Before Learning" philosophy embraces the individual with respect and dignity focusing on their capabilities to improve self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-competence to their greatest potential. Community inclusion is key for individuals with disabilities to not just be in, but to be part of the community and maintain dynamic relationships as community members, A total of 160 people are currently serviced in the community at facilities surrounded by friendly neighborhoods. The organization also conducts 173 visual and performing arts workshops for over 832 members with disabilities in the Los Angeles, Orange County and San Bernardino areas, arts education based workshops for over 1,000 students 1n Los Angeles, Long Beach and Bellflower Unified School Districts, and 8 visual arts exhibits and performing arts exhibits to a total v1ew1ng audience of approximately 1,200. Day program facility locations include Long Beach, Gardena and Hawthorne in addition to other Southern California Accessible Art Workshop, Creative Health and Wellness Clinic, and Mobile Arts Program venues.