Able ARTS Work

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 an evidence-based approach 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 in Long Beach for people with moderate to severe intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism. Adults participating in day services have access to:

•  Daily, long-term music and art therapy to develop and strengthen personal social and developmental goals.
•  Vocational opportunities in art and music to pursue a creative path to financial autonomy.

Able ARTS also serves Long Beach school-aged and at-risk preschool-aged children, providing standards-based arts education as well as music and art therapy services. 

Through arts education services in schools, students with and without disabilities have opportunities to:

• Develop meaningful relationships with peers of all abilities through shared experiences.
• Cope with feelings and challenging life experiences by developing a social-emotional skillset.

Using music and art therapy to reach non-creative goals, pre-school-aged children have an opportunity to:

• Overcome individual developmental delays to help them thrive.
• Encourage self-expression, communication, and motor development.
• Stimulate cognitive functioning through fun, accessible methods of expression.

Testimonials

  "Dulce's Painting", Acrylic on Bristol Paper, 11" x 14"

"It has been an amazing and rewarding experience for my sister, who through her art instructor, has found her passion and love for 3-D art and painting. Having the opportunity to participate in the services that Able Arts Work provides has provided her with an outlet of expression and creativity allowing her to gain new skills and a freedom of expression that has allowed her the ability to communicate through her artwork " - Vrisa, sister of Able ARTS Work resident artist 

"Item Series: 1", Ink on Paper, 8.5"x11" 

"Able ARTS Work has given Matthew the opportunity to dive into his interest in the arts, exposing him to various techniques and styles. It also serves as a space where he can interact with peers who share his passion for art. We appreciate the staff's kindness, compassion, and support, as well as their commitment to providing opportunities for individuals of all abilities." - Melania, mother of Able ARTS Work resident artist 

"(AAW) has been a true blessing for PJ. I have watched him grow in several different facets of his life. Every morning PJ gets up excited and ready to go to program. He lights up like a light bulb whenever I ask him about his day and he loves to tell me about how he interacted with his friends. He takes a lot of pride in being the resident DJ, it gives him meaning and purpose. I’m happy he found his tribe in program, it is more than just a program, you all are his family." - Lawrence, father of Able ARTS Work resident artist