Art, Inclusion, & the Unexpected

Access to tech and creative industry employment

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities rarely, if ever, have an opportunity to participate in work/life activities as an equal. They are not included in social events and typically suffer from social isolation. Over 80% are unemployed although many want and need to work. Intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) include Autism and Down syndrome. Adults with I/DD often require ongoing support to live and work independently, but in general, they want to become as independent as they can. They want to live, love, and work in the community. Almost all adults with I/DD have experienced stigma from having a disability. They are often ashamed about needing help to navigate the world and feel they have nothing to offer. Creative expression, visual, music, or drama, is effective in helping adults with I/DD increase their communication skills, fine/gross motor skills, self-awareness and self-esteem, but most do not have access to the arts.

Art is a great equalizer! L.A. GOAL operates a visual arts program for adults with I/DD. We have received many positive comments over our 20+ years of public art exhibits. The comments that stand out are from people who have never spoken to a person with I/DD before. They describe the vibe as positive and loving. We create a safe space where the focus is on a warm, shared experience of discovery and art. We host or participate in a variety of art exhibits, shows, and boutiques. It is in these spaces that people with and without disabilities interact as equals.
We are expanding our art program to include more in-depth community art classes. We held three pilot art classes where people in the community take a class on a specific type of art alongside people with I/DD. The classes have been well-attended. We are ready to include well-known artists to teach a class about their field of expertise. Some may require more than one class, depending on their style of art.
People in the community get the opportunity to interact with adults with I/DD as equals when they communicate through art. This is particularly true when the exhibit is a community art exhibit. We are also increasing the number of community art exhibits we host and participate in. One of our main goals is to approach art galleries across the country for exhibition opportunities.

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) will experience a greater acceptance and sense of inclusion in the community. People in the community will feel more comfortable interacting with people with I/DD. People with I/DD will experience more inclusion in the community as a result of taking classes together, exhibiting art together, or talking about art and inspiration.
The “abled” community will have the opportunity to learn about the abilities, the wants and desires, and the dignity of people with I/DD. They will understand there are many similarities along with the differences. People in the community will learn the courage it takes to deal with an I/DD, such as limited mobility, accelerated aging, other physical, emotional, and mental issues, yet still wanting to put in the work required to live and work as independently as possible.

This is an expansion of existing programs: visual arts for adults with I/DD and community art classes. We measure impact in several ways: the number of people who attend, the comments we receive, the questions we get asked, particularly if they are interested in volunteering, sales of art and art products, and the amount of donations we receive.
We also ask our “Members,” (adults with I/DD at L.A. GOAL) how they feel about the exhibits and events. Each month we hold a Members’ Meeting where Members evaluate all our programs, services, and events. Two elected Members’ Representatives make a report L.A. GOAL’s Board of Directors so the Board receives direct input. Members can request programs and program changes.