National Institute of Art & Disabilities

Started in 1982, NIAD (National Institute of Art and Disabilities) is a visual arts center assisting adults with developmental and other physical disabilities. Based in Richmond, Calif., the institute serves up to 65 adults from Contra Costa and Alameda County each day. These adults come from diverse cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. It develops the capacity for creative expression in people with developmental and other physical disabilities. NIAD maintains a gallery and organizes other exhibition opportunities for their work, thereby validating their art. It also organizes field trips to museums, art galleries, artists' studios and community events.