National Institute of Art & Disabilities

NIAD (National Institute of Art and Disabilities) is an innovative visual arts center assisting adults with developmental and other physical disabilities. Located in Richmond, California, NIAD serves up to 50 adults from Contra Costa and Alameda County each day. Adults working at NIAD come from diverse cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. The NIAD program objectives are four-fold. It develops the capacity for creative expression in people with developmental and other physical disabilities, increasing their sense of personal identity and pride. It provides a gallery and other exhibition opportunities for their work, thereby validating their art, enhancing their self-esteem and providing them with earnings for their personal use. It fosters socialization and inclusion at the center and on field trips to museums, art galleries, artists' studios and community events. It increases the public's understanding of the artistic ability of people with disabilities. For more information about NIAD, or if you would like to browse artwork created by NIAD artists, click on the NIAD logo or go to www.niadart.org. There you will find a large selection of artwork for sale including paintings, ceramics, prints, jewelry, and books.