For Good: Nonprofit teaches art to adults with disabilities

Imagine a place where adults with developmental disabilities can express themselves through the arts with no judgment while making money doing it. This innovative concept is a reality at Pyramid Inc., a Florida nonprofit organization that engages its students in a unique art program.

Pyramid Inc., which has five locations around the state including the one in Tampa, serves adults with severe disabilities including cerebral palsy, autism, down syndrome and spina bifida.

“Pyramid in Tampa serves 150 students a day,” says Andrea Ames, Director of Pyramid Inc. “We don’t focus on their disabilities, we focus on their abilities.''

From singing and dancing to pottery and painting, the organization teaches the adult students a number of crafts that allow them to express themselves, and even make money.

“We do a lot of fundraising to support our program, including two major shows a year, which are performances where our students sing and dance, as well as an art show,” Ames says.  Students get paid for their performances, and any artwork that is sold, the student gets half of the proceeds.”

The next Pyramid show is July 26^th at the University Community Area Center situated at 14013 N. 22nd St. in Tampa. The art show starts at 2 p.m. and curtain call is at 3 p.m. Admission is free, however, donations are welcome.

Another fundraiser for the organization is a monthly art walk.

“Every month we are a part of the Seminole Heights First Friday Gallery Walk, which runs from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.,” Ames says. “It gives people an opportunity to see what our students are working on, and again whatever artwork sells, the student who made it gets half the proceeds.”

Pyramid serves adults with developmental disabilities who are at least 22-years-old, and Ames says most students get funding through the Medicaid waiver program, which is specific to people with developmental disabilities.

For those interested in helping this cause, Ames says there is plenty the community can do to help.

“We are always looking for volunteers, right now people who know about animation and digital art, as that is an area where we would like to expand the program. Also, donations of art and office supplies are needed. Donations are always welcome too. We have students who would just love to have a friend, so a volunteer who is willing to just help and be there would be great.”