CAN DO ARTS is a year-long series of arts workshops for adults with developmental disabilities who are consumers of Howard Community Services (a division of the Howard Center for Human Services), Champlain Vocational Services, Northwestern Counseling and Support Services Inc., and Washington County Mental Health Services Inc. The emphasis of these programs is community involvement and visibility with a focus on performing and visual arts. All programs require public presentations of work created during the class. And not just once a year, classes start and finish every 8 weeks over the span of 12 months. This past year's performances included drumming, folk singing, and dancing at the Church St. Marketplace in Burlington, an original play during First Night Burlington, puppetry and square dancing performances in St. Albans, a folksinging show that traveled to local senior centers, and exhibits of visual art created during our summer projects.

What is the result of this emphasis on public presentation and performance?

• Increased positive public visibility of adults with developmental disabilities
• Frequent recognition and acknowledgement of these individuals' abilities
• Expanded opportunities to interact and form friendships with a wide range of community members.

When a HCS, CVS, NCSS, or WCMHS consumer walks down the street, he/she has a dozen new people to hello and talk to: our program director, the many artists who led the workshops he/she attended, and volunteers and audience members who saw him/her perform.