Bringing Awareness to Artists
in the Special Needs Community

About

The Special Academy’s mission is to increase public awareness, recognition and appreciation of the creative talents of people with disabilities by providing opportunities that encourage, promote and showcase their artistic expressions.

Among the objectives of the Special Academy is to provide semi-annual web-based opportunities for the special needs community to express themselves in competitive short film and writing projects. All submissions from participants will be judged for creativity, uniqueness and originality by a panel of their peers and volunteers working with the special needs community.

The winners will be recognized and eligible for cash awards and scholarships. The Academy will also create and sustain an online community in which these projects can be shared with and appreciated year-round by everyone.

All projects must involve or be created by members of the special needs community and the Special Academy especially seeks artists with disabilities who need financial support to promote their artistic talents.

Team

Wendy Tran

Wendy Tran

Community Board Member

Patsy J. Loya

Patsy J. Loya

Development Director

Todd Tostado

Todd Tostado

Advisory Board Member

Michael Dergar

Michael Dergar

President & CEO
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Jerry J. Ruiz

Jerry J. Ruiz

Director of Administration
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Elizabeth Woo

Elizabeth Woo

Founder

Kathleen Doyle

Kathleen Doyle

Director of Programs