OZARK, Ala. (WDHN) — In 1971, the Vivian B. Adams School opened it’s doors to the Wiregrass to serve individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Now 50 years later, they celebrate Adams School continuing to serve individuals of all ages and providing opportunities to those with special needs.

“What you will find at Adams School is a group of people who are happy,” Vivian B. Adams Professional Development Coordinator, Susan Owens said. “They enjoy coming everyday. They are given peer relationships, given opportunities to really grow and develop within whatever their limitations may be.”

In celebration of their 50th anniversary Adams School has partnered with the Rudd Art Center in Ozark to display pieces of art made by the students.

These pieces are a result of the Helping Encourage Artistic Expression to Reinforce and Transform Program or HEART that is provided at Vivian B. Adams School.

As Owens says, this program has encouraged students to express themselves in a unique way.

“This is a way of expression,” Owens said. “We have individuals that are completely nonverbal but given the opportunity to put something in their hand that they can work with, it just gives them the opportunity to make some choices themselves.”

As they celebrate five decades of serving the Wiregrass, Adams School wants to continue their legacy for years to come.

“There will always be people among us who are different,” Owens said. “There will always be those who have a different kind of need. There will always be those that are underserved. And we always want to be there for them.”

The 50th anniversary art display will remain in the Rudd Art Center in downtown Ozark until October 15.