Rald Institute formed in the early 1980's as a result of community interest in the needs of children with attention deficit disorders, dyslexia, and behavioral difficulties. Many parents sought the assistance of special educator, Beverly Normand, Ph.D., when they needed private assistance and consultations. Normand began providing free services for at-risk and disabled children in special summer camps. In 1988, these services were formalized and incorporated as Rald Institute. In 1995, Rald became a nonprofit 501(c) 3 agency located in the South Shore neighborhood of Chicago. In recent years, direct services and technical assistance have been provided in schools where Rald clients are enrolled.

In 1992, Rald Institute, in collaboration with Gerald Sanders, then Director of the South Side Community Art Center and a teacher at the Bronzeville School of Art, established a special art program designed to bring children with special needs together with regular and gifted children. Inclusive art workshops focus on art appreciation, drawing, and painting. Experiences are carefully designed to increase imaginative thinking, link historical events to art, and build a caring ethic among the children.