Estimates regarding the number of Americans with disabilities vary between 54 and 58 million. Of these, over 1 million reside in Arizona. Individuals may have various types and degrees of disability, and these may be temporary or permanent, and can affect anyone.
Sunday, July 26, marked the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA was passed in 1990, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, state and local government, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation and telecommunications.
15 years before the ADA became law, an organization now known as VSA was founded “to provide arts and education opportunities for people with disabilities and increase access to the arts for all.” On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the ADA and the 40th anniversary of VSA, we recently spoke with Eileen Bagnall, Executive Director of VSA Arizona, about the organization’s history, goals and services.
What is VSA and how did it come to be?
VSA, the international organization on arts and disability, was founded 40 years ago by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to provide arts and education opportunities for people with disabilities and increase access to the arts for all. With 52 international affiliates and 36 nationwide affiliates, VSA is providing arts and education programming for youth and adults with disabilities around the world. VSA previously stood for Very Special Arts but since it isn’t “special” to have a disability, the name was shortened to VSA.
Each year, 7 million people of all ages and abilities participate in VSA programs, in every aspect of the arts – from visual arts, performing arts, to the literary arts.
Four principles guide VSA programs and affiliates:
- Every young person with a disability deserves access to high quality arts learning experiences.
- All artists in schools and art educators should be prepared to include students with disabilities in their instruction.
- All children, youth, and adults with disabilities should have complete access to cultural facilities and activities.
- All individuals with disabilities who aspire to careers in the arts should have the opportunity to develop appropriate skills.
Can you tell us a little about VSA Arizona’s programs and services?
VSA Arizona provides in school and after school arts experiences for students of all abilities. Our programs range from STEAM based residencies to Social Drama Workshops for students with cognitive disabilities to after school art classes. We also offer professional development workshops for Teaching Artists to prepare them to work with students with disabilities.
What is ARTability and what does it mean to be an ARTability partner organization?
ARTability members are part of a statewide consortium of arts and disability organizations committed to improving access to the arts in Arizona. Since 1998 we have provided our members with facility assessments, assistance in program development and staff training to get to this goal. Through our website and monthly newsletter we promote their accessible services and performances. Annually we host Summit Meetings throughout the state to discuss topical issues in the field of disability. This October our meeting will feature a panel of arts patrons with hearing loss sharing their experiences.
What advice would you offer to a nonprofit arts organization that wants to improve their accessibility, but doesn’t know where to start or doesn’t feel they have the necessary resources?
Providing accessible programming to your patrons doesn’t have to be expensive, difficult or just one person’s job. There are many creative ways organizations can provide accommodations for people with disabilities without incurring large costs. The most affordable thing you can do is to provide training for your staff and volunteers so they understand why accessibility is important, what services your organization offers and how patrons can request the services.
Call us! We are here to help cultural organizations review the services they have, create a workable ADA plan and market their efforts.
For more information about VSA Arizona visit www.vsaaz.org, call 602-757-8118 or 520-631-6253m or email [email protected].
Donations to VSA Arizona can be made through their website at www.vsaaz.org.
