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The Kennedy Center Access/VSA International Network provides community, education, and resources to creatives, educators, and arts leaders striving for the full inclusion of people in cultural arts and disability. The Kennedy Center's Access/VSA International Network provides community, education, and resources to creatives, educators, and arts leaders striving for the full inclusion of people with disabilities in arts and culture. Memberships start at just $30 a year! Save the date ! 2025 L E AD Conference August 18-22 Cleveland, Ohio

The Kennedy Center Office of VSA & Accessibility hosts multiple Creative Careers programs throughout the year, open to young and emerging artists! Access/VSA Creative Careers Programs In addition to the opportunities below, you can discover calls for art, auditions, residency applications, plus promote your organization's opportunity to a global audience in our members-only forum. Kennedy Center Access/VSA Creative Careers Programs The Access/VSA International Network is proud to support young emerging artists with disabilities. Musicians, playwrights, and visual artists may apply to annual competitions. Multiple winners receive monetary awards and get the chance to be mentored by industry professionals, participate in professional development activities provided by the Kennedy Center, and showcase their work at a national level. Past Access/VSA program recipients have gone on to successful careers in music, theater, and the visual arts. We hope you, your students, and/or mentees will take advantage of these fabulous opportunities. Access/VSA Emerging Young Artists Program Artists with disabilities are invited to submit artwork that demonstrates excellence and their individual perspectives from the experience of disability. Artists must be ages 16-25 and reside in the United States. Applications for the 2025 program are now open. The 2025 theme is Catalyst . We ask artists to explore how their artistic identity interacts with their disability identity to spark something new. Applications for the 2025 program are due by February 28, 2025 . Apply Now! Download the Flyer! Access/VSA International Young Musicians Program Calling all musicians with disabilities ages 14-25! The Access/VSA International Young Musicians program is open to U.S. and international soloists and ensembles of any genre or instrument, including voice. Applications for the 2025 season are now closed. Stay tuned for information on the 2026 season! Learn More Access/VSA Playwright Discovery Program Young writers with disabilities (generally, ages 14-22) enrolled in high school or high school equivalency are invited to submit a 'ten-minute script' on any topic. Entries may be the work of an individual student or a collaboration of two students that includes at least one student with a disability. A panel of theater professionals selects division winners. Applications for the 2025 season are now closed. Stay tuned for information on the 2026 season! Learn More

Are you interested in providing exciting and dynamic VSA programs at your cultural institution? Access/VSA Creative Career Internship Program Ready to make a difference? Join us in offering Access/VSA internships in creative careers, empowering individuals with disabilities in your community. Request for Contract Proposals The Kennedy Center Office of Accessibility and VSA seeks contractors to provide Access/VSA Creative Career Internship Program career development opportunities in creative industries, arts management, arts education, design, production, or technical theatre for individuals with disabilities, ages 18-30. The program provides immersive, site-based internships that are designed to grow the individual’s potential for employment in a creative career and firmly set them on a path for future competitive employment. Program participants receive instruction and hands-on activities in which they develop critical 21st century business skills and knowledge needed for success in the creative career workforce, acquire real world experience, and have the opportunity to interact with peers and professionals in an employment setting. Organizations are invited to submit proposals to implement the Access/VSA Creative Career Program. Please review the following Request for Contract Proposals to apply: RFP Access/VSA Creative Career Internship Program Proposal Submission Deadline: February 28, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET Notification: Selected recipients will be notified by April 28, 2025 Program Implementation Period: June 2 - August 31, 2025 Eligible and qualified organizations are required to sub mit contract proposals online by the deadline to be considered for this program. A Jean Kennedy Smith Arts and Disability Program. This program is funded by the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) Grant #H421F240164; however, the contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education. You should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.

The Code of Conduct for the Access/VSA International Network. Code of Conduct We understand that language is fluid and varies from community to community, country to country, and culture to culture. We respect those differences and ask that y ou do , too. We oppose all discrimination on the grounds of disability, race, gender, age, sexual orientation, class, or religious belief. We do not tolerate harassment, including name-calling, badgering, attacks on a person's character or motives, and/or offensive language or profanity. We do not allow posts related to partisan politics. Access/VSA International Network Code of Conduct Participation Guidelines Please do: Ask questions about techn iques, tools, or tips. Seek advice on getting into the field. Share best practices. Discuss controversies in the field or profession. Assume good intent. Keep subject lines concise and clear so members can respond appropriately and easily search the archives. Gracefully offer and accept well-communicated constructive criticism. Attempt collaboration before conflict. Consider whether a post or reply is relevant to the entire group or would be better sent to an individual. Sign posts and replies with your real name. Please do not: Post about topics unrelated to disability and access to arts and culture. Post redundant information. Consider searching the archives to see if a topic has been discussed before. Post excessively or write excessively long posts. Sell or promote products or services for financial gain. We moderate our listservs and online communities, and reserve the right to deny posts that do not follow our guidelines and to suspend membership to anyone who violates this code of conduct. If you have any questions or concerns, or want to report potential violations, please contact vsainfo@kennedy-center.org for any issues relating to the Creative or Arts and Special Education tracks, or access@kennedy-center.org for any relating to the Cultural Access Track. Privacy Policy The Access/VSA International Network does not sell, rent, or share any personally identifiable information shared by visitors or our membership mailing list. Legal Notice Do not post any information or other material protected by copyright without permission. By posting material, the posting party warrants and represents that they own the copyright with respect to such material or has received permission from the copyright owner. In addition, the posting party grants the Access/VSA International Network and users of this site the nonexclusive right and license to display, copy, publish, distribute, transmit, print, and use such information or other material. The Access/VSA International Network is not responsible for opinions and information posted on this site or list. Limitations of Liability To the extent allowed under law, the Access/VSA International Network (a) disclaims all implied warranties and representations (e.g., warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, accuracy of data, and noninfringement); (b) does not guarantee that the communications tools will function without interruption or errors, and (c) provides the communication tools (including content and information) on an “as is” and “as available” basis. To the extent permitted under law (and unless the Access/VSA International Network has entered into a separate written agreement that overrides this contract), the Access/VSA International Network shall not be liable to you or others for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or any loss of data, opportunities, reputation, profits, or revenues, related to the communications tools (e.g., offensive or defamatory statements, downtime or loss, use of, or changes to, your information or content). In no event shall the liability of the Access/VSA International Network exceed, in the aggregate for all claims, US $1000. This limitation of liability is part of the basis of the bargain between you and the Access/VSA International Network and shall apply to all claims of liability (e.g., warranty, tort, negligence, contract law) and even if the Access/VSA International Network has been told of the possibility of any such damage, and even if these remedies fail their essential purpose.

Search job opportunities on our Access/VSA International Network job opportunities page! Job Opportunities To drive arts access forward, we must exchange ideas and information: to highlight issues, propose solutions, and replicate successes. Job Opportunities Network Job Boards The largest number of arts access jobs come from our members. Spread across the globe, from organizations big and small, in multiple arts genres, educational environments, and cultural settings, these job postings are only available to members. Members are also encouraged to post jobs. Members can click her e to see the network job boards . Kennedy Center Careers & Internships Browse listings for Careers and internships at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC – Open to members and non-members, these jobs may or may not be connected to accessibility. Contracts with the Accessibility and VSA Office On occasion, the John F. Kennedy C enter for the Performing Arts Office of Accessibility and VSA seeks independent contractors for accessibility- or disability-related work. These positions will be posted on the Network Job Board when available.

Access to the virtual sessions from the Kennedy Center 2023 LEAD Conference. 2023 LEAD Conference Hybrid Sessions Stay tuned for the 2024 LEAD Hybrid Series recordings. We are diligently working on getting them edits and captioned! Recorded August 29-31, 2023 as part of the Kennedy Center's 2023 Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability (LEAD) conference. For more information about LEAD, visit kennedy-center.org/lead . Access to the 2023 LEAD Hybrid Session is an exclusive benefit of the Access/VSA Network. Membership starts at just $30 a year and includes access to professional development webinars, conference discount, networking opportunities, and more! Learn about becoming a member today. Member Log In for FREE access to recordings LEAD 2023 Awards Everyone can view the 2023 LEAD Awards ceremonies by visiting the following links: Wednesday, August 30 Ceremony: Award for Emerging Leaders: Gustavo Padrino and Cultural Voice of North Carolina, Inc. Community Asset Awards: Fred Beam and Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo Thursday, August 31 Ceremony: Award for Emerging Leaders: Ross Edelstein and Francisco echo Eraso Community Asset Awards: Dan Ellison and Britt Sutton LEAD 2023 Hybrid Sessions Welcome to LEAD 2023 & Keynote with Kerry M. Thompson Kerry M. Thompson is the Executive Director for Silent Rhythms, Inc., which she founded in 2008 with the mission to creating inclusion in the arts for people of all abilities. She is a renowned dance instructor and has performed worldwide including in Paris and Havana. In addition, she is a global human rights activist driven by her own struggles as a person with Deafblindness. She co-created Text4Deaf, a communication tool to bridge the communication gap between the Deaf and Hearing communities in healthcare. Since 2008, she has worked to advance human rights in the Global South as part of her work with the Disability Rights Fund setting up best practices in grantmaking, communications, programs, operations, and analytics. She completed a master’s degree in Human Development and Psychology from Harvard University with a focus on international law and human rights. Why Can't I Say That? On Semantics, Circumstance, and Disability Justice Language matters and has a direct impact on welcoming and centering disabled people. People First Language or Identity First? Who can use “crip”? Join a group of disabled cultural access workers to discuss and share best practices on how to consider and understand the ever shifting landscape of language, so that our personal and organizational choices demonstrate awareness and respect. Presenters: Rachel Arfa, Commissioner, City of Chicago Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities Robin Marquis, Cultural Access and Inclusion Specialist, Prime Access Consulting Ayla Dumont Funding at the Intersection of the Arts and Accessibility What are key considerations related to accessibility in arts funding? Join Michael Bobbitt, Executive Director of the Mass Cultural Council, Michael Greer, President and CEO of ArtsFund, and Kerry Thompson, Senior Advisor, Inclusion & Accessibility for Disability Rights Fund, and the Executive Director of Silent Rhythms. The panel will share information and perspectives to prompt discussion and questions. Presenters: Michael Bobbitt, Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council Michael Greer, President & CEO, ArtsFund Kerry Thompson, Executive Director, Silent Rhythms, Inc. Accessible Social Media This session covers the core concepts of accessibility on social media platforms. Presenters will cover key information, terminology, and demonstrations, and provide a dynamic environment to cover practical applications. Presenters: Brian Charlson  Austin Dunn, Social Media Coordinator, Wexner Center for the Arts  Jay McKay, Assistive Technology Specialist, Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services  Onsite or Online: Cultivating Multisensory and Meaningful Group Programs For school and community groups with disabilities, museums and cultural organizations offer tremendous opportunities for multisensory and meaningful engagement both in person and online. Explore how to make the most of both settings and how and why to adapt programs from one to the other. Presenters: Charlotte Martin, Director of Access Initiatives, Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Alejandra Rodriguez, Senior Educator, K-12 Student Experiences, Art Institute of Chicago Good Architecture Includes Everyone Too often building design adheres to the narrowest reading of the ADA and building code, missing nuance and the over-arching goal of equal access for people with disabilities. What would happen if architects approached every building opportunity as a chance to design around the full range of human experience and ability? This session brings panelists together to discuss just that – through the lens of experience and commitment to accessibility and human-centered design.  Presenters: Aaron Wong, Architectural Designer, SmithGroup  Valerie Fletcher, Executive Director, Institute for Human Centered Design Alexa Vaugn, Landscape Designer, Accessibility Specialist, & Consultant, UCLA Architecture + Urban Design Historic Sites and Accessibility There are many misconceptions about historic sites and accessibility, both what is required and what is possible. Don't underestimate the potential historic sites have to connect and be innovative. In this session three panelists describe some of the key challenges found at three historic houses and share creative and practical methods used to approach those challenges. This session will also include an opportunity for participants to exercise problem solving skills together.   Leave with a customized tool you can put into immediate action back at your historic site. Presenters:  Kristin Peszka, Interpretation & Visitor Services Director, Paul Revere Memorial Association  Aaron Rawley, Outreach Specialist, Partners for Youth with Disabilities  Wanessa Tillman, Director of Visitor Services, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Working with Advisors and Building Community There are many ways to center people with disabilities in the Access and Inclusion work at your institution or program. Engage with the presenters in the sharing of models and approaches that have respect, authenticity, and creativity at their core. Attendees will have ample opportunity to ask questions, and consider how they might try something new or enhance what they are already doing. Presenters: Maria Cabrera, Co-Director, Families Creating Together Susan Glass, Poet Lisa Eriksen, Principal, Lisa Eriksen Consulting

The Access/VSA International Network is an active global community that shares best practices in arts access, brainstorms solutions to common (and uncommon) issues, and blazes an accessible path to the world of arts and culture. About the Network The Access/VSA International Network is an active global community that shares best practices in arts access, brainstorms solutions to common (and uncommon) issues, and blazes an accessible path to the world of arts and culture. The Network is managed by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Office of Accessibility and VSA, which works toward a world where people with disabilities of all ages can learn t hrough, participate in, and engage with the arts. We make Kennedy Center performances and facilities accessible to all audiences, and providing resources, programs, and opportunities for educators, cultural administrators, emerging and professional artists and performers with disabilities. The arts and culture accessibility movement has always been strong, led by passionate and innovative administrators, teachers, artmakers, and organizations. But for years those leaders lacked the connection to share challenges and successes and the opportunity to build and improve on each other’s work. There was no center of learning, no coordinated “arts access field,” no standard for access. The disability rights movement and advent of federal disability rights laws helped change that situation, propelling arts and disability supporters to connect and learn from each other. The Access/VSA International Network is built on the shoulders of those pioneers. We offer the opportunity to support and learn from each other through in-person convenings, online learning, and lively listservs. We cross-pollinate new ideas. We illuminate the work of artists with disabilities and exemplify arts access—and the need for it—to the larger world. We provide a space where small grassroots organizations can connect with large established institutions, and experienced experts can mentor people new to the field of arts access. We organize, drive, and bring credibility to that field by innovating, creating shared resources, exploring and establishing global practices. We harness our collective experience, knowledge, and passion for access to arts and culture to shape the arts access movement, and to move it forward from access to inclusion. The Kennedy Center Office of Accessibility & VSA The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Art's Office of Accessibility and VSA works toward a world where people with disabilities of all ages can learn through, participate in, and engage with the arts. We make Kennedy Center performances and facilities accessible to all audiences, and manage the VSA International Network, providing resources, programs, and opportunities for educators, cultural administrators, emerging and professional artists and performers with disabilities. CREATE COMMUNITY Become part of our transformative creative community! Share your passion for access to the arts with peers around the globe, collaborate with colleagues who face the same challenges, and learn from experts in the arts, accessibility, and special education fields. EXCHANGE BEST PRACTICES By connecting with colleagues via our network listservs, you’ll discover what’s working, what’s not, and what exciting innovations are on the horizon. Contribute to thought-leadership, trade ideas, ask questions, or submit your news to our monthly e-newsletter. ACCESS OPPORTUNITIES, EDUCATION, AND RESOURCES Your one-stop shop for arts access information, the Access/VSA International Network posts grant and career opportunities, offers one-of-a-kind conferences and online learning, and provides the resources and information you need, tailored to your interests. We would love to hear from you! Contact us at 202-416-8898 or vsainfo@kennedy-center. org .

Join us for the annual Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability Conference, hosted by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts! In 2024, the conference will take place July 29-Aug 2 in Seattle, WA. Conferences Connect with like-minded individuals from across the nation--and even the globe--to learn, network, and share ideas! Learn more about our annual LEAD Conference Every year we present virtual and in-person conferences bringing experienced and new professionals together to share resources and knowledge, develop best practices, and experience accessibility in action. Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability (LEAD®) August 18-22, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio The LEAD conference brings experienced and new professionals together to explore practical methods for implementing accessibility in cultural environments. At LEAD, we share resources and knowledge, develop best practices, and experience accessibility in action. Basic to Advanced: No matter what level of experience you have, there's always something to learn. The building blocks will give newcomers the tools and information they need to develop a successful accessibility program while the discussion groups and advanced track address accessibility for the most experienced. Facilities to Programs: Sessions and discussions will cover all aspects of accessibility from the built environment to programs and communication. Legal Obligations & Customer Service: Learn about relevant laws and regulations and explore accessibility from the customer service and business case perspectives. Networking: Engage in conversations with colleagues who are enthusiastic about accessibility and eager to share their insights and learn from others. Join the dialogue, share exciting ideas, and explore new and innovative ways to welcome everyone. Find out more, by visiting accesslead.org . ED@LEAD Capacity Building Conference August 18, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio ED@LEAD features innovative, thought-provoking, and interactive capacity building sessions that provide professionals in the intersecting fields of general education, arts education, special education, and teaching artistry with instructional strategies and techniques that can be applied immediately in the classroom and in other community settings. Led by national experts, this conference brings together educators, administrators, teaching artists, and more to foster new skills and fuel passion to improve educational experiences for students with disabilities in and through the arts. ED@LEAD is for You! Develop new arts-based instructional strategies and techniques you can use right away Explore accessible and inclusive practices to reach every student Engage in skill development through practical, hands-on arts activities Collect useful tips, tricks, tools, and resources for classroom success Letter of verification to submit for CEU’s Shape the future of arts learning for students with disabilities Who Attends ED@LEAD? School-based Arts Specialists General and Special Educators Teaching Artists and Museum Educators Arts Education program Administrators School Administrators and District Staff Find out more, by visiting accesslead.org .

Learn about the the Kennedy Center Office of Accessibility & VSA's Creative Careers programs, including Playwright Upcoming Events Access/VSA Network members are invited to take part in numerous online and in-person events directly related to their field. View Our Events Calendar Upcoming Events from the Access/VSA Network Ongoing The Theory and Practice of Anti-Ableist Arts Education Asynchronous 15-module online course February Lightning Talk: Updates to the Latest Version of the UDL Guidelines and How These Changes Impact Arts Instruction Tuesday, February 4 from 2:30-3:00 p.m. ET FREE for members; $15 for non-members Tips for Writing an Access/VSA Program Site Proposal 2025-2026 Tuesday, February 11 from 3:00-4:00 p.m. ET Free Afternoon Tea: Attracting Travelers/Visitors with Disabilities Thursday, February 13 from 2:30-3:30 p.m. ET FREE, for members only Happy Hour: Adaptive Performing Art Techniques for Artists and Educators Tuesday, February 25 from 8:00-9:00 p.m. ET FREE, for members only March Afternoon Tea: Behind the Scenes Access for Crew, Tech, Exhibit Designers, and Others: Inclusive Strategies and Solutions Thursday, March 13 from 2:30-3:30 p.m. ET FREE, for members only Making Inclusive Museums Now Tuesday, March 18 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET FREE for members; $15 for non-members Happy Hour: Marketing Success: Stories and Tips Tuesday, March 25 from 8:00-9:00 p.m. ET FREE, for members only SPED Webinar: Collaborate to Create: Supporting Youth with Disabilities in Developing Collaboration, Problem-Solving, & Art Skills Wednesday, March 26 from 3:00-4:00 p.m. ET FREE for members; $15 for non-members April SPED Webinar: Curricular Renovations Wednesday, April 9 from 3:00-4:00 p.m. ET FREE for members; $15 for non-members May Save the Date! - Lightning Talk: Creative Aging Tuesday, May 20 from 1:00-1:30 p.m. ET FREE for members; $15 for non-members June Save the Date! - Mentor Office Hour: Balancing Work, Art, and More in the Gig Economy Thursday, June 12 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. ET FREE, for members only

Are you interested in providing exciting and dynamic VSA programs at your cultural institution? Access/VSA Program Sites Are you interested in providing exciting and dynamic Access/VSA programs in your community? Requests for Contract Proposals If you have experience, knowledge, and expertise working with students with disabilities pre-kindergarten through grade 12, y ou could become an Access/VSA Program Site! The Kennedy Center Office of Accessibility and VSA seeks arts, education, and cultural organizations to provide accessible, arts-based education experiences to students with disabilities. Organizations are invited to submit proposals to implement the following Access/VSA Programs: Access/VSA Arts Connect All — Workshop/Residency Program Access/VSA Media Arts Discovery Program Access/VSA Theater Discovery Program Access/VSA Visual Arts Discovery Program Access/VSA Museum Access for Kids Program Access/VSA Performing Arts Access for Kids Program Access/VSA EZ Program These are Jean Kennedy Smith Arts and Disability Programs. Proposal Submission Deadline: March 13, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET Notification: Selected contract recipients will be notified by June 30, 2025 Program Implementation Period: October 1, 2025 through August 31, 2026 Learn more about these Jean Kennedy Smith Arts and Disability Programs at kennedy-center.org/education/vsa/become-a-vsa-program-site/ . Eligible and qualified organizations are required to sub mit contract proposals online by the deadline to be considered for a program site. Eligible organization may submit proposals to a maximum of 2 (two) different 2025-2026 Access/VSA Requests of Contract Proposals, but the Kennedy Center will issue a contract offer for no more than 1 (one) proposal per eligible organization.

Engage with your Access/VSA Network members through community forums, e-lists, and more! Community Events Let's get together! Join your colleagues for topical, informal chats about arts and culture, accessibility, and more. Our monthly Afternoon Teas and After-Work Happy Hours are virtual spaces where you can connect with others who share your passion for arts and culture, and your desire to make the world more inclusive. Attend one or attend both – you’ll be sure to come away energized, and with new ideas! Afternoon Teas and Happy Hours are an exclusive benefit of Access/VSA Network membership. You must be signed in to register for in these events. Register for Community Events View Full Events Calendar View a List of Upcoming Events

Become a member of the Access/VSA International Network. Contact We would love to chat with you more about joining the Access/VSA Network, how to make the most of your membership, or answer any questions your have! How to get in touch EMAIL Send us an email at vsainfo@kennedy-center.org . PHONE Call us Monday-Friday 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET at 202-416-8898 . 1:1 VIDEO CHAT Email us at vsainfo@kennedy-center.org to schedule a one-on-one video chat with a member of our Access/VSA Network team. Let us know what you would like assistance with (technical support, membership schedules, how to get involved, etc.) and we will set up a time for you to meet with us!