Search Results

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 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. 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 11-14, 2026 in Philadelphia, PA 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 .

We created the Access/VSA Mentorship Program, to give Network members direct access to professional visual and performing artists with disabilities who can offer advice, make connections, and act as role models. Mentorship Program It can be tough to begin or further a career in the arts—and even tougher if you have a disability. That’s why we created the Access/VSA Mentorship Program, to give Network members direct access to professional visual and performing artists with disabilities who can offer advice, make connections, and act as role models. Our mentors answer questions and help guide art careers during regular online gatherings. The Network’s first mentor, professional blind visual artist John Bramblitt, summed up the program this way: “My goal is to knock down all barriers and give participants a backstage pass to the art world. We need more artists with disabilities showing professionally; let’s make it happen!” Sign in to see upcoming Mentorship Program events

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 Access/VSA International Network provides community, education, and resources to creatives, educators, and arts leaders striving for accessibility for people with disabilities in arts and culture. Memberships start at just $30 a year! Save the date ! L E AD Conference August 11-14, 2026 in Philadelphia, PA

Get quick access to our member-only links on the Access/VSA network site. Member Quick Links Members! Below are links to our most frequently visited pages within the members-only section of the website. Community Forums Calls for Papers and Pro posals Career Opportunities Funding Opp ortunities Artist Opport unities Performances and Exhibits Featuring Artists with Disabilities Other Links Search the Access/ VS A Network Me mber Directory Access/VSA Network Blog Curated Content Library Webinar Past Re cordings REMINDER: You will need to be a current member and logged into MemberClicks to access these pages. Have a question about your membership or need assistance resetting your password? Send us an email at vsainfo@kennedy-center.org and we will be happy to assist you!

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.

The Access/VSA International Network hosts webinars and other professional development opportunities throughout the year! Webinars Connect with experts across the field of arts, education, and disability from the comfort of your home or office. Access/VSA Network Webinars The Access/VSA International Network Webinar series provides ongoing professional development for special education and art educators, art administrators, cultural organizations, school districts, and artists with disabilities. These webinars address instructional practices, critical issues, exemplar programs, and emergent research, with time for live Q&A with presenters. Stay up to date on current issues and trends in your field. Develop cutting-edge strategies for promoting access and inclusion in cultural institutions and schools. As a member of the Access/VSA International Network, you can participate for free in live webinars that bring the knowledge of experts across the country right to your screen and access webinar recordings for a full year before they become a part of the public Access/VSA International Network webinar archive. The best part is that there’s no limit to how many you can register for, so make sure to take full advantage of this robust professional development resource! Closed captioning and ASL interpretation are both available for all webinars. For the most accessible viewing experience, we recommend watching the webinar on a desktop computer or laptop screen. For more information or to request other access services, please contact the Office of Accessibility and VSA at (202) 416-8898 (voice) or vsainfo@kennedy-center.org . Webinars and recordings are $15 for non-members, unless otherwise noted. View Upcoming Webinars on our Events Calendar View Upcoming Webinars in our Events List Available Webinar Recordings 2025-20 26 Season Building Community Connections: Partnerships for Cultural Organizations (3/24/26) - Details and registration Lightning Talk: Make It Make Sense: Exploring Accessibility with Intention (How to approach design with purpose, curiosity, and all senses) (2/19/26) - Details and registration Is Your Job Posting Pushing People Away? (1/27/26) - Details and registration Arts & Education: Sensing Success: Inclusive Strategies Borrowed from the Music Classroom (12/10/25) - Details and Registration Arts & Education: Restorative Arts: Building Neuro-Inclusive Communities through Creative Practice (11/19/25) - Details and Registration Lightning Talk: Accessible Restrooms in 10 Minutes or Less (11/13/25) - Details and Registration Arts & Education: Universal Design for Learning: Moving from Accessibility to Empowerment (10/29/25) - Details and Registration The Act of Accessibility Intelligence: Creativity, Mindset, and Institutional Impact (10/7/25) - Details 2024-20 25 Season Access Unlocked: How AI is Empowering Independent Exploration of Museums and Public Spaces (9/10/25) - Details and Registration Lightning Talk: From Access to Aging: 5 Strategies for Building or Expanding a Creative Aging Program (5/20/25) - Details and Registration The REAL POWERTM Shift: Redefining Leadership for Today's Cultural Changemakers (5/6/2025, FREE) - Details Arts & Education: Curricular Renovations (4/9/2025) - Details and Registration Arts & Education: Collaborate to Create: Supporting Youth with Disabilities in Developing Collaboration, Problem-Solving, and Art Skills by Simulating the Music Album Production Process (3/26/25) - Details and Registration Making Inclusive Museums Now (3/18/25) - Details and Registration Lightning Talk: Updates to the Latest Version of the UDL Guidelines and How There Changes Impact Arts Instruction (2/4/25) - Details and Registration Arts & Education: Variations and Translations: Building Access-Centered Theatre Games (1/29/25) - Details and Registration Arts & Education: Diversity in Neurodiversity: Access and Inclusion in the Arts (12/11/2024) - Details and Registration LEAD Lightning Talk: New Accessibility Self-Assessment Tool for Arts and Culture Organizations (11/19/2024) - Details and Registration LEAD Lightning Talk: Access in the Outdoors- Simple Solutions for Reducing Barriers in Outdoor Events/Education (10/24/24) - Details and Registration Arts & Education: Using Improv Theater Games to Strengthen Academic and Social-Emotional Skills for Students with Disabilities (10/23/24) - Details and Registration Arts & Education: Universal Design for Learning in the Arts: A Framework for Inclusion (9/23/24) - Details and Registration LEAD Lightning Talk: Service Animals and Cultural Organizations: Navigating Equal Opportunity in Employment (9/10/24) - Details and Registration 2023-20 24 Season LEAD Lightning Talk: Using An Accessibility Page To Attract People With Disabilities (6/5/24) - Details and Registration Arts & Education: The Power Of The Arts: Teaching Students With Language-Based Learning Differences Through The Visual Arts (5/16/24) - Details and Registration Arts & Education: Cultivating Supportive Arts Learning Spaces Through A Trauma-Informed Approach (4/24/24) - Details and Registration Lightning Talk: Cultural Competency In Audio Description And Alt Text (3/20/24) - Details and Registration Arts & Education: Crip Movement Lab - Centering Disability in the K-12 Classroom (3/13/24) - Details and Registration Arts & Education: Art and Science to Enhance Social Competence for Students with Autism (1/24/24) - Details and Registration Arts & Education: Using the Arts to Accelerate Social-Emotional Learning (12/13/23) - Details and Registration LEAD 2024: Tips for Proposals (11/15/23) - Learn More or View (FREE) Arts & Education: Music For All, Engaging All Learners in the Accessible Music Classroom (11/16/23) - Details and Registration From Checklist to Culture Shift: Crafting an Anti-Ableism Training (11/8/23) - Details and Registration Careers in the Arts for People with Disabilities: An Expert Panel (10/25/23) - Learn More or View (FREE) Arts & Education: Intersections and Bridges: Arts Integration Strategies to Support Gifted and Talented Learners" with Laura Schulkind (10/25/23) - Details and Registration How to Find Gold in Our Community Forums (10/19/23) - Learn More or View (FREE) Tools for Thinking: Design Questions as a Collaborative Planning Tool (10/11/23) - Details and Registration 2022 -2 0 23 Season Arts & Education: Disability Theories in Music Education with Rachel Grimsby (9/27/23) - Details and Registration Arts & Education with Dr. Alicia Barksdale - In My Own Voice: Music Therapy in Special Education (7/26/23) - Details and Registration Arts & Education with Lindsey Vance: Unlocking Healing Through Therapeutic Arts: Cultivating a Nurturing and Empowering Classroom Environment (6/21/23) - Details and Registration A Conversation About Alt Text (6/14/23) - Details and Registration Arts & Education with Ryan Hourigan- Reaching Students with Autism Through the Arts: Implications for Inclusive Arts Classrooms (5/24/23) - Details and Registration Using Popular Music to Teach Social and Emotional Learning (4/26/23) - Details and Registration Disability Justice in the Arts (4/12/23) - Details and Registration Disability & Classical Music Today (4/3/23) - Learn More or View (FREE) Arts & Education: Trauma-Informed Pedagogy in Music Education (3/22/23) - Details and Registration Documenting Your Work (3/13/23) - Details and Registration Ask an Expert: LEAD Listserv Live! (3/8/23) - Details and Registration Arts & Education: Promoting Positive Climates for Learning with Dr. Kareem Thompson (2/22/23) - Details and Registration Accessibility and Neurodiversity (2/8/23) - Details and Registration Make the Most of Your Membership (1/31/23) - Details and Registration Arts & Education: Art through an Equity Lens: An Experience with Folami Prescott-Adams, Ph.D. (1/25/23) - Details and Registration Accessibility and Inclusion for Festival Settings (1/11/23) - Details and Registration Arts & Education: Mentoring: Empowering the Community Through Connection (12/14/22) - Details and Registration Tax Considerations for Artists in the Gig Economy (12/12/22) - Details and Registration AccessLEAD: Tips for Proposal Writing (11/14/22) - Learn More or View (FREE) Arts & Education: Engaging with the Trauma Survival Guide (11/16/22) - Details and Registration Tips for Writing a VSA Program Site Proposal 2022-2023 (11/10/22) - Learn More or View (FREE) House WERK: When Employees have Respect and Knowledge (11/2/22) - Details and Registration ADA Basics (10/26/22) - Details and Registration Understanding and Advocating for your Artwork (10/24/22) - Details and Registration Arts & Education: Inclusivity with Intention (10/19/22) - Details and Registration LEAD Snapshot: Lightning Talks - Originally presented at the 2022 LEAD Conference in Raleigh (9/10/22) - Details and Registration 2021 -2 0 2 2 Season Membership Benefits & Website Tour (8/24/22) - Learn More or View (FREE) Hybrid Sessions from the LEAD Conference 2022 - a curated series of session from the conference - Details and Registration Arts & Education: Promoting Inclusion Through Accessible Social Media (7/13/22) - Details and Registration AccessLEAD: Creating Accessible Handouts (6/8/22 & 6/28/22) - Details and Registration Encourage Self-Awareness and Self-Confidence in Special Education Classrooms Through the Arts (6/22/22) - Details and Registration Arts & Education: Deaf Culture & Etiquette for Hearing Professionals in the Classroom (5/25/22) - Details and Registration Intersectionality and Cultural Access: What Should Cultural Arts Organizations be Thinking About? (5/12/22) - Learn More or View (FREE Making Benefits Work for You (5/1/22) - Details and Registration Arts & Education: Exploring the Rhythms of the Latin World (4/13/22) April 13, 2022 - Details and Registration Arts & Education: Making Dances that Matter, Part 1 & 2: Ask, Listen, Move! (3/9/22 & 3/23/22) - Details and Registration AccessLEAD: Thinking About and Supporting People with Long-Haul COVID-19 (3/10/22) - Learn More or View (FREE) Arts & Education: Oh, How Dramatic: Using Drama in Multiple Settings to Teach Curriculum and Meet IEP Goals (2/23/22) - Details and Registration Arts & Education: Dancing Wheels, Certification Level I: Outcomes and Advantages (1/26/22) - Details and Registration AccessLEAD: Tips for Proposal Writing (11/18/21) - Learn More or View (FREE) Making Musical Connections: String Orchestra for Special Learners (11/3/21) - Details and Registration Collaborative and Accessible Arts Education for Deaf Disabled students: Envisioning, Creating and Adapting for Pre- and Post-Pandemic Programming (10/8/21) - Details and Registration Supporting Youth with Disabilities in Preparing for Creative Careers (9/8/21) - Details and Registration 2020 -2 0 2 1 Season High Support N eed Students in the Zoom Music Classroom (8/11/21) - Details and Registration 5 Ways to Enhance Student Learning through Inclusive Musical Theater (7/28/21) - Details and Registration Movements to Move the Marginalized from the Margins (6/25/21) - Details and Registration Intersectionality and Participation in Music Education: Strategizing to Increase Equity and Access (6/9/21) - Details and Registration Improv as a UDL Strategy to Increase Accessibility in High School Writing Instruction (5/5/21) - Details and Registration Together while Apart: The Creative Doodle Book and Inclusive Online Arts during Covid-19 (4/28/21) - Details and Registration Universal Design in Music Education: Perspectives on Deaf Music Making (4/7/21) - Details and Registration Exploring Fiber Art: Kandinsky Study in Wool (3/24/21) - Details and Registration The Hunter Heartbeat: An Exploration of Shakespeare’s Relationship to Autism (3/10/21) - Details and Registration Addressing Student Trauma through Mindful Art Practices during COVID: Lessons from New Orleans (2/24/21) - Details and Registration An Overview of Special Education Rights in Public Schools (2/10/21) - Details and Registration A First Step to Facilitate the Engagement of Individuals with Severe Disabilities in the Arts (1/27/21) - Details and Registration Previous Webinar Recordings MEMBERS receive full access for FREE to recordings for every Access/VSA International Network Webinar. NON-MEMBERS can register to access recordings of select webinars for $15 per webinar (unless otherwise stated). Member Login for FREE Webinar Recordings

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. Currently open is a Request for Proposals for Digital Services: Website Design & Maintenance, Social Media Management, and Content/Resource Development . Access/VSA is soliciting proposals from qualified contractors to provide comprehensive digital services—including website design and development, ongoing website maintenance, social media management, and content/resource production to strengthen the digital presence of the Access/VSA Employer Community of Practice, Access/VSA International Network, and various creative career initiatives. Please review the RFP for full details. Proposals must be submitted to bsiegel@kennedy-center.org by December 1, 2025.

Become a member of the Access/VSA International Network. Join the Network With members like you, we're creating an international community that fosters the growing field of accessibility and disability in the arts, cultural institutions, and arts education; curates best practices; and defines excellence in the field. Join the Access/VSA Network Now! Join the Access/VSA International Network and benefit from our educational events, networking opportunities, and professional connections for just $30 a year! CREATE COMMUNITY Become part of our transformative creative community! Share your passion for access to the arts with peer s 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 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. Network Benefits FREE access to Network Webinars and Professional Development Discounts on Online Learning Courses Discounts to the Annual LEAD Conference Exclusive Networking with your peers, through our E-lists and Community Forums Exclusive Curated Content Library Access to Opportunities through our job postings, casting calls, c alls for art, residencies, grants, competitions, and more Access to Mentorships Access to Member Directory & Contact Info Monthly Newsletter plus more! Network Groups The Access/VSA International Network has three groups for members to connect with their colleagues and peers: LEAD® Cultural Access Weaving accessibility into a cultural arts organization isn’t easy. Where do you find the specific niche resources you need? The information about new technologies tailored to your organization’s needs? Or, perhaps most importantly, the people who truly understand your passion for the cultural arts and access to them? You’ll find it here. The Access/VSA International LEAD Cultural Access track includes professionals from across the globe, and across the cultural arts spectrum—from theatres to museums to parks. We all share a common goal: a desire to ensure the arts are accessible to people with disabilities, and a commitment to share information and resources to make that desire a reality. Arts & Education You know that the arts are an integral part of a well-rounded education. But how do you help all your students access the arts world? How do you teach visual and performing arts when you’re not artistic? How do you incorporate the arts into your existing programs, or deliver art experiences and workshops in the virtual world? We can help. The Access/VSA International Network Arts & Special Education Track includes school and community educators from around the world. Some are arts specialists, some are general educators or administrators, some work in special education. All are committed to sharing resources, research, and best practices that address the learning needs of students with disabilities in arts-based and arts-integrated instruction. Creatives As an artist, you know that connections can provide inspiration, mentorship, and support. Peers, teachers, and colleagues challenge you to do your best work. As a person with a disability (or an organization that supports artists with disabilities), you recognize the need for resources that fit your life, that teach you useful accommodating techniques, and give you the necessary how-to’s to present your creative work to the world. Membership Options & Rates Premium Organization Includes up to five (5) linked members in your organization Conference discount for up to three (3) people $125 per year Standard Organization Includes up to three (3) linked members in your organization Conference discount for up to two (2) people $75 per year Individual Membership for one (1) person Conference discount for one (1) person $30 per year Join the Access/VSA Network Now! Questions? Contact us at 202-416-8898 or vsainfo@kennedy-ce nter.org .