VSA Research & Resources
Program Name
The VSA and Accessibility Department offers a large selection of publications, guides, and other resources dealing with a wide variety of subject matter in arts, education, and disabilities.
General Resources
The resources listed here provide general information on arts, education, and disability that may be useful to the public. Publications also highlight developments and activities of VSA.
- Acessibility TipSheet: Scholarship and Financial Aid Resources for Students with Disabilities
- Assessing the Future of the Field: An International Convening of Thought Leaders in Theater, Dance, Disability, Education, and Inclusion
Imagination: A Celebration of the Arts and Disability
Since 1974, VSA has held true to our mission of providing arts and education opportunities for people of all abilities. From the first festivals organized by VSA founder Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to the recent 2010 International VSA Festival, artists from all corners of the globe have gathered together to celebrate the arts and encourage full access and inclusion.
Download the book here:
Journey to Here: VSA arts' Celebration of the Power of the Arts
VSA arts celebrated its 25th anniversary with the publication of an elegant book that recognizes the power and honors the impact the arts have had on the lives of 25 individuals with disabilities. Each profile speaks to the transformative role the arts played in the personal journey of each aritst.
Each person profiled in The Journey to Here provides the reader with a personal account of how their life was shaped by their artistic experiences. Coupled with commanding portrait photography, each artist is introduced by a portrait photograph that leaves a lasting impression on all of the book's readers.
Photographer David Reader traveled around the country in an RV, meeting with each artist, and creating portraits of these remarkable individuals in their homes, with their families, and producing their work.
From a pool of nominations from VSA arts affiliates around the country, a selection team composed of VSA arts headquarters' staff selected twenty-five individuals to be featured in this first nationally published book capturing the stories of artists with disabilities who testify to VSA arts and the power of the arts.
Once the selections were made, photographer C. David Reader and writer Alexandra Rabins got to work. David traveled around the country in his mobile home, meeting with the artists, their families and teachers. Alex interviewed the artists over the telephone prior to David's arrival and then contacted him to share information about the artists to help David capture a more personal image on film.
Through these collaborative efforts, a book began to emerge that was as distinctive as the individuals profiled. Ranging in age from 10 to 70 and home-residencies from California to Delaware, these VSA arts artists share their stories and passion for the arts. Each story offers readers a unique perspective of how the transformational power of the arts play a key role in their personal journeys of living with a disability.
Resources for Educators and Parents
The resources listed here are designed to help educators and parents gain more useful information on the relationship of arts, education, and disabilities, especially for children with disabilities. As a leader in arts, education, and disabilities, VSA has produced programmatic resources that have proved invaluable to educators and parents alike.
Publications
The is co-published by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), Division of the Visual and Performing Arts (DARTS) and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. JASE is a peer-reviewed open-access scholarly journal that is now available on the CEC-DARTS and the Kennedy Center websites free of charge
A collection of four academic papers that span art form and disability to offer a comprehensive picture of best practices and emerging evidence in the arts and special education. An important resource for researchers and practitioners alike, this latest volume forms the foundation for the field's first peer-reviewed journal. Published in 2018.
The Arts and Special Education: A Map for Research
In July and September of 2016, the Kennedy Center hosted a group of researchers and academics to take stock of the arts and special education field and chart a course to advance the field through rigorous research. This map offers a high-level overview of identified priority areas, as well as milestones by which the field can measure its progress. The map is a living document, meant to invite individuals, funders, and institutions to join the Kennedy Center in advancing this ambitious agenda.
A collection of nine articles describing emergent research, exemplary program models, and best practice in the instruction of students with disabilities in and through the arts. This publication is ideal for educators, researchers, and advocates. It provides current information, while also contributing important new pieces into the growing body of academic literature shaping our field. Published in 2017.
Students with Disabilities and the Core Arts Standards: Guiding Principles for Teachers
A set of guidelines for teachers that addresses the needs of students with disabilities while following the National Core Arts Standards. Visit for the complete standards, additional inclusion guidelines, and resources within each arts discipline. Published in 2014.
A collection of ten articles describing exemplary graduate and applied programs, innovative practices, and models for partnerships. This publication provides readers with some of the most current exemplary practices and expertise representing a range of arts education disciplines: drama, visual arts, music, and dance. Published in 2014.
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A publication of eight articles by leaders in the intersected fields of arts and special education. The articles include philosophical discussions and descriptions of exemplary university pre-service programs, instructional programs, and teaching strategies. The book can be downloaded in its entirety, or by individual article. Published in 2012.
- 2012 Examining the Intersection of Arts Education and Special Education: A National Forum - Proceedings and Executive Summary
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Leaders working at the intersection of arts education and special education met in July 2012 to explore successes and issues and make recommendations for a new national agenda that would positively impact the education of students with disabilities in and through the arts. The proceedings report on their recommendations. Published in 2012.
- Transition to Employment: Model Projects Fostering Careers in the Arts for Youth with Disabilities
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A publication featuring model transition to employment programs in the arts developed and implemented by six VSA state affiliates for students and youth with disabilities interested in pursuing careers in the arts, arts administration or arts education. Published in 2012.
- Arts Education and Special Education Bibliography
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An annotated list of journal articles and books pertaining to work at the intersection of arts education and special education. Updated November 2012.
The Contours of Inclusion: Inclusive Arts Teaching and Learning
This publication shares strategies, tools, and case studies on the developmental process of including students with disabilities through the design of varied, flexible arts learning options in standards-based, arts integrated curricula. Published in 2010.
Taking Notice: Through the Lens
A monograph describing an artist-in-residence program conducted in three schools in Rhode Island, Florida, and Kentucky to teach photography, artistic expression, and self-awareness to young adults with and without disabilities. Published in 2001
Lesson Plans
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Visual Arts Teacher Resource Guides
These free, downloadable guides are created to assist educators and parents in exploring the idea of self-portraiture with their students. The guides will includes lesson plans which apply principles of Universal Design in order to make the plans accessible to students of all abilities.
Start with the Arts and
Start with the Arts at Home
Start with the Arts is an instructional resource that enables teachers and parents to create meaningful learning experiences for young children utilizing all of the arts--visual arts, creative movement, creative drama, and music. Designed to be implemented in inclusive settings, Start with the Arts assists young children, with and without disabilities, in exploring through the arts thematic topics commonly taught in early childhood programs. Start with the Arts capitalizes on the inherently motivating nature of the arts to engage young children in exploring, creating meaning, and expressing their ideas about topics under study.
Start with the Arts at Home explores themes commonly taught in early childhood classrooms in the home setting.
The Artistry of Water
The Artistry of Water is a free, cross-disciplinary resource that encourages students to think critically about the connections between the visual arts and science—specifically, the study of our most important natural resource: water. The educational resource profiles artist Gregory Burns, who has limited use of his legs after contracting polio and incorporates his experience with both disability and water into his works of art. Designed for grades 6–8, The Artistry of Water addresses United States national standards in science education and arts education.
- Teacher Guide
- Student Activities
- Activity 1 Images
- Activity 2 Images
- Activity 3 Images
- Activity 4 Images
Writing Spotlights
Short literary works with discussion questions and writing activities by authors with disabilities, designed to stimulate dialogue, promote language arts skills, and raise disability awareness in the classroom.
Each Writing Spotlight is accompanied by discussion questions and writing activities to promote language arts skills, including reading comprehension and creative writing.
Download and photocopy the Writing Spotlights to use in your classroom.
- “Stone Strong” by Stephen Kuusisto
- “Dreaming of Heaven” by Kathi Wolfe
- “The Gentle Way” by Lynn Manning
- “Blind Imagination: Pictures into Words” by Georgina Kleege
- “The History of My Shoes and the Evolution of Darwin’s Theory” by Kenny Fries
- “School House Candy” by Anne Finger
- “Telling Stories” by Steven E. Brown
- “Poems with Disabilities” by Jim Ferris
A Portrait of an Artist-Scientist
A Portrait of an Artist-Scientist is a free, cross-disciplinary teacher resource that inspires students to think critically about the connection between art and science. The educational kit profiles artist Mark Parsons, who has multiple sclerosis and incorporates his experience with both disability and science into his works of art. Classroom activities listed in the teacher guide allow students to more fully explore the topics of heredity, DNA, and visual art. These activities meet national standards for science, art, and thinking and reasoning.
A Portrait of an Artist-Scientist educational kit includes:
- Four Page Student Magazine (8.5"x11" pages)
- Four Page Student Magazine (11"x17" pages)
- Four Page Teacher's Guide (8.5"x11" pages)
- Four Page Teacher's Guide (11"x17" pages)
To receive a printed copy of the student magazine and teacher's guide, contact us.
Let Your Style Take Shape
Let Your Style Take Shape is a free resource that provides educators with suggestions for creating inclusive educational environments and provides teachers with cross-curricular lessons that meet national standards for math and the visual arts.
The Let Your Style Take Shape educational kit includes:
- Four Page Teacher's Guide (8.5"x11" pages)
- Four Page Teacher's Guide (11"x17" pages)
- Four Reproducible Student Activities
- A Wall Poster
Due to size constraints, the downloadable poster will not print beyond 8.5 x 11. For a full size copy of the Let Your Style Take Shape poster, or to receive a complete printed copy of the Let Your Style Take Shape educational kit, contact us.
Additional Resources
Let the Light In - An Introduction to Writing Poetry in Inclusive Settings
Real Stuff that Matters - An Introduction to Journal Writing in Inclusive Settings
Opening Up the Sky - An Introduction to Creative Writing and Bookmaking in Inclusive Settings
Playwright Discovery Award Teacher's Guide - Playwriting supports core subjects, reinforces 21st century learning skills, and helps students discover their creative potential. This newly revised guide shares teaching strategies and exercises that have proven successful in developing students' playwriting skills.
2010 International VSA Education Conference Proceedings
A comprehensive resource of papers presented at this conference, which gathered scholars, educators, artists, and administrators from around the world to explore effective strategies to improve the quality of learning through standards-based arts education focusing on three areas: 21st-Century Learning Skills, Inclusive Education, and Pathways to Employment. Published in 2010.
Arts and 21st Century Learning Skills
Surprised to be Standing
- Steven Brown, Center on Disability Studies
Amazing Grace, Jack, and Multiple Intelligences
- Leslie Fanelli, Theatre in Motion
Neuro-Arts Education: Neuroscience and Education
- Dr. Rick Garner, Kennesaw State University
Art Education for the 21st Century
- Ellyn Gaspardi, Teaching for Artistic Behavior, Inc.; Katherine Douglas, Bridgewater Middle School
Rhythm Sounds (Prerequisites for Peace Ambassador Movement)
- Dada Ra, The Creators Gift 137
Museums, Libraries, and 21st Century Skills
- Deborah Schwartz, Brooklyn Historical Society
Inclusive Arts Curriculum, Practices, and Assessment
Intergrated Arts Approaches in Education: Dramatic Arts as a Mediator for Literacy Learning
- Dr. Alida Anderson, American University; Linda Krakaur, George Mason University
Teaching Project for Inclusive Dance
- Leticia Peñaloza Nyssen, National School of Dance
Audio Description: A Path to Literacy for All
- Joel Snyder, Audio Description Associates
Strategies for inclusion in dance; disability, performativity and transition into and out if higher education
- Sarah Whatley, Coventry University (UK)
Pathways to Employment
Outsider Art, the Studio Movement and Gateway Arts
- Rae Edelson, Gateway Arts/Vinfen
Effectiveness of Counseling Program for Developing Art Expression and Adaptive Behavior
- Nadia Elarabi, VSA Egypt
These papers do not necessarily reflect the policies of VSA, the International Organization on Arts and Disability. You should not assume endorsement by VSA.
Kennedy Center Education
Generous support for educational programs at the Kennedy Center is provided by the U.S. Department of Education.
Gifts and grants to educational programs at the Kennedy Center are provided by A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation; Annenberg Foundation; the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation; Bank of America; Bender Foundation, Inc.; Carter and Melissa Cafritz Trust; Carnegie Corporation of New York; DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities; Estée Lauder; Flocabulary; Harman Family Foundation; The Hearst Foundations; the Herb Alpert Foundation; the Howard and Geraldine Polinger Family Foundation; William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust; the Kimsey Endowment; The King-White Family Foundation and Dr. J. Douglas White; Laird Norton Family Foundation; Lois and Richard England Family Foundation; Dr. Gary Mather and Ms. Christina Co Mather; Dr. Gerald and Paula McNichols Foundation; The Morningstar Foundation; The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation;
Music Theatre International; Myra and Leura Younker Endowment Fund; the National Endowment for the Arts; Newman’s Own Foundation; Nordstrom; Park Foundation, Inc.; Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; Prince Charitable Trusts; Soundtrap; The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust; Rosemary Kennedy Education Fund; The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates; The Victory Foundation; The Volgenau Foundation; and Volkswagen Group of America. Additional support is provided by the National Committee for the Performing Arts.
The content of these programs may have been developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education but does not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education. You should not assume endorsement by the federal government.