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Arts Information Center

State Organizations

Arkansas

1. Arc Arkansas
   "The Arc of Arkansas, Inc. is a statewide membership organization providing supports, advocacy, education and leadership to people with developmental disabilities and their families... The Arc assists and encourages individuals in acquiring skills and supports which allow them to make decisions regarding their own lives, helping them to achieve integration into the mainstream of community life."

Florida

1. VSA Arts of Florida
   "VSA arts of Florida is a state affiliate of VSA arts, an international nonprofit organization that creates educational opportunities through the arts for people with disabilities."

Georgia

1. Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta (DSAA)
   A helpful organization dedicated to those who care for people with down syndrome. There are support groups, buddy walks, volunteer and job opportunities.

Illinois

1. VSA Arts of Illinois
   VSA branch of Illinois.

Iowa

1. VSA Arts of Iowa
   "VSA arts of Iowa, formerly known as Very Special Arts Iowa, is a non-profit organization (501 C3) founded in 1977 by Jacqueline Merritt to utilize the arts in improving the ability of children and adults with disabilities and at-risk conditions, not only to learn and express themselves, but to become productive and contributing members of society. There are three focus areas for all the programs including: Arts For Children, Festivals, and Special Projects."

Kentucky

1. Arc of the Bluegrass
   The Lexington chapter of the Arc of Kentucky.
2. Minds Wide Open Art Center
   MWO "serves people considered by some to have disabilities by providing creative outlets for self-expression and opportunities to participate in the larger community, resulting in the artists becoming effective self-advocates and active citizens." MWO is a program of the Arc of the Bluegrass, Inc.

Maine

1. VSA Arts of Maine
   "VSA Arts of Maine is a non-profit organization that provides educational arts opportunities by, with and for people with disabilities and at risk. Founded over twenty years ago by Jean Kennedy Smith as an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, VSA offers programs in music, dance, writing, and the visual arts."

Maryland

1. Maryland Arts Access
   "CCBC Essex (Community College of Baltimore County - Essex) is pleased to have in residence Maryland Arts Access, a non-profit organization providing audio description for the visually impaired at performing arts events throughout Maryland."

New York

1. Hands On
   Hands On is a "New York-based service organization dedicated to providing greater accessibility to arts and cultural events for the Deaf and hard of hearing community. Founded in 1982, our mission is to bring the performing and fine arts to Deaf people of all ages." Hands On provides sign language interpretation to theatres in New York City.
2. Hospital Audiences, Inc.
   Hospital Audiences, Inc. (HAI) is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1969 to provide access to the arts to culturally isolated New Yorkers. HAI service recipients include people with mental and physical disabilities, mentally retarded/ developmentally disabled persons, bed-confined/ wheelchair-users, visually and hearing-impaired individuals, the homeless, the frail elderly, youth at risk, participants in substance abuse programs, persons with HIV/AIDS and individuals in correctional facilities. "Access for All: A Second Edition" is a guide for people with disabilities to New York City cultural institutions published by Hospital Audiences, Inc. and WCBS Newsradio 88, available through this site.
3. Special Theatre Arts Group for Exceptional Student
   STAGES is a theatre arts group in New York for children with special needs. Its therapeutic programs combine drama, movement, arts & crafts, character education and reflective thinking techniques to facilitate social and communication skills among children with special needs and children exhibiting "at-risk" behaviors.

Pennsylvania

1. Philadelphia Developmental Disabilities Corporation
   "Through our experienced, diversified staff, PDDC provides quality services for men and women, aged 18 and up, who have disabilities or age-related frailties. Programs range from vocational and employment in Albert Teti Developmental Services, to senior citizen support through the John & Beverly Anello Adult Day Health Center, to creative arts therapies in the George & Esther Horowitz Cultural Center."

Washington

1. VSA Arts of Washington
   "Inclusive Arts Programs for People of ALL Abilities!"

West Virginia

1. VSA arts of West Virginia
   "VSA arts of West Virginia is dedicated to providing opportunities in the arts for people with disabilities. VSA arts of West Virginia promotes the arts, education, and creative expression for children and adults with disabilities, thereby strengthening the human spirit and improving the quality of life for all. VSA arts of West Virginia offers festivals and creative writing, dance, drama, music, and visual arts workshops."