Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does "VSA" stand for?

Late in 1999 Very Special Arts changed its name to VSA arts. Now standing for Vision, Strength, and Artistic Expression. VSA arts forges full steam ahead into the next century by adopting a new name! VSA arts!

2. Why Arts for People with Disabilities?

From the beginning of a child's education to the time when he or she becomes an adult and pursues a career, studies have shown that the arts enhance both personal and academic success. Studies published in the Journal of Research in Music Education report that elementary school students who participate in music programs score higher in reading, mathematics, language, and overall achievement tests. Recent reports from The College Board indicate that students who study the arts in high school earn higher S.A.T. scores. And the National Arts Education Center reports that students who participate in studio art courses improve their writing and vocabulary skills. All of these findings underscore the value of the arts in positively shaping the lives of all people.

photo by Althea Haropulos

This value is evident when we look at one of the largest segments of our population - people with disabilities. For hundreds of years, people with disabilities have fought negative images and stereotypes, and have often been denied equal opportunity within communities worldwide. Now, through the arts, we are breaking new ground. For people with disabilities, the arts represent a world of resources and opportunities, providing an outlet for creative expression and unlimited possibilities for personal, academic, and professional success. And, because art is an infinite and unconditional field, people with disabilities are free to express themselves without physical, social, or attitudinal barriers.

Marcel Proust wrote: "Only through art can we emerge from ourselves and know what another person sees." When we see art as the universal language that has the ability to unite all people, we understand the importance it has in the lives of people with disabilities. For a person who cannot speak, a dance performance may clearly communicate even the most complicated message. For a person with a mental disability who cannot communicate effectively through words, a painting rich with color and life may say more than verbal sentences ever could. And, for a person who has limited mobility, a song sung with emotion and spirit may elicit movement toward a state of clarity and joy. By engaging in the arts, people with disabilities are able to greatly contribute to our workplaces and communities, help extinguish old stereotypes regarding disability, and create a global culture truly representative of all people.

photo by Althea Haropulos

3. Why are the arts essential to learning?

Many people still see the arts as an extra. However, the world is beginning to discover that the arts provide critical tools for learning in all academic disciplines, thus helping young people become better students today, and better employees tomorrow. According to the College Entrance Examination Board, students who participate in the arts score nearly 100 points higher on the SAT than students who don't. In addition, the more years students participate in the arts, the higher their SAT scores. Recent studies show that students who participate in school music programs score higher in reading, mathematics, language, and overall achievement test scores. Research summaries show that a complete arts education, including dance, music and drama, contributes to improved academic performance for students with disabilities. By employing the multiple learning potentials of the arts, VSA arts programs cultivate lifelong educational skills and help people with disabilities contribute to the cultural and economic life of their communities.

photo by Althea Haropulos

4. Are you an arts therapy organization?

Many people with disabilities involved in our programs use art to nurture independence and self-worth. The medical practitioners and patients benefiting from our program are using art as a means of therapy, and art therapists play a large role in our VA/VSA arts Program, helping veterans in VA Medical Centers express themselves through art. But our goal is not the same as that of the art therapy profession. We aim to provide access to the arts. What people do with that access is up to them, but you can be sure we encourage that access every step of the way.

5. How do I communicate appropriately when speaking to a person with a disability?

We'd like to share with you the following tips for communicating with people with disabilities

• Relax. Treat people with respect and consideration. Do not be embarrassed to use common expressions such as "See you later" of "Did you hear about..."
• Speak directly to the person rather than through a companion or sign language interpreter who may be present.
• When introduced to a person with a disability, it is appropriate to offer to shake hands. People with limited hand use or who wear an artificial limb can usually shake hands. Shaking the left hand is OK as well.
• When meeting a person who is blind or has partial sight, always identify yourself and others who may be with you. When conversing in a group, remember to identify the person to whom you are speaking. Remember: Just because the person is blind or has low vision it does not mean they have a hearing impairment, so don't shout.