Information here about products and services does not necessarily indicate endorsement by Accessible Arts.

Table of Contents

Kansas City Metro Organizations

Aspergers/Autism Guild http://www.autismasperger.org/
The purpose of the Autism Asperger Resource Center (AARC) is to foster the behavioral, academic, and social development of persons with autism, Asperger's syndrome, and related exceptionalities by offering a variety of services to individuals and support networks.

Autism Video Glossary http://www.autismspeaks.org/video/glossary.php
Sponsored by Autism Speaks and First Signs, this site presents some red flags for autism in this short video. Differences, some side-by-side and some striking, depict 'stimming' (repeatitive, self-stimulating or soothing behavior including hand-flapping and rocking in reaction to light, sounds or excitement) , 'echolalia' (echoing or repeating someone else's words or phrases, sometimes out of context), and other terms that describe autistic behavior. The sponsors note that not all children who exhibit these behaviors have something wrong...some behaviors look pretty normal. What is important is to get persistent symptoms checked out. (This site has undergone refinements and hopefully more will come. PC users may have greater satisfaction than Mac users.)

DeafCensus http://www.deafcensus.org/home
A database of deaf and hearing loss related organizations by geographical location. Their goal is to provide information related to accessibility, deaf culture, education, social and mental health services. This site is currently under development.

Disabled Online - Serving Special People with Special Needs http://www.disabledonline.com
Links for Education, Employment, Government, Home Living, Legal, Medical, News & Articles, Organizations, Recreation, Shopping, Travel, Chat, Forum. Includes a text version.

Disability is Natural - http://www.disabilityisnatural.com/
This website is chock full of information about 'people first'/universal language, new ways of thinking about persons with disabilities, and even nifty merchandise.

Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City http://www.kcdsg.org
The Down Syndrome Guild is a non-profit volunteer organization whose mission is to provide support and resources for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. The Guild encourages active participation in the community, fosters positive attitudes, and helps individuals with Down syndrome reach their full potential.

Dreams Work http://www.dreamsworkinc.org
Helps young adults with severe/multiple disabilities lead a meaningful life through a full five-day-per-week program focusing on activities suited to each individual; promotes healthy family life by 'Sharing The Caring'; Helps avoid costly institutional care.

EFECT http://www.efect.org/home
A not-for-profit organization which was created by parents for parents. Their mission is to empower families of children with disabilities by providing education, information, encouragement, support, and pathways to services. EFECT presently serves over 1200 individuals in the Greater Kansas City area and outlying communities.

Epilepsy Founcation for Kansas & Western Missouri http://www.efha.org
The Epilepsy Foundation of Kansas and Western Missouri provides education, advocacy, and services for people affected by epilepsy or other seizure disorders. Our organization was created to put an end to the myths and misunderstandings about epilepsy while helping individuals with epilepsy to improve their quality of life.

Families Together http://www.familiestogetherinc.org/
Families Together is a statewide non-profit organization assisting Kansas families which include sons and/or daughters who have any form of disability. FAMILIES TOGETHER, Inc. is dedicated to a society that includes and values all people—encourages, educates, and empowers families that include a child/youth with disabilities. Their goal is to provide hope through support & information which will enable families and communities to maximize the abilities of individuals who learn differently.

Johnson County Accessibility Program http://humanservices-aging.jocogov.org/
The mission of Johnson County Human Services and Aging Department is to provide essential human services as a safety net, targeting older adults, people with a disability and low-income families, in order to support independence, dignity and self-sufficiency. They provide case management, in-home services, disability awareness, support groups, deaf services and a telecommunication access demonstration site.

Little People of America http://www.lpaonline.org/ Includes listings with contact information by district and region for local affiliates.

The Whole Person http://www.thewholeperson.org
Non-residential services at no cost to individuals with disabilities in most of the Kansas City metopolitan area. Services promote independence, self reliance, integration into society and empowerment, and provide community-based, consumer-driven independent living assistance.

Back to top

National Organizations

The ADA Collection: Your Online ADA Encyclopedia http://www.adaportal.org/
If you're looking for information about the Americans with Disabilities Act, one of your best resources is compiled by the ADA&IT Technical Assistance Centers funded under the U.S. Department of Education's National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. It's a work in progress that already has over 6,000 documents. You can use the search feature to pull up specific information. There's a Basic ADA Information page for a good overview.

ADAG Regulations http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm
General Requirements, Providers, Governments, Design Standards, Status Reports, Index, ADA Law, Resources, Updates, Disability Rights. Also a link to the home page.

The Alliance for Technology Access http://www.ataccess.org/
The Alliance for Technology Access (ATA) is a network of community-based Resource Centers, Developers, Vendors and Associates dedicated to providing information and support services to children and adults with disabilities, and increasing their use of standard, assistive, and information technologies. ATA Members can be found all across the country. Their mission is "connecting children and adults with disabilities to technology tools."

Artreach, Inc. http://www.art-reach.org
Publishes an award-winning guide, Access the Arts, etc., A Guide for People with Disabilities. Located in Pennsylvania. Calendar, History/Programs, How to Get Involved

ASL University: Online American Sign Language Courses http://www.lifeprint.com/asl101/index.htm
The ASL University offers a series of self-paced online ASL lessons on the Internet. Lessons cover aspects of Deaf Culture, ASL grammar, and vocabulary. Dr. Bill Vicars developed the lessons as a public service. Bill is certified by the American Sign Language Teachers Association and has taught ASL course for over 15 years.

The website says that [as of 6-28-04] there are enough lessons to cover a level one college course. There is no fee unless you need testing and documentation.

Autism One Radio http://www.autismone.org/radio/ This web station will present daily broadcasts of parents and professionals from many backgrounds and disciplines to bring the autism community and the general public the best information available. Website includes the schedule in several formats and a list of key hosts and guests.

Coalition for Independence http://www.cfi-kc.org
Center for Independent Living, Information & Referral, Independent Living Skills, Peer Support, Attendant Care Referrals, Payroll Agent Services, Advocacy, HCBS PD Waiver Case Management

Disabilities Awareness Guide http://www.vsarts.org/x523.xml
Gain additional knowledge about disability and tips for social etiquette and positive interactions by reading the VSA arts' Disability Awareness Guide.

National Center for Accessible Media (NCAM) http://ncam.wgbh.org/mopix/nowshowing.html
Access instructions for users with disabilities. Movie theaters that offer closed captioning (CC) and Descriptive Video Services (DVM). Includes current attraction, times, dates, and theater by state. (May not be kept current.)

National Center for Accessible Media (NCAM) http://www.mopix.org
Website for direct access to movie theaters that offer closed captioning (CC) and Descriptive Video Services (DVM). Scroll to "Now Showing" (View Theaters and Showtimes), then enter your state in the search window. Includes current attraction, times, dates, and theater by state. (May not be kept current.)

National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHEY) http://www.nichcy.org
The Dissemination Center is part of the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Program (OSEP). They will be a central source of information on: * IDEA, the nation's special education law; * No Child Left Behind (as it relates to children with disabilities); and * Research-based information on effective educational practices.

National Organization on Disability (NOD) http://www.nod.org/stats/
An extensive website including categories of Community (social, religious, political, emergency preparedness), Economic (jobs, employees, marketing, technology) and Access to Independence (housing, health, transportation, education). Includes a broad variety of links including Census data, U.S. statistics and, also, an Acrobat Reader free, reproducible curriculum related to job skills readiness (under Economic category). Their many links include:

Census Bureau Fact Sheets http://www.nod.org/content.cfm?id=1091
Emerging Trends in Disability http://www.nod.org/content.cfm?id=729
U.S. Statistic Resources http://www.nod.org/content.cfm?id=345

State Resource Directories on ADA Compliance and Technical Assistance http://www.nadc.ucla.edu/states.htm
Listings by state in categories: Technical Assistance, Employment, Technology, Disabilities Agencies/Organizations (Deaf, Blind, Developmental, Independent Living Centers, Mental Health), Other.

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA): Resources compiled by the Office for AccessAbility.

National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities http://www.nichcy.org/states.htm

NICHCY compiles disability-related resources in each state, and creates State Resource Sheets. This handy resource sheet will help you locate organizations and agencies within your state that address disability-related issues, including:

• Governors and U.S. Senators
• State agencies serving children and youth with disabilities
• State chapters of disability organizations and parent groups
• Parent training and information projects

  Back to top

Arts Advocacy

Americans For the Arts http://www.AmericansForTheArts.org
Calendar of Events, Books, Leadership Development, Visibility Campaigns, Quotes, Awards, National Arts Policy, and Database.

Americans for the Arts Services… http://www.AmericansForTheArts.org/services/visibility/nahm.asp

American Printing House for the Blind (APH) http://www.aph.org
Download rules for art contest. Deadline about April 1.

Camp Fire National Art Competition http://www.campfireusadallas.org/artcomp/

Classical Music Competition for the Blind in the U.S. http://www.guildfortheblind.org
The Catholic Guild for the Blind in Chicago has obtained preliminary funding and secured the partnership of WFMT (local classical music station) to conduct a classical musical competition for blind or visually impaired artists. The contest will be conducted via taped submissions. The four winners will play before a live recital audience and the concert will be taped for broadcast on WFMT. Contact the guild in Chicago by phone: (312) 236-8569.

Congressional Arts Competition Contact your Congressional Representative's office -
Every spring Congressional Representatives launch an effort in their districts to discover and celebrate talented young high school artists and their work through the Congressional Arts Competition. Information is usually available about mid-February. Information details and application material can now be found by clicking here:
If you need additional help in Kansas 3rd District, click here:

High school students are invited to participate in this event by submitting their works of art for the competition. The artist whose work is chosen by a panel of distinguished local artists has the distinction of having his or her artwork displayed in the corridors of our nation's Capitol, on view for the many thousands of visitors who walk through the hall daily. The winner also has an opportunity to meet with other similarly talented young artists at the unveiling of their works in Washington, D.C.

Cultures without Borders - http://www.ibcckc.org/cultmain.htm
Borders typically separate and divide rather than include. The theme of this visual and liberal arts traveling exhibit is to produce a work based on the idea Cultures Without Borders. Our intent is to challenge individuals to focus on their unique similarities and rich diversities. (Works submitted should express an interpretation of your culture.)

Helen Keller International Art Show http://www.vsrc.uab.edu/deafblind/hk.html
The Helen Keller Art Show is a juried state-wide and international exhibit of artwork by children and youth with sensory impairments. The philosophy of the exhibit is that all participating students are considered winners and that teachers are encouraged to incorporate visual arts into the individual educational plan of each student. The invitation is open to school children of all ages who are visually impaired, blind, or deafblind youth. Students may select their preferred art medium. Each school system may submit up to seven piecesof art.

Sister Kenny International Art Show http://www.allina.com/ahs/ski.nsf/page/artshow/
Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute's International Art Show by Artists with Disabilities is a 42 year tradition. The show is one of only a handful of judged art shows in the country for those with a physical or mental impairment. Artwork is judged in six categories: * graphic * watercolor * sculpture * photography * mixed media * oils and acrylics

Panasonic Young Soloists Award For information: http://www.vsarts.org/x22.xml
For outstanding young soloists (vocalist or instrumentalist) with a disability, ages 25 and under. Kansas applicants contact: accarts@accessiblearts.org

SUPERFEST (sponsored by Corporation on Disabilities and Telecommunication) http://www.madknight.com/cdt/superfest/index.htm
The world’s longest-running juried international disability film festival, is seeking your entry for submission to our film competition. SUPERFEST is the primary international showcase for cutting-edge films that portray disability culture in all its diverse, complex, and empowering facets. They seek entries of works about disability produced in the previous four years.

They especially want to encourage submissions by mediamakers with disabilities. A 1/2 inch VHS-NTSC preview format is required, along with a completed and signed entry and release form, and entry fee check. This is an international media event that exhibits works by amateurs and professionals. The films and videotapes offer a forum for the examination of ideas, myths, fears and attitudes about people with disabilities

Volkswagen of America—Expressing Freedom Award For information: http://www.vsarts.org/ Kansas applicants contact: accarts@accessiblearts.org

VSA arts For information: http://www.vsarts.org/x21.xml

Numerous artist aids and competitions for artists who have a disability: Young Soloists Award, Playwright Discovery Award; Playwright Discovery; Teacher Award; Call for Flash Fiction and Poetry; Call for Children's Art. Kansas applicants contact: accarts@accessiblearts.org

Winfield Arts & Humanities Council Contest for Kansas Young Writers http://www.iwinfield.net/~wahc/events.htm
Writers competing in the Youth Division must be under 18 or currently enrolled in high school. Entries: Unpublished poetry or short story competition. Simultaneous submissions are acceptable, but writers must notify us immediately if an entry has been accepted elsewhere. No single entry may be longer than 20 pages.

Back to top

Arts Organizations/Agencies

From Computer Illiterate to Award-Winning Web Designer: A Visual Artists's Journey
by Elizabeth Hack ©2004 Designing your own Artist's Web Page The artist shares tips about how she planned and designed her own website

Age & Play www.ageandplay.bravehost.com
Age & Play, a not for profit organization, is dedicated to teaching basic music fundamentals to the elderly, and to children who have disabilities or are disadvantaged. Their ultimate goal is to establish teaching centers across the country as a community service to those people who otherwise could never have the opportunity to learn music. Age & Play offers programs that are structured to exercise the mind, body and soul, and encourages people to build on their unique abilities.

aha! Dance Theatre http://www.ahadancetheatre.com/
Programming, classes, workshops, schedule of events

Amherst Writers & Artists (Mass.) http://www.amherstwriters.com
Amherst writers and artists; Amherst, MA. email: awai@amherstwriters.com

American Art Therapy Association http://www.arttherapy.org
Official web site. Art therapy, Resources, News/Events

American Art Therapy Association Research http://www.arttherapy.org/research/art_therapy_research.htm

Art Teacher on the Net (Projects for Kids) http://www.artmuseums.com/
Free art project ideas for the classroom (or home)

Artwanted.com is a community of artists of all ages from all around the world. Once you join, you have the privilege of posting your artwork for the entire world to see. It is free for minimum use, meaning you can upload three images a month and participate in the standard activities like message boards, blogs, shoping and owning your own onlline porfolio. Becoming a 'premium' member requires a monthly fee, but allows you to see how often people visit your artwork. Many additional features are optional.

Arts Education Partnership (AEP) (Mass.) http://aep-arts.org
Advocacy Resources, Funding Opportunities, Publications & Resources (Champions of Change, Learning Partnerships, Good Schools Require the Arts, NAEP Report Card, Gaining the Arts Advantage, Young Children and the Arts: Making Creative Connections), Arts Education Links

Arts & Humanities Association of Johnson County http://www.artsnoboundaries.org/
913/345-2720

Arts Partners http://kcya.org/artspartners/ In February 2003, Accessible Arts joined this coalition of premiere arts organizations of Kansas City. Through Arts Partners, we will have access to a broader range of contracted arts programming opportunities. Arts Partners is a comprehensive arts education program designed for kindergarten through the twelfth grade that integrates the community arts resources of Greater Kansas City into area school districts.

As an Arts Partner, schools create a program plan in the arts for the entire year. Plans are custom built to suit the curriculum needs and goals of schools and districts. Arts Partners membership provides access to a multitude of programming for the arts that include creative writing, dance, theater, visual arts and music. Students and teachers experience firsthand the arts in a global context where the study of language, science, math and social studies are integrated and interrelated. The use of the arts in the classroom creates an atmosphere that both engages and improves students overall attitudes about learning and the arts

ArtsLinks http://www.artslinks.org
Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City; (816/221-1777); Arts & Humanities Association of Johnson County. Calendar of cultural events in Kansas City metropolitan area; Organizations, Artists & Arts Educators; Helpful Links; Resources & Opportunities; Studio 150; Kansas City business Committee; Economic Impact Study; Kansas City Arts Map

BEST Network, Beyond the Evening Star Theater, "Where Every Star Shines Bright". bestnetarts@aol.com
The BEST theater program is the main area of focus that spawns other areas of interest in the transition process. They look at the whole person and create experiences in the arts that support individual goals. They create communities of kindness and inclusion for all people; create friendships resulting in meaningful relationships that will change the way we work, live and play together; foster partnerships that will encourage productivity and bring jobs to people with disabilities; and transform lives of people with and without disabilities, resulting in respect and dignity for all.

Rita Blitt - Sculptor http://www.ritablitt.com
Nationally recognized Kansas City sculptor, artist, author.

Rita Blitt's Children's Page http://www.ritablitt.com/books_media/nessie12.shtml

Community Access to the Arts http://www.communityaccesstothearts.org/
CATA's Arts In and Arts Out program facilitates 800 arts education workshops for more than 300 individuals each year... partnering with more than twenty educational, cultural, community and human service organizations in Berkshire County Massachusetts. Their goal is to recognize, support and encourage, in the belief that direct experience in the arts AWAKENS hidden talents that might never have been realized.

Expressive Therapy Concepts http://expressivetherapy.org
A nonprofit organization dedicated to education & service in the creative arts therapies & related disciplines.

Growth Through Art - in Montana http://www.imt.net/~dist7hrdc/growth.htm
Provides a Montana number for locals to acquire program info; a multifaceted program serving people with disabilities, social service providers, and the general public. The core of the program is a studio based art experience for adults with disabilities.

Healthy Sounds http://www.healthysounds.com
Music Therapists Barry Bernstein conducts interactive music drumming programs for a wide variety of groups and functions including Corporate Team-Building, School Assemblies, Staff Development, Family and Church Community Events.

The Jellybean Conspiracy http://www.jellybeanconspiracy.org/
Jellybean uses theatre to change attitudes towards children and young adults with disabilities and increase natural supports for them in the community. It promotes the performance of a theatre piece—the Jellybean Conspiracy—which models kindness of heart and promotes thoughtful inclusion.

Kansas Art Education Association http://www.kaea.com
Under construction

Kansas Arts Commission (KAC) http://arts.state.ks.us/
Can download Individual artist Grant Guidelines; Programs/Grants; Newsletters; Resource Links

Kennedy Center ArtsEdge (Mass.) http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/artsedge.html
Professional resources; NewsBreak; Teaching Materials

Kids Rule http://artkidsrule.com/kidsrule.shtml
VERY CUTE ! "The net's best place for learning and creating."

Mark Manning - Watercolor Artist: http://www.planetkc.com/sheeshwow/02home.html Quadriplegic. Merriam, Kansas

Michael Moore - Visual Artist http://members.aol.com/shikaman/index.html Blind/VI. Merriam, Kansas

Mid-America Arts Alliance http://www.maaa.org
Programs/Grants (Community Catalyst & Meet the Composer, Heartland Arts Fund, Productions, Education, Small Museums, Exhibits); Partnerships; News

Mid-America Arts Alliance Heartland Arts Fund http://www.maaa.org/haf/index.php3 Funds to bring in out-state artists; 25% of cost if in their territory/their list; 15% of cost if out of their territory/not on their list

Mid-America Arts Alliance --Artist Search http://www.maaa.org/search/
Professional Performing Artists in 15-state area:
Enter state, name, etc.

Music Therapy for Life ~ by Kay Huddleston, Registered Music Therapist
www.musictherapyforlife.com
Music Therapist Kay Huddleston offers music in fun ways that are therapeutic for families, and children of all ages. Her programs are currently being enjoyed by persons in Olathe area nursing homes, and by families and children in Wyandotte and Leavenworth Counties.
for program details.

National Institute of Arts and Disabilities (Calif) http://www.niadart.org
Dr. Elias Katz, President admin@niadart.org. Gallery, Studio, News, Store, Links, Artists

National Art Education Association (NAEA) http://www.naea-reston.org/

National Coalition of Creative Arts Therapies Association http://www.nccata.org
Contact information and information about various arts therapies

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)
http://www.nea.gov/
NEA website; "Cultural Funding: Federal Opportunities." More than 100 federal programs and 10 project examples. Federal Programs, Program Types, Reference Tools & Tips.

New York Foundation for the Arts http://www.nyfa.org/nyfa_source.asp?id=47&fid=1
Tutorial, National Database, Jobs, Art Information, Fiscal, Technology Resources, Fellowships, Career Advancement, Teaching Artist Grants

P. Buckley Moss Foundation for children's Education http://www.mossfoundation.org
Conferences, Education Resources, Teacher Awards, Learning Barriers, Affiliates

Phame Academy of Fine Arts Portland, OR http://www.phameacademy.org/
The academy offers a broad range of classes in the arts for children with disabilities. In 1992 the PHAME program took an important step and became an Academy of Fine Arts, operation here in Portland. Up to 70 students per term have attended courses in art, dance, choir, writing and drama, Future programs may include sculpture and play writing.

REACH…a movement collective, inc. http://www.reachkc.org
Dance, Theatre, Improvisation

Matt Savage - Jazz Pianist http://www.savagerecords.com
10 yrs. old. Autism (audio spectrum disorder) but treatment has brought him out of his shell and opened up the world of music for him. Also composes real tunes, not just riffs. He might play the theme of another artist's work, but then plays his own unique chorus. Lives in New Hampshire, where his mother answers all email inquiries.

Storytellers, Inc. http://www.storytellersinc.org
The Storytellers Inc., Artist Collective is a visual and performing arts organization, designed to provide new venues for local artists and then train those artists to provide interactive community art experiences for the purpose of educating and resensitizing the community through the arts. Their multicultural union is comprised of more than 30 professional artists, diverse in age and education background. Public performances, art exhibits, commissioned artworks, adult and youth training workshops, programming for at-risk youth

Traditional Music Society No website. 816/561-1849
Education (Workshops, Artists-in Residence, In-Service, Youth Ensembles), Concerts (Brazilian, West African, Caribbean Music and Dance, Music of South and Central America), Other Programs (Lectures/Demonstrations, Music & Dance Seminars, Scholarship Program, Education Resource)

UMKC Campus http://www.umkc.edu/
Map of campus for various events

Jason Voos - Visual Artist http://www.jasonvoos.com
Brain Injury - Wichita, Kansas

VSA arts http://www.vsarts.org/
1300 Connecticut Avenue NW #700; Washington, D.C. 20036
Broad program for arts and disabilities (adults and children). They have affiliates and/or collaborators in most states as well as international connections. A directory is also available through this website by clicking on Affiliates.

Walking Stick Entertainment http://www.larryhannon.com
Professional Western Music Entertainment through a variety of mediums.

Youth ARTS Handbook http://www.artsusa.org
If you're looking for ways to engage youth from high-risk environments in your community, this is divided into four chapters: Program Planning, Team Training, Evaluation, and Costs: Resources & Advocacy. $75. Call 800/321-4510.

Back to top

Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art http://www.kemperart.org

Mulvane Art Museum of Washburn University http://www.washburn.edu/mulvane/
Schedule of Exhibitions, Education Programs, Tours, Art Department, Kansas Featured Artist

American Heartland Theatre http://www.ahtkc.com
Luxurious theatre provides an intimate space where the audience can forget reality and take back their imaginations. Park at Family-oriented theater. Crown Center Level 3A

The Coterie Theatre http://www.thecoterie.com
Multigenerational theatre primarily serves youth and families offering innovative programming. Map & directions: http://www.crowncenter.com/crown-visiting.html#map

Lyric Opera of Kansas City http://www.kc-opera.org
Produces eclectic repertoire including one production of an American or contemporary opera most seasons. Operas are performed in their original language, with projected text or translations above the stage.

University of Missouri Kansas City Campus http://www.umkc.edu/ Map to location of Missouri Repertory Theatre and other locations. Click on letter desired, or click on M then on Maps

Kansas City Repertory Theatre http://www.missourireptheatre.org/
The premier professional resident theatre company of the metropolitan area, producing five mainstage plays each season plus A Christmas Carol, and other special presentations each year. Click on M, then scroll down to Missouri Repertory Theatre and click on their web site.

Theatre forYoung America http://www.tya.org
Presents live professional theatre to young audiences. Their mission is to foster the educational and emotional growth of young people through drama.

Back to top

Equipment

Braillers

Access 20/20 http://www.access2020.com/Biz%20Crds.htm
A company that makes business cards with Braille, audio cassettes, and Braille printers.

Braille Business Card Producers http://www.acb.org/resources/businesscards.html
Listing of suppliers

Braille Enterprises http://www.brailleenterprises.com/business_cards.htm
Brailled business cards, certificates, greeting cards, marketing pieces

Impressor http://www.aph.org/products/impresso.html
Sells an embosser that you hand-stamp on each business card. About $100. These are not interchangeable.

Music

Dancing Dots:
http://search.msn.com/results.aspx?srch=105&FORM=AS5&q=dancing+dots
Technology for converting musical print notation to braille. Lets you transcribe braille music quickly, automatically and accurately.

Tools

Accessibility Stick II http://www.ADAstick.com
416 Nancy Court; Lawrence, KS 66049-4601; 785/841-0321; 785-841=1979 (fax) The ADA Accessibility Stick is a tool designed to measure key environmental features mandated by the Americans With Disabilites Act Accessibility Guidelines Examples of the features the ADA Accessibility Stick IITM can measure include: Threshold Height; Doorway Widths; Watercloset Height; Ramp and Curb Slopes.
Numerous Other Environmental Features: It Has a Built-in 32" Ruler; Closed Length = 17"; Fully Open = 32".

Tools http://www.amazon.com (If you type in http://www.amazon.com, you will then need to type: smart levels in the search box at the top. That will bring up the same page as the very long actual link attached to www.amazon.com.)
Phone: 800/635-5140; Specialized Levels, Tools, etc.
SmartLevel #92288 / #92296 (audio beep for level & plumb)
Clark Tool (816) 452-7873; Elite Mktg. 421-4426; Griner & Schmitz 842-1433; Sears Roebuck.
(Also, call your local supplier of surveyor instruments)

National Access Directory http://www.accessexpressed.net/
To view Site Surveys of Cultural Facilities. Can be accessed through our website. Sponsored in part by VSA arts. Click on Directory, at bottom click on VIEW DIRECTORY, at top VIEW BY STATE. Excellent examples are: Huntington Theatre (MA) and Smithsonian (DC).

Back to top

Leisure Activities

Arts Classes

Ask everyone you call for other leads. Educators and artists sometimes teach private art classes.

Accessible Arts After-School Arts Club
    Kit Bardwell, Program Director
    Phone: 913/281-1133
    1100 State Avenue
    Kansas City, KS 66106
    During the school year, we have an arts club which is open to all. Typically we offer ceramics and mixed media. We did have a drama club, but not enough children were consistent in attending.
    http://www.accessiblearts.org/Arts%20Club.html

The Alcott Arts Center: (Rents space for a variety of arts classes.)
    Chuck & Chris Green
    Phone: (913) 233-2787
    180 S 18th St.
    Kansas City, KS 66102 (This building is NOT ADA wheelchair accessible, so that might be a problem)
    http://www.alcottartscenter.org/index.htm

ARTichokes Take Myrna's art class in this new (accessible) arts center. They plan to increasingly add more arts classes. Includes a 3-week class in clay by Myrna Minnis, then a 5-week class. (Call about classes you don't find on their website.)
    Becky Pasha
    913/322-9481
    10557 Mission Road, Leawood, KS 66206
    http://artichokeskc.com/

BEST Network
    Marlene Wagnon
    913/663-9936
    bestnetarts@earthlink.net
    http://www.thebestnetwork.org/
    8100 W. 116th St.; Olathe 66061
    Was started as a 'song & dance' group for post-high school young people who have Down Syndrome. They are working to develop other arts opportunities in response to requests.

Community Colleges
    There are many colleges in the area. Community Colleges might be having arts classes or know of those who are offering them.

Community School of the Arts (a program of Kansas City Young Audiences)
    Ashley Bixler, Customer Service/Student Operations http://www.kcya.org/catalogs.php

Discovery Trails
    Eleanor Craig
    913/281-1133
    http://www.discoverytrailsprogram.org
    http://www.campsforkids.org/Accessible_Arts'_Discovery_Trails_Program.aspx
    Teenagers who are blind participate during the day in activities recreating the pioneers’ experiences of Trail life: blacksmithing and making rope to prepare the wagons, walking the trail, fording streams, forming a functioning community, facing common difficulties and dangers. In the evenings, the teens set up camp, prepare meals, and entertain themselves around the camp fire.

Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art (Some classes for children)
    Beth Harris
    816/753-5784
    beth@kemperart.org
    http://www.kemperart.org/education/family.asp

Myrna Minnis (The Oogly Lady) Fun with Clay
    Creative Clay Classes (In her basement, so not wheelchair accessible. See ARTichokes.)
    913/649-1185
    mminnis2@kc.rr.com
    www.ooglyclasses.com  (Look at 'Myrna At Play') Many students are pre-teens, but a teen might easily fit with personal interests.

Nelson-Atkins Museum
    Ryan Chris
    816/751-1241
    Youth & Family programs w/calendar: http://www.nelson-atkins.org/education/YouthFamProg.cfm

Back to top

Camp Lists

Families Together List: http://www.familiestogetherinc.org/camps.htm They don't keep this updated, but the basics are still good.

Kansas City Star: (This is found under FYILiving section. Longest list of any list.) http://www.kansascity.com/238/story/106531.html

Camps for Kids: www.CampsforKids.org Very good.

It's All About Kids: One of the best: http://www.itsallaboutkckids.com/directory.php?s=9&c=9 Valissa & Vickie Smith, sisters who were previously local TV personalities, each on a different channel.

The Family Conservancy: http://www.childcaresource.org/schools_out.aspx (The Family Conservancy is found on the EFECT website, which is: http://www.efect.org/resource_directory)

Wheelchair Dancing

Reaching Up, Reaching Out
    JoAnne Fluke
    20 West 15th Street
    Ottawa, Kansas, 66067
    785-248-3023
    reachingupreachingout@yahoo.com

Groovability
    Bella Studio
    Chris Pruitt
    508 Westport Road
    Kansas City, Missouri
    816-719-6062
    www.bellastudiokc.com

    Several adults have been doing wheelchair dancing in the metro area, but JoAnne and Chris are currently in the forefront of moving this forward. They are looking especially for students to be involved.

    Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2008: Applications are now being accepted, with a deadline of January 7, 2008.

Back to top

Sports & Miscellaneous

Johnson County Parks & Recreation (and some City P&R programs)
    7900 Renner Road
    Shawnee, Kansas 66219
    Phone: 913-831-3355
   TDD: 913-831-3342
    E-mail: info@jcprd.com
    http://www.jcprd.com/activities/index.cfm

Kansas City Parks & Rec
   http://www.kcmo.org/parks.nsf/web/home
   http://www.kcmo.org/parks.nsf/web/Summerprograms
   Phone numbers are listed with each program

Missouri Access Recreation http://www.moaccessrerc.com
Creating inclusive recreation opportunities for Youth with disabilities. Their philosiphy is: "Recreation's purpose is not to kill time, but to nake life; not to keep a person occupied, but to keep them refreshed; not to offer an escape from life, but to provide a discovery of life."

Special Olympics Kansas - Kansas City Metro Serving Douglas, Johnson, Leavenworth, Miami and Wyandotte    Amber Hellwig
   913/789-0347
   800/821-1537
   One Lee Drive
   Merriam, Kansas 66202
   hellwiga@ksso.org
   www.ksso.org

YMCAs Numerous area +YMCAs offer arts classes and camps.

YWCA of Metropolitan Kansas City
   Shakespeare Camp (girls 9-15)
   Green Girls (Gardening & Cooking--girls 9-15)

   Consuelo Rodriguez, Girls Programming
   Nichole Jacobs, Director, Girls Programming
    913/371-1105
    http://www.ywca.org/

Back to top

Job Searches

The Art Job http://artjob.org
(Westag's publication)

American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) CareerConnect home page
http://www.afb.org/careerconnect

Tips On Contacting a Mentor: http://www.afb.org/CareerConnect/users/mentor_search_tips.asp

Tips for Job Seekers: http://www.afb.org/CareerConnect/users/tips.asp

LEAD: http://www.eeoc.gov/initiatives/lead/index.html
LEAD (Leadership for the Employment of Americans with Disabilities) is the EEOC's initiative to address the declining number of employees with targeted disabilities in the federal workforce. The goal for this initiative is to significantly increase the population of individuals with severe disabilities employed by the federal government. Please check the LEAD Update link for information on past and future events.

Heartstrings Community Foundation: htpp://www.heartstringscf.com
Creates supported interactive employment opportunities and job exploration experiences, with ongoing training and support, for adults who have developmental disabilities; establishes home environments to teach life-skills and maintain safe & comfortable living arrangement; provides appropriate social opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities in the community. A Kansas non-profit corporation.

Kansas City Philanthropic Network http://www.kcphilnet.org/
Calendar of Events, Job Source, Resource Tools, Funding Sources for Members

Kennedy Center Newsletter: Edited portions with extensive lists of information about Job searches (General Arts Resources, including Performing; General Performing Arts & Entertainment; Dance; Film, Radio; Media Arts; Music; Theater; Theater-Backstage), Mentoring Careers in the Arts, Resources, Technology Grant News, and Information about subscribing to their newsletter, Opening Stages. Click here:

Missouri Career Networks: http://www.mocareernet.com
Working with people who have disabilities in communities throughout the state, creating career and self-employment opportunities that are consistent with their gifts, talents and interests.

Partnership for Public Service: http://www.ourpublicservice.org/OPS/
A “golden” opportunity for business leaders and tech-savvy baby boomers looking for second careers where they can make a difference. This new program is part of the Partnership’s FedExperience initiative, which will tap into the baby boomer talent pool to help address the more than 500,000 government positions that will become vacant in the next five years.

State of Kansas Civil Service http://da.state.ks.us/ps/aaa/recruitment/
Job Search

Back to top

Programming - Disabilities

Children's Center for the Visually Impaired (CCVI) http://www.trolleyrun.org/aboutccvi_history.htm and http://www.ccvi.org/
History, Programs, Infant Intervention, Pre-school and Kindergarten Classes, Consultant Services, Causes of Visual Impairments

Cornerstones-Reading skills for Deaf/HH http://pbskids.org/lions/cornerstones/index.html
Reading skills for deaf and hard-of-hearing

HANZ*ON http://www.wetutordeafkids.com
Tutoring for Children with Hearing Impairments

Kansas School for the Deaf

Kansas State School for the Blind

Back to top

Resources

Kansas Education Performance & Fiscal System
http://online@ksde.org/cpfa/
This tool for understanding the size and scope of school funding allows the user to search by district, county, size, etc. You can search for three types of data: 1) measures of attendance and student demographics; 2) the effort put into schools such as teacher salaries and money coming from the state; 3) measures for outcomes of schools; student proficiency scores for math, reading, and other subjects.

The Living Research International Database http://livingresearch.vsarts.org/admin/index.cfm
Within Living Research International, you have access to research from the fields of disability, arts, and education. You can also submit relevant research, either your own or others, for review. VSA arts thanks you for your interest in the fields of disability, arts, and education.

Nagel's Low Vision Resource Center http://www.evision4you.com
Resources/equipment for Blind/Vision Impaired,information for doctors, articles by doctors, services, articles of information.

Turning Point http://www.turningpointkc.org
Programs, free of charge, for individuals, families and friends living with cancer or other serious or chronic illness.

Universal Symbols http://www.gag.org/resources/das.php

University of California, Berkeley-Media Resources Center (MRC), Moffitt Library http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/MRC/disability.html Then select, under contents, Diability and the Arts.
Assembled by NIAD's president, Elias Katz, Ph.D., ABPP and the late Florence Ludins-Katz, M.A. The Katzes were co-founders of NIAD and other arts centers for people with disabilities. Information: Gary Handman, Director MRC: ghandman@library.berkeley.edu.

VSA arts Research http://www.vsarts.org/x954.xml
The VSA arts research agenda seeks to strengthen understanding of how the arts meet the educational needs of individuals with disabilities. Whether by investigating inclusive teaching practice, developing a database focused on arts, education, and disability information, or by tapping into the resource of our domestic affiliate network to glean a better idea of how students learn in and through the arts, VSA arts plays an important role in building knowledge about how the arts contribute to learning.

A number of research efforts and resources developed by VSA arts pdf research materials can be downloaded: * SAIL Effect * Broad Brush * Arts-Based Teaching and Learning: Review of the Literature * How Students with Disabilities Learn In and Through the Arts: An Investigation of Educator Perceptions * VSA arts Research Study: Using the Arts to Help Special Education Students Meet Their Learning Goals.

Back to top