Fall 2007, Vol. 14, Number 2
Our mission is to unlock the arts for children with disabilities and advocate access to the arts.
Table
of Contents:
link
to Monet's Garden: An Evening in Paris
link to "Is That New Logo You're Wearing?"
link to Talking, Writing & Reporting About People with Disabilities: A Disability Awareness Seminar
link to After School Arts Club Student Goes to Washington, DC
link to 99 Drums
link to Accessible Arts Offers Cultural Access Services
link to Entries Sought for National Arts Contests
link to Accessible Arts Wish List
link to Accessible Arts Affiliations
link to H&R Block Foundation Supports Accessible Arts Center Renovations
link to Board of Directors & Staff
link to Mark Your Calendars!
link to Nominate Your Choice for 2007 Kansas Educator of the Year
link to Educator of the Year Award Nominations Sought: Winning Tips
link to Exchange ads
link to Dancing into a Dream
link to Discovery Trails: A Pioneer Adventure Facilitated by the Arts
link to Change your status in our database
Mark Your Calendars!
Monet’s Garden: An Evening in Paris
Mark your calendars and plan to
join Accessible Arts for an exciting
new event! From 5:30 – 9:00 pm,
on Thursday, April 3, 2008, the Star-
light Theatre will be transformed into
Monet’s Garden and all who enter will
enjoy a delightful Spring evening in
Paris. “It will be just like stepping into
a Monet painting,” mused Accessible
Arts Director Martin English.
On the Starlight Theatre Stage a
series of intertwining gardens will
draw you in, where you will be treated
to the sounds of a string ensemble
as you move through lush floral displays. You will encounter entertainers
including living statues, caricature artists and mimes. Around each corner
you will witness various professional artists creating their next masterpiece.
At the end of the evening, artwork by Mike Savage, Mark English, Danny
Meisinger, Cathy Broski, and Mark Manning will be auctioned off. You will
also be entered in a drawing for a trip to Paris and other fantastic prizes!
Other silent auction items will also be available.
All the proceeds will benefit
Accessible Arts and the children with disabilities whom they serve. Admis-
sion price is $75 per person and includes wine and fine cuisine.
“Is That a New Logo You’re Wearing?”
Why yes it is! Thanks for asking.
Accessible Arts has a new logo. Our new
mission statement, “Unlocking the
arts for children with disabilities,”
reflects our goal to be the key in the
creative process of adapting arts
experiences. The logo was created
by Jonathan Springer at Two West
who also designed our new bro-
chure.
Please call us if you’d like
a brochure sent to you. 913/281-1133. We have a
new newsletter format too! After 25 years, Accessible Arts has applied a
fresh new look to many things and we are excited about what the next 25
years will bring.
Talking, Writing & Reporting About People with Disabilities: A Disability Awareness Seminar
You are invited to attend Talking, Writing & Reporting About People with Disabilities, 10:30 – 11:30 am, Monday, October 29, 2007 at Kauffman Foundation Conference Center
(4801 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, MO).
Accessible Arts is hosting this FREE seminar
featuring presentations by Martin English and Kit Bardwell.
As educators, arts providers and media professionals, you have a golden opportunity to
shape perceptions and attitudes about people with disabilities. Your words, both spoken and
written, can create a healthy, positive image of people with disabilities that breaks down barriers and dispels common myths.
October is National Disability Awareness Month and Accessible Arts is taking this opportunity to open a dialogue with you about your role in forming expectations of people with disabilities. This seminar will provide simple, practical nuts and bolts of how you can talk, write
and report about people with disabilities in a professional, empowering manner.
RSVP by October 25th to (913) 281-1133 or bjohnson@accessiblearts.org
After School Arts Club Student
Goes to Washington DC
In Accessible Arts’ After School Arts Club, Kansas State
School for the Blind student Kim Squires created a unique
sculpture using a wire-wrapping technique. Program Director Kit Bardwell encouraged Squires to enter her piece
in a national contest for children with disabilities. Squires’
sculpture was selected and she received an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington DC. Soula Antoniou, president of VSA arts and Thomas E. Wheeler, board
chair of VSA arts present Squires with a certificate for her artwork, “George,” during a congressional reception on Capitol Hill in Washington. Squire’s artwork was
selected as part of VSA arts “CultureScope: Focusing in on My Life” exhibition displayed at
Union Station in Washington, DC, June 5-24, 2007. Bardwell said, “Kim loves art and really
has a talent for creating unique pieces.”
Mark your calendars for the return of 99 Drums Music & Cultural Camp, April 26-27, 2008.
Children with and without disabilities, ages 9-15, are welcome for a weekend of interactive
drumming and dance workshops at the Kansas State School for the Blind. The camp will
feature Mexican, Caribbean, Native American and West African cultures and arts. The cost
is only $55 (if registered by April 15th) and includes 10 workshops, 4 meals and an overnight
stay! You can download a registration form at www.accessiblearts.org.
Accessible Arts Offers Cultural Access Services
Accessible Arts has entered into a cooperative agreement with the Kansas Arts Commission
(KAC) to provide Cultural Access Services to arts organizations around the state of Kansas.
The KAC and VSA arts will underwrite the Cultural Access Services which include site surveys, program consultations, and staff training. Accessibility is a civil right. By having an accessibility plan, arts organizations can protect their assets and reputation. Accessible Arts is
eager to demonstrate how easy and affordable it can be to make environments and programs
accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Organizations may choose from the following services:
1. Accessibility Site Surveys:
• An in-depth report on the accessibility of your venue based on the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Upon survey completion, your venue will be listed on the Accessible Arts and VSA arts
websites.
2. One-on-One Program Consultation:
• An expert consultant will help you make your programming
more accessible to people of all abilities.
• Learn best practices, universal design and adaptations.
• Receive the Design for Accessibility handbook (a $21 value).
3. Staff & Volunteer Training:
• Customized to fit your needs.
• Examples include universal design training for administrators,
disability awareness training for ushers or docents and pro-
gram training for teaching artists.
The cost for the services is $100/hour (two-hour minimum) plus
expenses. However, the KAC and VSA arts will underwrite 66%
of the cost for organizations with FY08 budgets under $60,000
and 50% for organizations with FY08 budgets over $60,000. During October Kit Bardwell,
Accessible Arts Program Director, will tour with the KAC as they present Grant Writing workshops.
These workshops will take place in Topeka October 15th, in Wichita October 16th, and
in Dodge City and Hays October 17th. At each of these workshops Bardwell will share information about the Cultural Access Services and the importance of developing an accessibility
plan for arts venues that receive funding from KAC or other government sources.
To book Cultural Access Services for your organization, please call (913) 281-1133 or email menglish@accessiblearts.org. Book services by June 2008 for a chance to win funding to attend the Leadership Exchange in Arts & Disabilities Conference in Florida!
Entries Sought for National Contests
for Visual & Performing Arts
This year Accessible Arts will participate in four VSA arts contests: Young Soloist, Writing
Project, Visual Arts and Playwright Discovery. These contests solicit entries from children and
young adults who live in Kansas. Winners of each competition will have a chance to have their
work displayed or presented in Washington DC during various arts events held by VSA arts.
Find more information about each contest at www.accessiblearts.org
The Young Soloist contest is open to musicians with a disability who are under the age of 25.
All genres of music are accepted and ensembles may also apply as long as all of the members are under the age of 25 and at least one member has a disability. Deadline for submission is November 15th. Entry forms may be found for guidelines, for soloists, for ensembles.
The Writing Project is open to students ages 11 – 18 with a disability or a connection to a
disability. Students may submit flash fiction, poetry and spoken word. Deadline to submit will
be December 1, 2007.
The Visual Arts Contest is open to students with a disability in grades K – 12. These works
of art must be made in a classroom environment. Artwork that is 2D or 3D in all mediums will
be accepted. The deadline for submission is February 1, 2008.
The Playwright Discovery contest is open to students in grades 6 – 12. Students with and without disabilities may submit a script that deals with a disability. Entries may be a work of an individual student or collaboration by a group of students. The deadline is February 1, 2008.
• Arts Suppllies & Other Items
• Model Magic Clay (by Crayola)
• Wikki Stix (waxed string)
• Sewing machines (in working order)
• Color Tissue paper
• Scarves
• Percussion instruments (all types & sizes)
• Unusual beads and buttons
• Children’s costumes, hats, masks
• Leather & leather scraps
• Leatherwork tools
• Stone carving tools
• Electric Carving Knife
• Window Blinds (37” W x 60” H)
• Volunteers Needed to Help With:
• Bulk Mailings
• Data Management
• Photo album maintenance
• Arts Programming
Accessible Arts is proud to be affiliated
with the following organizations:
• Accessible Arts is a
member of the international
network of VSA arts, an affili-
ate of The John F. Kennedy
Center for the Performing Arts.
• Kansas Arts commission
• Kansas City Arts Partners
• Kansas City's Promise--The Alliance for Youth
H&R Block Foundation Supports
Accessible Arts Center Renovations
Accessible Arts proudly announces the receipt of grants from the H&R Block Foundation
that will provide expanded and renovated space for arts programming to benefit children
who have disabilities. The renovations will result in a flexible arts space for a variety of arts
activities. It is adjacent to the previously-renovated Accessible Arts Studio where students
create art using mixed media and hand-built ceramics, and throw pots on wheels purchased
two years ago with support from the H&R Block Foundation.
The H&R Block Foundation provided $7,000 in grants to support the renovations. Robert
Bloch said, “The Foundation is pleased to support Accessible Arts and arts opportunities for
children with special needs. Access to the arts for all children is a critical issue.”
Kit Bardwell, Accessible Arts Program Director, said, “This fall, students in the After-School
Arts Club will be working with an intern from the Kansas City Art Institute. We are very
excited about using the new space, which children with disabilities will first use next spring
for fiber arts. We have also received four donated weaving looms of various sizes and two
sewing machines for these classes.”
• Jeannette Nichols, Honorary Board Chair
• Jen Talley, President
• Arnie Abels, Vice-President
• Jane Rhys, Secretary/Treasurer
• Caleb Fey
• Deborah Hodes
• Patrick Kelly
• Sharyl Kennedy
• Pat Milburn
• Dave Wilson
• Jim Yonally
Staff
• Martin English, Executive Director
• Kit Bardwell, Program Director
• Eleanor Craig, Executive Assistant
• Beverly Johnson, Communications Coord.
• Barb Keim, Part time Bookkeeper
(913) 281-1133
www.accessiblearts.org
1. Talking, Writing & Reporting About People
with Disabilities
10:30 - 11:30 am, Monday, October 29, 2007
Kauffman Foundation Conference Center
(see page 2 article)
2. Monet’s Garden: An Evening in Paris
Accessible Arts Fundraiser
5:30 - 9:00 pm, Thursday, April 3, 2008
Starlight Theatre (see cover article)
3. 99 Drums Music & Cultural Camp
Saturday - Sunday, April 26-27, 2008
Kansas State School for the Blind
A weekend of drumming and dancing
workshops for children ages 9-15.
Nominate Your Choice for
Accessible Arts 2007 Kansas Educator of the Year
in Arts & Disabilities
Do you know an outstanding individual who has made a difference in the lives of Kansas children
with disabilities through the arts? Perhaps a teacher, therapist, community member or artist?
Accessible Arts and the Kansas State Board of Education invite you to nominate a deserving candidate for the 2007 Educator of the Year Award which will be presented March 12, 2008 in Kansas City, Kansas.
This year’s Honoree will receive a $250 honorarium!
Selection is based on the following criteria:
1. Length and extent of COMMITMENT to arts opportunities for Kansas children
with disabilities.
2. CONTRIBUTION to integrating arts into the education of Kansas children with disabilities.
3. DEMONSTRATION of innovative teaching strategies.
4. INVOLVEMENT & LEADERSHIP in the community working directly with children
with disabilities.
5. ADVOCACY and program development efforts.
TO NOMINATE
1. Please complete the nomination form below and attach the following:
In your own words, please describe why you feel your nominee deserves this award.
•Include additional support materials including photos, examples, letters of support, etc.
•(We suggest a review of previous honorees at www.accessiblearts.org [What we do -> Awards])
DEADLINE for Nominations is December 31, 2007.
Please Print
Nominee______________________________ Title/Position____________________________
Telephone (Day)____________________________ (Eve)_____________________________
Agency/School______________________________ Address___________________________
Email____________________________________ __________________________________
Nominator_______________________________ Title/Position___________________________
Telephone (Day)_____________________________ (Eve)_____________________________
Agency/School______________________________ Address___________________________
Email____________________________________ __________________________________
Send to: Accessible Arts, Inc., 1100 State Ave., Kansas City, KS 66102-4411
Please call (913) 281-1133 or e-mail bjohnson@accessiblearts.org with questions.
Educator of the Year Award Nominations Sought - Tips for a winning Nomination
Accessible Arts invites you to nominate someone to receive our annual Educator of the Year in
Arts & Disabilities Award which will be presented March 12, 2008 (see form on the left). Following are tips that will help you create a winning nomination. Please remember the award is
for ARTS EDUCATION and INCLUSION of children with disabilities.
• Examples of adaptations in arts programming for children with disabilities.
• Examples of innovative ideas allowing children to feel included and successful.
• How many students with disabilities are being accommodated?
• In what ways do children with disabilities perform--what is notable about this teacher?
• What are the goals of the nominee? What is the measure of success?
• Has the nominee produced any training programs regarding children, arts & disabilities?
• Has the nominee published or presented information regarding children, arts & disabilities?
Please give details.
You may include letters of support from parents or co-workers, news clippings, video, photos, etc. Please send nomination and supporting letters on letterhead with name, organization, address, phone, and email. It is helpful if your materials are sent by email attachment. Nominators will be notified whether candidates were selected or not. Strong candidates who are not selected may be included in the candidate list the next year.
Practical Solutions
For Educating Students
With Down Syndrome
Continental breakfast is provided.
All trainings held at:
Kauffman Foundation
4801 Rockhill Road
Kansas City, MO 64110
FREE Training Dates
Thursdays
(All are identical)
8:30 am – 11:30 am
Dec. 06 (RSVP by 12/2)
Feb. 28 (RSVP by 2/24)
Apr. 24 (RSVP by 4/20)
More information at
www.kcdsg.org
RSVP 913-384-4848
10200 West 75th St. #281
Shawnee Mission, KS 66204
Families Together Events
1. Oct. 26-27, 2007 Spanish Family Weekend
Garden City 888-820-6364
2. Nov. 2-3, 2007 Parent Networking Conference
Pittsburg 800-264-6343
3. Nov. 2-3, 2007 Parent Networking Conference
Kansas City 877-499-5369
4. Dec. 8, 2007 Statewide Conference
Wichita 888-815-6364
5. Feb. 16-17, 2008 Family Enrichment Weekend
Garden City 888-820-6364
6. Feb. 23, 2008 Together We Can Learn Conference
Kansas City 877-499-5369
7. April 11-12, 2008 Family Enrichment Weekend
Topeka 800-264-6343
8. April 11-12, 2008 Parent Networking Conference
Wichita 888-815-6364
familiestogetherinc.org
Wichita Administrative Center 888-815-6364
Topeka Center 800-264-6343
Garden City Center 888-820-6364
Kansas City Center 877-499-9443
JoAnne Fluke wanted to learn ballroom dance and to compete. She searched for someone
who would help her learn dance techniques that could be adapted to her needs and those of
others who use a wheelchair. In the process, she found Chris Pruitt, owner of Bella Studio in
Kansas City. She also found others who had the same aspirations. Lori Sparks had been taking dance lessons from Brian McGinnis, then with Miller-Marley.
She found Accessible Arts,
Inc. (AAI) and dance instructor Suzanne Ryan. Elysse Power in Omaha found AAI through
an internet search prior to her move to Kansas City. Power had done wheelchair dancing with
several troupes in New York. Fluke found Terri Rathbun, former AAI board member, who had
been wheelchair dancing for several years. And there were others.
Three months after Fluke shared her dream, four
wheelchair ballroom dancers (the first wheelchair ballroom dancers in the Midwest) competed in the Heart
of America Dance Competition at the Embassy Suites
Hotel.
The four represented a varying range of disabilities,
ages and backgrounds. Rathbun has an extensive
history with wheelchair dance in the KC area, but had
never participated in ballroom dance or in competi-
tion. Fluke is self-taught in her dance expression. Tiffany Simpson is filled with youthful energy and enthusiasm. Donna Janes is more at home at
a football game than on a dance floor. Pruitt faced numerous challenges and earned multiple
bruises as he designed their moves and worked with the women as they learned how to put it
all together.
On August 11th, the 3-day dance competition in Kansas City drew hundreds of participants
from the U.S. and Canada; but the four Kansas City dancers from Bella Studio were the only
wheelchair dancers at this event. Competition was based on several criteria put into place by
the Wheelchair Dance Sport Committee. Each Bella dancer performed two dances and each
received 1st place awards—a tribute to the instruction, the dream and the commitment to learn
and perform.
Fluke’s dream is even bigger than four women earning 1st place awards at one competition.
She hopes to draw in many others of all ages—men, women, and youth. Her new organization
is called Groovability, with dance classes offered at Bella Studio in the heart of Westport each
Saturday morning from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm If you are interested in Groovability contact the
studio at 816-719-6062, or look it up at www.bellastudiokc.com. To find additional information
about wheelchair dancing, try a google search for “wheelchair dancing New York” and also
view various competition videos to be found on individual websites.
Fluke’s dream came true because of dedication, networking, inspiration and enthusiasm—plus
hard work. She hopes her dream will also fulfill the dreams of others.
Accessible Arts, Inc.
1100 State Avenue,
Kansas City, KS 66102-4411
(913) 281-1133 [Voice & TTY] (913) 281-1515 [Fax]
eMail
Us:
accarts@accessiblearts.org
For large print or Braille newsletter contact Accessible Arts
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