Access/VSA International Network

Access/VSA International Network Our mission is to connect a vibrant network working towards full inclusion of people w/ disabilities.

The Kennedy Center's VSA programs offer multi-faceted, unparalleled opportunities for youth, with disabilities, who have aspirations in the performing and visual arts.

The LEAD Conference is seeking 12-15 individuals to help us review and score concurrent session proposals submitted for ...
11/12/2025

The LEAD Conference is seeking 12-15 individuals to help us review and score concurrent session proposals submitted for the 2026 Conference.

We typically receives 100-150 concurrent session proposals and each reviewer can expect to:

- Attend a meeting in advance of starting the review to become familiar with the platform and proposal form.
- Review and score approximately 15 proposals. Proposal reviews are expected to open early January 2025 and close early February 2025; reviews need to be started no later than January 20, 2025.
- Attend up to 2 virtual meetings for discussion after the reviews close.
- Receive an honorarium of $20 per proposal reviewed.

Learn more about this role and apply by Nov. 21, 2025 at accesslead.org!

Have a great session idea for LEAD? We are seeking proposals for sessions during the LEAD Conference taking place August...
11/08/2025

Have a great session idea for LEAD? We are seeking proposals for sessions during the LEAD Conference taking place August 10-14, 2026 in Philadelphia, PA. This is your opportunity to:

- provide practical, hands-on training in an access lab session;
- design a think tank on a topic you'd like to delve into with others in the field;
- share knowledge, experience, and multiple perspectives through a panel presentation;
- give a quick snapshot of your work through a lightning talk; or
- take a deep dive into a specific topic in a 4–8-hour capacity building workshop!

The deadline to submit a proposal is November 21, 2025 at 11:59pm ET.

Visit accesslead.org to learn more and to access resources for crafting a successful proposal!

Time is almost up to apply! Join us in offering Access/VSA internships in creative careers, empowering individuals with ...
11/06/2025

Time is almost up to apply! Join us in offering Access/VSA internships in creative careers, empowering individuals with disabilities in your community!

Organizations and companies are invited to submit proposals by Nov. 7, 2025, to implement the Access/VSA Creative Career Internship Program.

Learn more at accessvsa.org/ccip

LEAD Lightning Talk with Betty Siegel: Accessible Restrooms in 10 Minutes or Less! Thurs., Nov.13, 2025, 2:00-2:30 p.m. ...
11/04/2025

LEAD Lightning Talk with Betty Siegel: Accessible Restrooms in 10 Minutes or Less! Thurs., Nov.13, 2025, 2:00-2:30 p.m. ET

For more than 20 years, Betty Siegel, the Director of the Kennedy Center's Office of Accessibility and VSA, has been training organizations and individuals to provide accessibility to all areas of the cultural arts. There are likely hundreds (maybe thousands!) of restrooms around the world that are more accessible, thanks to her expertise. Make yours one of them!

Free for Access VSA International Network members: $15 for non-members. Register now at https://bit.ly/4nBZVQI

Want to learn more about creating a session or workshop proposal for the LEAD Conference? Join us for an informational w...
10/29/2025

Want to learn more about creating a session or workshop proposal for the LEAD Conference? Join us for an informational webinar on Wednesday, November 5 from 2-3 pm ET. We'll review the various components of the proposal form and share what matters to reviewers as we look to have a comprehensive and well-balanced conference. There will be time to answer questions, too!

ASL Interpretation and CART will be provided. A recording of this webinar will be posted on the 2026 LEAD website for those unable to attend.

Sign up now at accesslead.org!

Join the Access/VSA Employer Community of Practice! Designed for cultural leaders like you, this FREE online community s...
10/28/2025

Join the Access/VSA Employer Community of Practice! Designed for cultural leaders like you, this FREE online community supports the development of equitable practices that strengthen the creative economy. As a member, you can:

- Exchange information and share resources regarding hiring, retention, and workplace accessibility within arts and culture organizations.

- Contribute to best practices that foster competitive, integrated employment for people with disabilities in creative fields.

- Share success stories that demonstrate the value of employees with disabilities across the cultural sector.

- Explore apprenticeships, internships, and workforce development strategies that cultivate emerging talent in the creative economy.

- Connect with a national network of like-minded arts employers committed to fostering the diverse talents of employees with disabilities.

Learn more or join today for FREE at accessva.org/ecop

Do you want to have an active role in shaping the 2026 LEAD Conference? Apply to be a LEAD 2026 Content Committee propos...
10/24/2025

Do you want to have an active role in shaping the 2026 LEAD Conference? Apply to be a LEAD 2026 Content Committee proposal reviewer!

Learn more about this role and apply by Nov. 21, 2025 at accesslead.org

We are looking for musicians and soloists with disabilities ages 14-25 for the 2026 Access/VSA International Young Music...
10/23/2025

We are looking for musicians and soloists with disabilities ages 14-25 for the 2026 Access/VSA International Young Musicians program! This program is open to U.S. and international soloists and ensembles of any genre or instrument, including voice.

Learn more at accessvsa.org/iym and apply by January 7, 2026 for your chance to participate!

LAST CALL! πŸ“£ Applications are closing this Friday, Oct. 24 up for the 2026 Rosemary Kennedy Initiative Internships at th...
10/22/2025

LAST CALL! πŸ“£ Applications are closing this Friday, Oct. 24 up for the 2026 Rosemary Kennedy Initiative Internships at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.

During their six months on-site at the Kennedy Center, RKI interns have the opportunity to dive deep into their departmental placements. In addition to this hands-on work experience at the Kennedy Center, the program provides opportunities for professional growth through a curriculum of workshops, field trips, and networking events. RKI interns build skills while exploring today's varied careers in the cultural sector.

The 2026 session will offer paid intern positions in:
- Campus Rentals & Sales
- Multimedia
- Usher Services

Interns must be 18+ years of age as of January 12, 2026, legally eligible to work in the US, and have the ability to reliably commute to the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC at least four days each week for assigned work. Join us for a FREE informational webinar on Wednesday, Oct 1 at 3pm ET.

Learn more or apply now at bit.ly/RKI2026

Funded by U.S. Department of Education, Grant Number H421F240164.

Applications are wrapping up for the 2026 Rosemary Kennedy Initiative Internships at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D...
10/21/2025

Applications are wrapping up for the 2026 Rosemary Kennedy Initiative Internships at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Apply by Friday, Oct. 24!

During their six months on-site at the Kennedy Center, RKI interns have the opportunity to dive deep into their departmental placements. In addition to this hands-on work experience at the Kennedy Center, the program provides opportunities for professional growth through a curriculum of workshops, field trips, and networking events. RKI interns build skills while exploring today's varied careers in the cultural sector.

The 2026 session will offer paid intern positions in:
- Campus Rentals & Sales
- Multimedia
- Usher Services

Interns must be 18+ years of age as of January 12, 2026, legally eligible to work in the US, and have the ability to reliably commute to the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC at least four days each week for assigned work. Join us for a FREE informational webinar on Wednesday, Oct 1 at 3pm ET.

Learn more or apply now at bit.ly/RKI2026

Funded by U.S. Department of Education, Grant Number H421F240164.

πŸ“£ Calling artists with disabilities ages 16-25! πŸ“£ Apply now for the 2026 Access/VSA Emerging Young Artists Program! This...
10/21/2025

πŸ“£ Calling artists with disabilities ages 16-25! πŸ“£ Apply now for the 2026 Access/VSA Emerging Young Artists Program! This year’s call for art asks artists to explore how the truths they hold dear engage with their disability and artistic identities, through the exhibit: We Hold These Truths.

15 winning artists are selected by a jury. Each winning artist receives a $3,000 financial stipend and has one of their submitted pieces selected for a national tour. Winning artists attend virtual workshops and an all-expenses-paid series of professional development workshops in Washington, D.C. the week of March 10-14, 2026.

The deadline to enter is Sunday, November 16, 2025. Learn more or apply now at bit.ly/EYA2026

This program is funded by U.S. Department of Education, Grant Number H421F240164. Generous support for the exhibition and national tour is provided by Coca-Cola.

The LEAD 2026 Call for proposals is open! We are seeking proposals for sessions during the LEAD Conference August 10-14,...
10/19/2025

The LEAD 2026 Call for proposals is open! We are seeking proposals for sessions during the LEAD Conference August 10-14, 2026 in Philadelphia, PA. This is your opportunity to:

- provide practical, hands-on training in an access lab session;
- design a think tank on a topic you'd like to delve into with others in the field;
- share knowledge, experience, and multiple perspectives through a panel presentation;
- give a quick snapshot of your work through a lightning talk; or
- take a deep dive into a specific topic in a 4–8-hour capacity building workshop!

The deadline to submit a proposal is November 21, 2025 at 11:59pm ET.

Visit accesslead.org to learn more and to access resources for crafting a successful proposal!

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Our Story

VSA, the international organization on arts and disability, was founded more than 35 years ago by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to provide arts and education opportunities for people with disabilities and increase access to the arts for all. Each year, 7 million people of all ages and abilities participate in VSA programs, in every aspect of the arts – from visual arts, performing arts, to the literary arts.

Four principles guide VSA programs and affiliates:


  • Every young person with a disability deserves access to high quality arts learning experiences.

  • All artists in schools and art educators should be prepared to include students with disabilities in their instruction.