Access/VSA International Network

05/28/2026

Apply by June 12, 2026! Access/VSA is seeking contractors to provide Access/VSA Creative Career Internship Program career development opportunities in creative industries, arts management or administration, design, production, or technical theatre for individuals with disabilities, ages 21-30.

The program provides community-based internships that are designed to have immediate competitive integrated employment outcomes and lead to ongoing employment in a creative career. Program participants receive instruction and hands-on employment in which they develop critical business skills and knowledge needed for success in the creative career workforce, acquire real world experience working with actual employers, and have the opportunity to interact with peers and professionals in an employment setting.

Learn more and apply by June 12, 2026 at accessvsa.org/ccip!

*The content of this program was developed under grant H421F240164 from the U.S. Department of Education (Department).*

Are you interested in providing exciting and dynamic VSA programs at your cultural institution?

05/25/2026

IYKYK.

05/14/2026

Don't forget to book your hotel for LEAD 2026! The 2026 LEAD® Conference will be offering a specially priced room block for $236/night at the Marriott Philadelphia Downtown, 1201 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA. This is the hotel the conference will take place in as well.

These special rates are only available if booked before 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

Visit AccessLEAD.org for direct reservation links!

05/04/2026

Did you hear? LEAD 2026 Registration is now OPEN!

The 2026 Leadership Exchange in Arts & Disability Annual Conference is taking place August 11-14, 2026 in Philadelphia, PA.

Learn more or register today at AccessLEAD.org

05/01/2026

It's almost that time of year. When summer is near, you know it's time for your favorite arts and disability colleagues to gather under conference room lights to learn, network, support, and encourage each other. We might not sleep in cabins or sing around the campfire (or maybe you do, that's cool), but the relationships we build during the annual LEAD Conference carry with us throughout the year. This is why many of you so lovingly refer to LEAD as Access Summer Camp.

This year we're leaning into that feeling of camaraderie, connection, and fun. We are working on a LEAD Outpost with merchandise and goodies (you can even enter a sticker idea now through May 6!). More opportunities for networking and idea building. More new topics and sessions. Maybe some merit badges to celebrate our successes?

Join us for LEAD 2026 on August 11-14 in downtown Philadelphia, PA! No camping gear required.

Registration opens next week and the hotel block is now open. Find details and rates at accesslead.org

03/20/2026

For over 20 years we’ve honored and celebrated individuals and organizations whose contributions have made a lasting impact on our arts and accessibility community. This year’s LEAD Awards, presented by the Access/VSA team, continue that tradition!

Recipients are selected by a committee of your colleagues who have worked with all of us to sustain and strengthen the LEAD community. Nominate yourself or a colleague/friend in one of three categories by March 31, 2026:

- Awards for Emerging Leaders
- Community Asset Awards
- Awards for Excellence in Accessibility Leadership

Awardees will be honored at the LEAD Conference in Philadelphia August 11-14, 2026. Find out more or apply today at accesslead.org!

02/25/2026

Join us this Sunday for ReelAbilities Film Festival: Me to Play! “Me to Play” follows two professional actors as they confront the progression of Parkinson’s disease by taking on an extraordinary artistic challenge: staging an off-Broadway production of Samuel Beckett’s Endgame. Written by Beckett as a metaphor for living with illness, Endgame becomes both subject and refuge as the actors navigate physical change, creative risk, and the demands of performance. Through rehearsal and reflection, moments of struggle give way to humor, connection, and profound resilience. This screening invites audiences to consider the transformative power of art and how creativity can offer dignity, agency, and meaning even amid uncertainty.

Join us after the screening for a conversation with the Dance for Parkinson’s Disease cohort exploring creativity in a changing body and stay for a sample class.

Sunday, March 1 @ 3pm
The REACH, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC

FREE and open to the public. This screening is Open Captioned and Audio Described.

This event is part of the Center's Rosemary Kennedy Performing & Visual Arts Series and is a co-presentation with the ReelAbilities Film Festival of Greater Washington.

02/20/2026

Meet the artists behind the exhibit during the opening night of the Access/VSA
Emerging Young Artists 2026 Exhibition: "We Hold These Truths."

Join us Friday, March 13 from 4:00-5:30pm in the Hall of Nations (2700 F Street, NW, Washington, DC). The full exhibit runs March 13-April 26 and is open to the public 10am-11pm daily.

No r.s.v.p. required. Please send access requests to access@kennedy-center.org or 202-416-8727 by Feb. 27. The content of this program was developed under grant H421F240164 from the U.S. Department of Education.

02/18/2026

Join us for ReelAbilities Film Festival: Me to Play! “Me to Play” follows two professional actors as they confront the progression of Parkinson’s disease by taking on an extraordinary artistic challenge: staging an off-Broadway production of Samuel Beckett’s Endgame. Written by Beckett as a metaphor for living with illness, Endgame becomes both subject and refuge as the actors navigate physical change, creative risk, and the demands of performance. Through rehearsal and reflection, moments of struggle give way to humor, connection, and profound resilience. This screening invites audiences to consider the transformative power of art and how creativity can offer dignity, agency, and meaning even amid uncertainty.

Join us after the screening for a conversation with the Dance for Parkinson’s Disease cohort exploring creativity in a changing body and stay for a sample class.

Sunday, March 1 @ 3pm
The REACH, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC

FREE and open to the public. This screening is Open Captioned and Audio Described.

This event is part of the Rosemary Kennedy Performing & Visual Arts Series and is a co-presentation with the ReelAbilities Film Festival of Greater Washington.

11/19/2025

📣 TWO DAYS LEFT! 📣 The deadline to submit a proposal for LEAD 2026 is Friday, November 21, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET.

The Leadership Exchange in Arts & Disability (LEAD) Conference is seeking proposals for sessions during the August 10-14, 2026 Conference 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!

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