Very Special Arts

Very Special Arts. Very Special Arts is an international organization founded by Jean Kennedy Smith in 1974, with the goal of providing Arts education to people with Disabilities. The organization has worked with numerous partners, including the National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, and the United States Department of Education. Very Special Arts has also collaborated with prominent artists, such as Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, and Robert Rauschenberg, to promote Inclusive education and Disability awareness.

● History of

Very Special Arts The history of Very Special Arts dates back to 1974, when Jean Kennedy Smith established the organization in Washington, D.C.. Smith, the sister of John F. Kennedy, was inspired by her experiences working with people with Intellectual disabilities at the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation. Very Special Arts was initially funded by the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities, and has since received support from organizations such as the Ford Foundation, Carnegie Corporation of New York, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The organization has also partnered with UNESCO, the United Nations, and the World Health Organization to promote Arts education and Disability rights globally.

● Mission and Objectives

The mission of Very Special Arts is to provide Arts education to people with Disabilities, and to promote Inclusive education and Disability awareness. The organization's objectives include increasing access to Arts programs for people with Disabilities, and providing Professional development opportunities for Arts educators and Disability advocates. Very Special Arts has worked with organizations such as the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, the National Art Education Association, and the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund to achieve its objectives. The organization has also collaborated with Microsoft, Google, and Apple Inc. to develop Accessible technology and Inclusive design.

● Programs and Services

Very Special Arts offers a range of programs and services, including Arts education programs, Professional development opportunities, and Advocacy initiatives. The organization's programs include the Very Special Arts Festival, which showcases the work of artists with Disabilities, and the Very Special Arts Awards, which recognize excellence in Arts education and Disability advocacy. Very Special Arts has also partnered with organizations such as the Kennedy Center, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Library of Congress to provide Arts education programs and Cultural events. The organization has worked with NASA, the National Science Foundation, and the National Institutes of Health to develop STEM education programs that are accessible to people with Disabilities.

● Notable Participants and Events

Very Special Arts has worked with numerous notable participants, including Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, and Robert Rauschenberg. The organization has also hosted events such as the Very Special Arts Festival, which has featured performances by artists such as Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, and Tony Bennett. Very Special Arts has partnered with organizations such as the Grammy Foundation, the American Music Therapy Association, and the National Association of Music Merchants to promote Music education and Music therapy for people with Disabilities. The organization has also collaborated with Sesame Workshop, PBS Kids, and Nickelodeon to develop Children's television programs that promote Inclusive education and Disability awareness.

● Impact and Legacy

The impact of Very Special Arts has been significant, with the organization providing Arts education programs to millions of people with Disabilities worldwide. The organization's legacy includes the development of Inclusive education programs, Disability awareness initiatives, and Advocacy efforts that have promoted the rights of people with Disabilities. Very Special Arts has worked with organizations such as the United Nations, UNESCO, and the World Health Organization to promote Disability rights and Inclusive education globally. The organization has also partnered with The New York Times, The Washington Post, and NPR to raise awareness about Disability issues and promote Inclusive media representation.

● Organization and Partnerships

Very Special Arts is a non-profit organization that is governed by a Board of Directors and advised by a Council of Advisors. The organization has partnered with numerous organizations, including the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the United States Department of Education. Very Special Arts has also collaborated with Corporations such as Microsoft, Google, and Apple Inc. to develop Accessible technology and Inclusive design. The organization has worked with Foundations such as the Ford Foundation, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to support its programs and services. Very Special Arts has also partnered with Government agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and the United States Department of State to promote Disability rights and Inclusive education globally. Category:Disability organizations