2014 – VSA Delaware

Governor’s Awards Home

Since its incorporation as a non-profit arts organization over 25 years ago, VSA Delaware (VSADE) has worked diligently to support artistic opportunities for individuals with disabilities throughout the state. By providing a unique link between the arts, disability, and education communities, VSADE (formerly known as Very Special Arts) recognizes the need for children and adults with disabilities to be provided with opportunities to participate and achieve in the areas of performing and visual arts.

Using an established artist residency model to facilitate integrated arts education programming for students and adults with disabilities, VSADE provides cross-curricular learning with the arts as educational tools. The annual “Celebration of Creativity” traveling multimedia art exhibit celebrates the work of all visual arts residency participants. VSADE’s Arts Administration Internships and Performing Arts Residency programs provide opportunities for transitional-age students to develop relevant employment skills, as well as communication and interpersonal competency. Delaware schools recognize VSADE as a leader in providing accessible integrated programming to students with disabilities.

Partnering with more than 40 Delaware schools, districts, and organizations, VSADE has worked diligently to develop dialogue about accessibility, cultural access, and universal design, so that Delaware arts organizations may improve their accessibility and outreach to diverse audiences.