Very Special Arts [VSA] is an international non-profit organization that creates learning opportunities through the arts for people with disabilities, especially children and youth. The organization was founded in 1974 by Jean Kennedy Smith as an affiliate of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Using creative writing, dance, drama, music and the visual arts, our educational programs help people with disabilities develop learning skills, nurture independence and self-worth, and enhance well-being in every area of life. VSA programs are provided in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, New York City, and in 85 countries worldwide. VSA state affiliates serve approximately 2.5 million people across the , and our international affiliates serve an additional one million people.

The 1997 Program Prospectus is a summary of VSA program activities in the , planned for the period from October 1, 1996 through September 30, 1997. This publication reflects the creativity and diversity of arts programs throughout the VSA network.

This publication may be a useful tool for the following audiences:

• The public seeking information about arts opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities, including the disability community, the arts community, parents and educators of children with disabilities and organizations serving people with disabilities.
  
  
• Disability and arts organizations, and funding institutions interested in collaborating with VSA affiliates.
  
  
• Individuals and organizations interested in volunteer opportunities through the VSA network.
  
  
• VSA affiliates interested in learning about programs conducted by other organizations within the network.

VSA Programs are implemented through a network of local, state, national and international VSA organizations and affiliates in collaboration with educational and cultural institutions, arts agencies, associations for people with disabilities, and health and rehabilitation organizations. Parents, volunteers, teachers, trainers, artists, health specialists and other experts also play an important part in these programs. VSA affiliates listed in this publication increase opportunities for people with disabilities to participate fully in their communities through various programs and initiatives.

VSA' National Programs Department designs and initiates programs that state organizations choose to adapt or replicate in their own communities. The programs are:

1. The Arts for Children in Hospitals program.
2. VSA Festivals.
3. The Legacy Program offers oral history exercises and arts activities to older adults.
4. Mentoring Grants Program for affiliates to share ideas with one another.
5. The VSA Native American Initiative.
6. The New Visions Dance Project.
7. Playwrights Discovery Program.
8. Start With The Arts is an instructional program for 4, 5, and 6 year olds. 
9. State Program Grants awarded to affiliates.
10. The VA/VSA Program provides veterans who receive care at VA medical centers with quality arts experiences.
11. In conjunction with ITT Educational Services, Very Special Arts state organizations coordinate VSA/ITT Career Development Festivals at ITT Technical Institutes across the country.
12. The Yamagata Visual Arts Institute is a comprehensive program focusing on the creative learning process in the arts.
13. Young Soloists Program.
14. The VSA Gallery in Washington, DC and the The VSA Gallery West in Los Angeles, California.

CONTENTS
Preface.
About Very Special Arts Programs.
Very special arts state affilate programs.

Cross-reference indexes of programs:
Programs and services.
Artistic disciplines.
National Programs.

The 1997 Program Prospectus is a summary of Very Special Arts program activities in the , planned for the period from October 1, 1996 through September 30, 1997. This publication reflects the creativity and diversity of arts programs throughout the VSA network.