11.6.0002 Application
VSA Florida, Inc.

Applicant Information

Item	Response
Corporate Name	VSA Florida, Inc.
DBA Name	VSAFL
Federal Employer ID	59-2758321
Principal Address	3500 East Fletcher Avenue, Suite 234 Tampa, FL 33613-4710
County	Hillsborough
Applicant Email Address	beals@coedu.usf.edu
Grant Contact	Marian Winters, Executive Director
Authorized Official	Marian Winters, Executive Director
Website	www.vsafl.org

Proposal Information

Item	Response
Application #	11.6.0002
Program	General Program Support
Proposal Type	State Service Organization
Funding Category	N/A
Discipline	N/A
Applicant is requesting REDI waiver	N/A
Residency Contact Hours	N/A
Proposal Period	7/1/2010 - 6/30/2011
Proposal Title	VSA arts of Florida (VSAFL) State Service Organization
Proposal Synopsis	As a SSO, VSAFL brings FL arts programs of excellence for and by people with disabilities. The programs are: (1)Education programs and artist residencies to facilitate students and adults with disabilities access to appropriate learning experiences; professional development to build inclusive classrooms where every student experiences significant learning in and through the arts; public awareness of abilities of artists with disabilities; and, cultural access and inclusive art services.

Mission Statement

The mission of VSA arts of Florida is to create a society where all individuals, including those with disabilities, can learn through, participate in and enjoy the arts.

Proposal Summary: Goals

Exceptional learners do not learn through the use of conventional teaching methods. Through the use of art forms, exceptional learners can learn and succeed at school and can enjoy aesthetic experiences that lead to future pleasures, either as part of an audience to an art form and/or as the artist.
(The Power of the Arts, Creative Strategies for Teaching Exceptional Learners.)

VSA arts of Florida (VSAFL) is a member of VSA arts, an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. VSAFL is the only Florida organization that provides arts/education opportunities for people with disabilities statewide. The overarching goal of VSAFL is to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. We believe that ALL individuals should have equal access to the arts and that All means All. VSAFL programs provide students with valuable academic advantages and teachers with research-based, innovative strategies to ensure participation and progress for each student by using the arts to enhance the learning process. They provide individuals with an artistic means of self-expression, create self-confidence, and teach marketable skills while fostering communication and independence. By utilizing the arts to enhance education, advance socialization, and promote inclusion, VSAFL programs are making it possible for more people with disabilities to contribute to the social, cultural and economic life of their communities.

Proposal Summary: Objectives

VSAFL will : provide and assess education programs and artist residencies to facilitate students and adults with disabilities access to appropriate learning experiences; provide and assess professional development in area of building inclusive classrooms where every student experiences significant learning in and through the arts; provide opportunities to showcase and create public awareness of abilities of artists with disabilities; and provide and assess cultural access and inclusive art services.
Each VSAFL program/project/activity will meet at least one of the following objectives:

• Increase social skills of participants;

  *Increase cognitive skills of participants;
  *Improve teaching skills of professionals;
  *Increase the artistic skills of participants;
  *Increase access to the arts for people with disabilities; and
  *Increase participants' awareness of the importance of inclusion.

Proposal Summary: Activities

Instructions to the Applicant

Outline specific activities (methods) that will be used to achieve the objectives. Give brief descriptive information about each one. You may list more than one activity for each objective.

Activity details (such as title, location, dates, names, fees, and anticipated attendance/participation) should be described in the Application Narrative.

Example: Expand the Fall class offerings by 15% by adding two additional classes in watercolor, and introducing a nature class.

• Provide technical assistance and information and referral on topics related to disability/arts/education for Florida residents.

  *Provide at least 24 professional development workshops on how to build inclusive learning opportunities where every student experiences significant learning in and through the arts and where all people with disabilities have complete access to community cultural facilities and activities.
  *Support the work of 5 regional program coordinators (RPC) to provide programs and services to their region. The RPC's will facilitate students and adults with disabilities access to appropriate inclusive arts learning experiences.
  *Provide at least 67 artist residencies (one in every FL county) for early childhood inclusive classrooms, pre-k through 12th grade inclusive classrooms, or youth in juvenile justice facilities and 15 residencies for adults with disabilities in day programs.
  *Provide at a minimum 20 exhibition opportunities for artists with disabilities. Provide 10 workshops for transition staff, workforce staff and vocational rehabilitation counselors on the arts as a career option.
  *Provide technical assistance, information and referral for organizations to increase cultural access and inclusive art services.
  The infrastructure for the successful completion of this project is in place.

Narrative: Proposal Description

Instructions to the Applicant

Provide details on the plans to implement proposal activities. Include information on the following:

• how the proposal fulfulls the applicant mission
• the timeline of the proposal
• the services provided to your audience (including membership) and how those services are provided (LAAs and SSOs only)

"On one hand I want no acknowledgement of my disability because I want my art to be its own acknowledgement. And yet at the same time I do want my disability known because there is a certain fight I have to fight as an artist that has nothing to do with my art and everything to do with my disability" (anonymous)

VSA arts of Florida's (VSAFL) mission is to ensure that people with disabilities can learn through, participate in and enjoy the arts. Our constituency is the over 2,500,000 individuals with disabilities in the state (2005 figures and 16% of the general population). VSAFL believes that inclusion is the key to success by having people with disabilities become active, contributing members of their communities. By inclusion we mean that a person with a disability sits at the same table as any other individual- whether or not that means in a classroom, at a cultural program, or having the opportunity to develop skills to have a successful career in the arts. Each program area and program activity is always related to our mission. Our work is year round with activities during the school day, after school, evenings and weekends. We provide programs for people with disabilities from our very youngest to our oldest and their families and friends. Our work encompasses any and all activities that bring the arts, disabilities and education together.

As a state service organization(VSAFL) promotes educational and cultural opportunities by and for people with disabilities. VSAFL represents Florida as a member of VSA arts, an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing arts. VSAFL has four distinct program areas. The program areas are: education including artist in residency programs, professional development, cultural access and adult artists with disabilities. Each program area aligns with our guiding principles:
(1)Every young person with a disability deserves access to appropriate arts learning experiences. (2)All artists in schools and art educators should be appropriately prepared to include students and adults with disabilities in their instruction. (3)All children, youth and adults with disabilities should have complete access to community cultural facilities and activities. (4) All individuals with disabilities who aspire to careers in the arts should have the opportunity to develop appropriate skills. In addition to the four program areas mentioned above we also have an extensive outreach program that provides overarching support for all VSAFL programs. In 2008/2009 VSAFL provided direct service to 33,000 individuals with disabilities , an additional 190,000 in inclusive programs , an audience of 19,000 and with an indirect impact on 530,000.

The Education program area includes: 5 program partners that support local arts/education/disability initiatives and artist in residence activities; 6 regional program coordinators (RPC) and our extensive artist in residency program. The goal of RPC is to develop partnerships for VSAFL on a regional level. Based on regions designed by the Florida Department of Education Transition Program, the state is broken down into 5 regions. Each region is led by an RPC that directly reports to the VSAFL Education Coordinator. The RPC develops partnerships with school district personnel, arts and ESE supervisors, arts organizations and disability organizations. The goal of the partnerships is to bring INCLUSION in the arts to the forefront.

VSAFL facilitates over 80 different artist in residency programs. In partnership with the Department of Education, Bureau of Exceptional Student Education and Student Services and each school district VSAFL will provide at least one residency in an inclusive classroom in every Florida County. In addition, VSAFL provides residency opportunities for early childhood inclusive classes, for youth in Juvenile Justice Facilities and for adults with disabilities in day programs. Each residency is evaluated on academic learning and behavioral growth for the participants. In addition the teaching artist is evaluated and the site itself. Teaching artists are asked to develop lessons based on curriculum mapping.

VSAFL facilitates on the average 30-35 professional development opportunities, local, regional or statewide, each year. Each VSAFL professional development includes a pre and post assessment. Included are questions on what additional topics the participant would like to address. VSAFL professional development is provided for a wide array of audiences and topics including: Inclusion in the arts for special education teachers, arts teachers, teaching artists; Cultural access for staff of arts organizations; Disability awareness for staff and volunteers of arts organizations; professional development for adult artists with disabilities; Why the Arts and an introduction to VSAFL for parents of students/adults with disabilities, social service organizations that serve people with disabilities; careers in the arts for organizations that provide job training, placement etc for people with disabilities.

In partnership with DCA, VSAFL has developed an online ACCESS survey for cultural organizations. An aggregate evaluation of the surveys will provide information to VSAFL on the kinds of access trainings that the field needs. The VSASFL cultural access coordinator works directly with arts organizations statewide to assist them in developing access initiatives. The coordinator also works with DCA to develop and distribute the access brochure Recognizing Best Practices.

VSAFL works to assist adult artists with disabilities improve their skill development as an artist and as a business. VSAFL has established an artist registry for adult artists with disabilities. It is free to join the registry and the members receive calls for art to exhibit their work for VSAFL programs as well as other exhibition opportunities. Registry members meet via teleconference once a month to network, find ways to work together on similar activities and for training. Webinars specific to their needs are under development.

Narrative: Culture Builds Florida's Future

Instructions to the Applicant

Using the four response areas below, describe the relationship between the proposal and the Division's strategic plan, Culture Builds Florida' Future.

General Program Support applicants must complete at least 3 of the four response areas. Specific Cultural Project applicants must complete at least 1 of the four response areas.

1. Strengthening the Economy

   VSAFL continues to focus attention on expanding educational opportunity in and through the arts for people with disabilities as a means of improving the self-efficacy and quality of life for people with disabilities. Quality of life is fundamentally an economic concern steeped in opportunity, empowerment, voice, and respect. VSAFL uses the arts as a strategy to connect people with disabilities to their communities, as well as connecting the communities to people with disabilities, without diminishing the quest for excellence in the art form or the quality and intrinsic value of the arts experience.

   VSAFL provides numerous opportunities for artists with disabilities to exhibit their work and to sell their work. Through teleconferences, webinars and face to face meetings VSAFL provides workshops on different facets of building a successful career as an artist. These workshops include, framing, pricing work, marketing and on line applications. Through many community partnerships VSAFL artists with disabilities are contracted to present their work and speak on behalf of VSAFL. We also strongly encourage all artists to be paid for their time and for their work. This also includes the over 175 teaching artists that VSAFL contracts with to teach statewide.

2. Learning and Wellness

   VSAFL programs provide students with valuable academic advantages and teachers with research-based, innovative strategies to ensure participation and progress for each student by using the arts to enhance the learning process. They provide individuals with an artistic means of self-expression, create self-confidence, and teach marketable skills while fostering communication and independence. VSAFL programs and materials are designed to be equitably accessible for students, teachers and other beneficiaries with special needs. In all VSAFL programs, strong emphasis is being placed on ensuring that proper care is taken in getting effective and inclusive, arts programming into schools and communities by controlling the quality and depth of the arts experience. Much thought and attention has been given to: the types of information and training needed by artists to work with special needs populations; how best to address the teachers needs and student needs; how to engage arts, education and community leaders; and in creating effective public awareness initiatives designed to not only inform but to teach understanding of the value of the arts and the importance of inclusion in the lives of people with disabilities.

   Arts in education efforts for people with disabilities need to be woven into a continuum that begins with a foundation in early childhood and consciously proceeds throughout the PreK-12 educational experience. With this foundation established, the learning process continues through opportunities provided by community-based organizations and institutions to access, participate, and demonstrate competencies in and through the arts. At each stage in the journey, learners are afforded the opportunity to develop valuable skills and experiences.

3. Building Leadership

   By utilizing the arts to enhance education, advance socialization, and promote inclusion, VSAFL programs are making it possible for more people with disabilities to contribute to the social, cultural and economic life of their communities. VSAFL in partnership with program partners shares best practices in providing educational/art experiences for students with disabilities. Model residencies programs are shared in a printed document and through monthly teleconferences. For adult artists with disabilities the model program Work of Art (WOA) includes a curriculum and video tape training on how to use a newly designed internet program "Art Thread" to create new pieces of art, upload art work along with an e-commerce capability. WOA participants are then contracted by VSAFL to train others on the technology.

   Through school based programs VSAFL provides many leadership opportunities specifically for students with disabilities. Calls for art from VSA arts select young artists that demonstrate the highest caliber of artistic excellence. These programs are in the visual, performing and poetry. VSAFL works with all school districts to distribute the calls, adjudicates the calls and submits the Florida winners to the national/international competition. VSAFL applicants have frequently been shown at Smithsonian Exhibitions and have had plays produced at the Kennedy Center. In addition to the national opportunities, VSAFL offers the Exemplary Participant Program. Teachers nominate students that have achieved excellence in the arts or shown leadership through the arts. Two winners from each category are selected. Each winner and the nominating teacher are announced at the students' district closing school board meeting

4. Design and Development

   Removing accessible barriers: In partnership with DCA, VSAFL provides professional development and ongoing technical assistance to cultural organizations statewide. VSAFL has developed the Florida access survey. Survey results are reviewed to determine what the state's needs are in access training – be it how to market access initiatives, defining assistive technology, disability awareness – or how to welcome people with disabilities. VSAFL offers many workshops on access. The Taste of Access workshop involves participants in understanding what access means, the demographics of people with disabilities, disability awareness, people first language and assistive technology. An in depth workshop for docents, staff and volunteers of museums and performing arts centers includes specific strategies for specific disabilities. VSAFL works with organizations to develop access committees to act as advisors for access concerns. VSAFL will bring to Florida national experts for trainings on audio description, marketing to the disability community and creative aging – how arts impact the lives of active older Americans. In addition, VSAFL staff sit on many boards to provide input on access issues.

Narrative: Marketing and Promotion

Instructions to the Applicant

Describe marketing, promotion, and/or publicity plans for the proposal. Also describe how these plans will develop or expand the audience related to the proposal.

VSAFL actively markets and promotes opportunities in the arts for individuals with disabilities using a number of different approaches. The VSAFL website www.vsafl.org is the primary source of connection with our constituents. The website provides updates on opportunities statewide in all program areas. The "Events.....NOW" section highlights accessible programs presented by Florida museums and performing arts centers. The program section informs the public on specific accessible programs happening in each county. The resource section provides an enormous number of materials for all constituents – teaching artists, artist with disabilities and the general public.

At any and every opportunity, VSAFL provides artwork created by students or adults with disabilities to be given as an award or recognition. Artwork from a legislator's district is given to the Council of Exceptional Education's Legislator of the Year. VSAFL Young Soloist nominees have performed in Tallahassee on Arts Day and at the FAAE/Ace annual meeting. Framed artwork is also given to program funders. Each piece of artwork includes the VSAFL logo and name. The concluding exhibition and reception of a VSAFL Hand n' Hand artist residency program uses an invitation, created by a teaching artist from the program and is distributed through the participating school district, and mailed to local contacts. The residency and the concluding event receive excellent media coverage.

VSAFL has a 3 minute information video and a 30 second psa that is distributed to program partners and regional program coordinators. The pieces are used, when appropriate for regional trainings, events and activities. Through the state office, press releases are distributed on all program events. The distribution includes statewide coverage as well as local/regional media contacts.

VSAFL distributes a quarterly e-newsletter that highlights programs statewide. In addition, 2 program specific e-newsletters are distributed. The first is for members of the artist registry with information to help promote their individual careers and to strengthen the connection between the artists. The second is for cultural access. This will highlight on a timely basis new program initiatives, opportunities for additional professional development and networking.

The regional program coordinators and program partners market and promote all VSAFL activities going on in their area. Opportunities to participate in art related activities are routinely sent out across our network of contacts. VSAFL has worked very hard to be a recognized entity with each county's special education staff and arts staff. This has definitely happened as more and more responses are coming in from different districts. Opportunities include calls for art from VSA arts. These include: the Young Soloist International Competition which recognizes individuals with disabilities age 16- 25 for excellence in voice and instrument; Young Playwrights Competition which recognizes excellence in play writing for middle school-high school students; the CVS/Caremark All Kids Can exhibit which selects the top two visual artists with disabilities age up pre-k through age 15 for inclusion in an exhibition at the Smithsonian which also includes a Congressional Reception exhibition for the top 10 state entrants; and the Volkswagen/VSA exhibition which selected 16 top artists age - for a cash award and to be part of a major traveling exhibition. For the past three years, VSAFL has had winning entries in the Young Playwrights, Volkswagen and the CVS All Kids Can Exhibition. VSAFL also gets information about calls for art from other national programs or Florida opportunities. Again, this information is distributed to our contact list. On the average – we send out over 80 individual calls each year. The registry artists also receive calls for art via email or hard copy for national, statewide or regional exhibitions, public art proposals, professional development workshops and other networking opportunities.

Narrative: Personnel and Partners

Instructions to the Applicant

Provide information on the following:

• Contributing guest professionals, key staff members (artistic, programmatic, administrative, or other staff) and other personnel directly related to the planning, implementation, activities, and evaluation of the proposal. If personnel positions are currently vacant, provide the selection criteria that will be used.
• Key partnerships (specifically related to this proposal) with public and private organizations. Discuss the responsibilites and benefits of the partnership and whether formal agreements are in place.

VSAFL staff is stable and has successfully managed the program areas for the past 5 years. VSAFL uses consultants for workshops on inclusion in the arts. The consultants are teaching artists (TA) that have a proven success record of successfully working with students with disabilities in the arts. TA are contracted for a specific residency based on the request from the classroom teacher. All TA have passed a Level I and Level II background screening. Artists must meet the following criteria: demonstrated artistic abilities; participated in a regional/statewide VSAFL professional development workshop on disability awareness and inclusion strategies; demonstrate appropriate classroom experience; and demonstrate an ability to work with other professionals in a prescribed setting. They must intrinsically believe that every participant has unique physical and mental abilities and that the only way to be successful is to identify the needs and abilities of each participant and create art through individual strengths.

The success of VSAFL lies in our belief that all people should be fully included in participating in, learning through and enjoying the arts. In order for this to happen VSAFL must have sustainable and strategic partnerships. Every day we see additional evidence of how well we are networked with the arts, education and disability groups statewide.

On the national level, VSAFL is a member of VSA arts, an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This provides direct contact to leaders of the 45+other state VSA arts programs as well as connection through the VSA arts staff. Annual VSA meetings provide face-to-face sharing of ideas and monthly teleconferences bring the network together. On the state level, as a grant funded project of the Fl. Department of Education, Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services, VSAFL is linked to every district's special education director and arts supervisor. VSAFL also works with statewide groups such as the Florida Inclusion Network, Florida Diagnostic Learning and Resource System, and Project 10 which works on transition for students with disabilities. VSAFL partners with many museums and performing arts centers to present training and inclusive programs. We also have an extensive network of partners with agencies that provide services for individuals with disabilities such as, city and county ADA coordinators, the Bureau of Blind Services, Centers for Independent Living, and ARC facilities. VSAFL works in partnership with DCA and coordinates access training for cultural organizations. VSAFL is a member of the Florida Alliance for Arts Education advisory board and works with the Florida Association of Museums. VSAFL partners with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice to facilitate the artist in residency program.

On the regional level, VSAFL has 5 Regional Program Coordinators to act as the liaison between the region and the state office. They develop sustainable relations between VSAFL, school districts in their region, ESE and arts teachers and supervisors, local/regional arts organizations, parents of children with disabilities and social service agencies that provide services for individuals with disabilities. In addition VSAFL has 5 long term program partners that are located throughout the state. The program partners are responsible for VSA programs in their area. The programs are always in partnership through their own network. The partners include school districts, museums, early childhood coalitions, parks and recreation, social service organizations. Through our extensive statewide network, VSAFL is often asked to participate in a partnership for a specific project. For example, VSAFL is part of a creative aging initiative out of Pinellas County. We work extensively with the Miami-Dade Department of Cultural Affairs on the All Kids Included Program and have a 3 year partnership with the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts and the Miami-Dade Public Schools to facilitate 20+ residencies for students and adults with disabilities in Miami-Dade County.

Proposal Estimates

Estimated Number of	Response	Instructions to the Applicant
school based youth benefiting	35,000	Enter the number of individuals under the age of 18 that are expected to be participating in organized school based cultural events. This figure should reflect a portion of the total individuals benefiting.
non-school based youth benefiting	250	Enter the number of individuals under the age of 18 that are expected to be participating in non-school based cultural events. This figure should reflect a portion of the total individuals benefiting.
elders benefiting	2,000	Enter the number of individuals over the age of 65 that are expected to benefit from the proposal activities. This figure should reflect a portion of the total individuals benefiting.
artists participating	200	Enter the estimated number of professional artists that will be directly involved in providing artistic services specifically identified with the proposal. Include living artists whose work is represented in an exhibition regardless of whether the work was provided by the artist or by an institution. This figure should reflect a portion of the total individuals benefiting.
individuals benefiting	950,000	Give the total number of individuals that are expected to be involved in proposal activities as artists, non-artists, participants, or audience members. This number should include the values listed for youth, elders and artists.
proposal events	225	How many different events will be produced or presented within the grant period as a part of this proposal? Be sure to list different events, not performances. For example, a musical performed 10 times is only one event, but a musical performed 10 times and workshop done once are two events.
opportunities for public participation	1,000	Each event will have one or more opportunities for public participation. For example a musical performed 10 times is one event with 10 opportunities for public participation.

Estimated Counties served

• Alachua
• Baker
• Bay
• Bradford
• Brevard
• Broward
• Calhoun
• Charlotte
• Citrus
• Clay
• Collier
• Columbia
• DeSoto
• Dixie
• Duval
• Escambia
• Flagler
• Franklin
• Gadsden
• Gilchrist
• Glades
• Gulf
• Hamilton
• Hardee
• Hendry
• Hernando
• Highlands
• Hillsborough
• Holmes
• Indian River
• Jackson
• Jefferson
• Lafayette
• Lake
• Lee
• Leon
• Levy
• Liberty
• Madison
• Manatee
• Marion
• Martin
• Miami-Dade
• Monroe
• Nassau
• Okaloosa
• Okeechobee
• Orange
• Osceola
• Palm Beach
• Pasco
• Pinellas
• Polk
• Putnam
• Santa Rosa
• Sarasota
• Seminole
• St. Johns
• St. Lucie
• Sumter
• Suwannee
• Taylor
• Union
• Volusia
• Wakulla
• Walton
• Washington

Narrative: Assessment and Planning

The VSAFL board provides oversight to all programs and activities. It includes representatives from 4 different VSAFL affinity groups – parents, teaching artists, artists with disabilities and cultural venues. Each member works with the appropriate staff member to plan and develop programs/activities for their constituents and present them to the board. The executive director speaks to each board member every two weeks. This insures that the board is aware of all aspects of the organization. Each year at the VSAFL annual staff retreat all programs are reviewed. Staff reviews the impact of each program and decides whether or not to continue the program as is, to make changes, or eliminate the program. The program changes are approved by the VSAFL board and then acted upon.

VSAFL provides over 80 residency programs for pre-K children, ESE students in inclusive school sites, Adults with Disabilities and Youth in Detention. The dates and location of the residencies vary depending on the requests and funding available. The artists are required to complete evaluations of their visits and the classroom teacher or site administrator completes an evaluation of the artist. School based teaching artists complete curriculum mapping. VSAFL has also trained 11 people to act as observers to evaluate residencies statewide. The observer protocol is a tool developed by VSA arts. The data will be used to continually improve the training for teaching artists and the evaluation of their work. Currently there are 218 on the VSAFL teaching artist roster. This includes 5 artists with disabilities. With specific local funding VSAFL provides Hand 'n Hand residencies which include 8 hours for a teaching artist to work in an inclusive classroom and 2 hours for an adult artist with a disability to work with the same students on a collaborative piece. The residency ends with a community show of the students' art, the collaborative piece and a piece of artwork form the artist with a disability.

VSAFL will continue its Exemplary Participant Recognition Program. The program recognizes 4 students with disabilities for excellence in the art or leadership through the arts. VSAFL staff present the awards during a school board meeting in the winners' districts. VSAFL will continue its Young Soloist Program in partnership with the Florida Orchestra. Young Soloist is a statewide search for students that excel in musicianship or vocals. The finalists perform with the orchestra at outdoor concerts.

VSAFL provides regional or local professional development workshops for art and ESE teachers as well as regional or local professional development for teaching artists or staff and/or volunteers of art organizations and social service agencies that provide educational opportunities for students and adults with disabilities. For 10/11 VSAFL will provide a minimum of 35 workshops.
Each activity has an evaluation that includes a pre and post assessment of base line knowledge of the topic and knowledge gained.

VSAFL provides opportunities in careers in the arts by inviting emerging and established artists with disabilities to join the VSAFL artist registry, an online database of artists with disabilities. Registry artists receive year round opportunities to participate in: calls for art for exhibition opportunities; scheduled professional development workshops; and networking events.

VSAFL continues to expand the use of its website – www.vsafl.org through new marketing strategies. We send out quarterly e newsletters, print one year end report and develop other collateral materials. Webinars for many training programs are planned for access on the web. Emphasis is on building relationships with local and statewide media with the statewide residency program being a focal point. The VSAFL Facebook page will generate more fans and include causes.

VSAFL continues to exhibit statewide through state, regional and local partners. VSAFL facilitates quarterly exhibitions created by registry artists at the VSAFL Open Door Gallery at the West Tampa Center for the Arts. Children's work is shown in the state office.

Narrative: Proposal Impact

The VSAFL mission is to ensure that people with disabilities, of all ages, can learn through, participate in and enjoy the arts. Our constituency is the over 2,500,000 million individuals with disabilities in the state (2005 figures and 16% of the general population) and their families and friends.
VSAFL works hard to sustain its innovative programs. Last year VSAFL trained artists with disabilities to be teaching artists. These artists are now active members of the VSAFL teaching artist roster and will be among those selected to hold a residency in an inclusive classroom in every FL county. This year, VSAFL trained Observers to systematically evaluate our extensive residency programs. Evaluation is a key element to continue to create better residency experiences and these observers will be key. The observers can use their skills for any organization that runs a residency program - thus increasing the impact of their knowledge and skills.
VSAFL wants the artistic merit of artists with disability to be the deciding factor. With that in mind, VSAFL sponsors the Florida Young Soloist Program. Through a statewide search 3 young vocalists or instrumentalists with disabilities are selected to represent Florida in the International VSA arts Young Soloist Program. In October 2009, the Florida Young Soloists performed with the Florida Orchestra Concert in the Park, Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg. An audience of over 15,000 music lovers heard outstanding musicianship, and got an instant lesson of disability awareness. Creativity is not bound by ones disability. It was an outstanding experience of being part of a larger art event. It brought the VSAFL name out to an totally new audience of music lovers. In February 2009, as part of the Super Bowl 2009 activities, VSAFL was selected as the charity for the NFL Jock and Smocks Jazz Party and Silent Art Auction. Again, VSAFL was able to promote the best in the visual arts in an exhibition that was not a "disability" event. We have been invited to participate in the 2010 Super Bowl event in Miami. In fact, this partnership will be continued with other VSA state affiliates in other Super Bowl cities.

VSAFL's Regional Program Coordinators (RPC) structure provides unique opportunities for marketing and promotion, education, outreach and impact. Each RPC will act as the liaison between the region and VSAFL to develop sustainable relations between school district ESE and Arts supervisors, district administrators, local/regional arts organizations, parents of children with disabilities and social service agencies that provide services for individuals with disabilities and their families. The RPC will act as VSAFL's eyes and ears. Their job responsibilities indicate the scope of their work and the impact it will have. Their work includes: Meet with each school district ESE and Art Supervisor in region; Meet with regions FDLRS and FIN staff; Visit residency program in each county.; Act as an observer for at least one residency in region; Facilitate at least one regional training on inclusion (led by VSAFL Professional Development Coordinator); Facilitate at least one regional training on cultural access (led by VSAFL Cultural Access Coordinator); Facilitate at least one regional exhibition of art work or a culmination performance created from the residency programs; Promote VSAFL programs such as Exemplary Participant and VSA arts programs such as Young Soloist and Young Playwrights; and Develop a plan to increase participation of parents of children with disabilities that increases awareness and involvement in VSAFL programming in their region.

Narrative: Education and Outreach

The VSAFL mission and all we do really answers this question. Every program offered has an educational component and a lifelong learning benefit. As VSAFL works to educate the general population to look at people with disabilities as individuals with abilities, we also work to educate people with disabilities about the impact of art on their lives and to ensure access to art in all shapes and forms.

Each program area has specific goals. The primary goal of the Educational Programs is for students of all ages with disabilities to have increased opportunities to learn through, participate in and enjoy the arts. This program area includes the regional program coordinators (RPC) and the artist in residency programs. The primary goal of the RPC is to act as the liaison between the region and VSAFL to develop sustainable relations between school district ESE and Arts supervisors, district administrators, local/regional arts organizations, parents of children with disabilities and social service agencies. In addition VSAFL has 5 long term program partners that are located throughout the state. The program partners are responsible for VSA programs in their area such as inclusive performances, art classes or festivals which a day of immersion in art making. Included under education programs are the outreach programs of Young Soloist and CVS All Kids Can. Each program is a statewide recognition program that seeks nominations of students or young adults with disabilities that excel in a particular art form. Each program has an adjudication process with the winners being sent to VSA arts for the national program. VSAFL also sends out calls to our network seeking art for local, regional, statewide or national opportunities.

The primary program goal of the artist in residence program is to provide trained artists to work with the various populations and provide a sequential educational hands-on arts experience. The goal of the pre-K program is to introduce reading readiness skills and literacy through hands-on arts activities. For school based students the arts experience works toward mastering of specific Florida State Standards in the arts. The goal of the adult residency is to provide a means for self expression and increased social skills. The DJJ residency program introduces the youth to positive outlets for their time and possible career choices

The primary goal of Professional Development program is to provide information and resources to build skills to develop successful learning experiences in and through the arts for people with disabilities. The focus of the training depends on the audience. VSAFL professional development includes: (1)Training teachers and/or teaching artists to link arts-based curriculum to educational standards and enhance the teacher's ability to communicate directly with the student with disabilities so they can successfully participate with the least level of intervention, have choices and incorporate the use of adaptive materials; (2) Career development for transition staff and parents look at the arts as a viable career choice (3) artists with disabilities to gain knowledge on the technical and entrepreneurial skills needed to sustain a career as an independent artist.

The primary goal of Cultural Access is to provide technical assistance statewide to arts organization on how to successfully include patrons with disabilities. Professional development is a key component and includes training on arts and disability-related topics for community/cultural institutions including specific strategies for including and welcoming people with disabilities and information on adaptive services such as Audio Description, ASL interpretation and open and closed captioning.

The primary goal of Programs for Adult Artists with Disabilities is to provide opportunities to advance careers in the arts by inviting them to join the VSAFL artist registry, an online database of artists with disabilities. Registry artists receive, year round opportunities to participate in calls for art for exhibition opportunities, workshops and networking events.

Operating Budget

	Operating Expenses	Completed FY ended 9/30/08	Current FY ending 9/30/09	Next FY ending 9/30/10
1.	Personnel: Administrative	17,293	17,294	16,762
2.	Personnel: Programmatic	229,776	229,756	241,938
3.	Personnel: Technical/Production
4.	Outside Fees and Services: Programmatic	273,435	200,353	169,994
5.	Outside Fees and Services: Other	14,090	46,900	37,337
6.	Space Rental, Rent or Mortgage	21,066	22,880	22,406
7.	Travel	36,038	27,700	27,591
8.	Marketing	19,148	21,835	19,907
9.	Remaining Operating Expenses	86,541	73,235	53,024
A.	Total Cash Expenses	$697,387	$639,953	$588,959
B.	In-kind Contributions	$18,450	$18,450	$18,450
C.	Total Operating Expenses	$715,837	$658,403	$607,409
	Operating Income	Completed FY ended 9/30/08	Current FY ending 9/30/09	Next FY ending 9/30/10
10.	Revenue: Admissions
11.	Revenue: Contracted Services
12.	Revenue: Other	96,234	85,625	60,239
13.	Private Support: Corporate	42,250	18,080	12,350
14.	Private Support: Foundation	64,586	75,400	23,800
15.	Private Support: Other	23,536	32,320	33,505
16.	Government Support: Federal	333,943	341,905	361,905
17.	Government Support: State/Regional	138,454	45,448	74,260
18.	Government Support: Local/County	47,425	54,900	22,900
19.	Applicant Cash
D.	Total Cash Income	$746,428	$653,678	$588,959
B.	In-kind Contributions	$18,450	$18,450	$18,450
E.	Total Operating Income	$764,878	$672,128	$607,409

Proposal Budget: Summary

	Proposal Expenses	A. Request	B. Cash Expenses	C. In-kind	Total
1.	Personnel: Administrative	0	5,700	0	$5,700
2.	Personnel: Programmatic	15,000	120,000	0	$135,000
3.	Personnel: Technical/Production	0	0	0	$0
4.	Outside Fees and Services: Programmatic	79,500	8,250	0	$87,750
5.	Outside Fees and Services: Other	0	0	0	$0
6.	Space Rental, Rent	0	10,000	10,000	$20,000
7.	Travel	15,000	5,500	0	$20,500
8.	Marketing	4,500	2,500	0	$7,000
9.	Equipment	0	0	0	$0
10.	Remaining Proposal Expenses	3,000	1,500	0	$4,500
D.	Total Proposal Expenses	117,000	153,450	10,000	$280,450
	Proposal Income	A. Request	E. Cash Income	C. In-Kind	Total
11.	Revenue: Admissions		0		$0
12.	Revenue: Contracted Services		0		$0
13.	Revenue: Other		0		$0
14.	Private Support: Corporate		0		$0
15.	Private Support: Foundation		8,250		8,250
16.	Private Support: Other		0		$0
17.	Government Support: Federal		145,200		145,200
18.	Government Support: State/Regional (not including state funds)		0		$0
19.	Government Support: Local/County		0		$0
20.	Applicant Cash		0		$0
F.	Total Proposal Income	117,000	153,450	10,000	$280,450

Proposal Budget: Detail

	Proposal Expenses	A. Request	B. Cash Expenses	C. In-Kind	Total
1.	Personnel: Administrative	0	5,700	0	$5,700
1.1. Executive Director		0	3,000	0	3,000
1.2. Financial Coordinator		0	2,700	0	2,700
2.	Personnel: Programmatic	15,000	120,000	0	$135,000
2.1. Executive Director		0	35,000	0	35,000
2.2. Financial Coordinator		0	20,000	0	20,000
2.3. Education Coordinator		0	10,000	0	10,000
2.4. Professional Development Coordinator		0	35,000	0	35,000
2.5. Adult Program Coordinator		0	20,000	0	20,000
2.6. Residency Assistant - $12 x 20 hrs/wk x 52 weeks		15,000	0	0	15,000
3.	Personnel: Technical/Production	0	0	0	$0
4.	Outside Fees and Services: Programmatic	79,500	8,250	0	$87,750
4.1. Regional Coordinators - 5 x $5000/year		25,000	0	0	25,000
4.2. Observers - 67 residencies x $100		6,700	0	0	6,700
4.3. 67 ESE residencies - 67 x $400		26,800	0	0	26,800
4.4. 15 ARC residencies - 15 x $500		7,500	0	0	7,500
4.5. 15 DJJ residencies - 15 x $500		7,500	0	0	7,500
4.6. Consultants for inclusion workshops		3,000	1,500	0	4,500
4.7. consultants for cultural access workshops		3,000	1,500	0	4,500
4.8. 10 Hand 'n Hand residencies		0	5,250	0	5,250
5.	Outside Fees and Services: Other	0	0	0	$0
6.	Space Rental, Rent	0	10,000	10,000	$20,000
6.1. State office rental		0	10,000	10,000	20,000
7.	Travel	15,000	5,500	0	$20,500
7.1. Residency artists		5,000	1,500	0	6,500
7.2. Observers		5,000	1,500	0	6,500
7.3. staff and Regional Program Coordinators		5,000	1,500	0	6,500
7.4. Hand 'n Hand artists		0	1,000	0	1,000
8.	Marketing	4,500	2,500	0	$7,000
8.1. VSAFL website maintenance - www.vsafl.org		2,500	1,000	0	3,500
8.2. Printed materials for workshops		2,000	1,000	0	3,000
8.3. Printing for Hand 'n Hand openings		0	500	0	500
9.	Equipment	0	0	0	$0
10.	Remaining Proposal Expenses	3,000	1,500	0	$4,500
10.1. Exhibition costs - 4 adult exhibitions		2,000	500	0	2,500
10.2. Exhibition costs - 4 childrens exhibitions		1,000	500	0	1,500
10.3. Hand 'n Hand exhibitions		0	500	0	500
D.	Total Proposal Expenses	117,000	153,450	10,000	$280,450

	Proposal Income	A. Request	E. Cash Income	C. In-Kind	Total
11.	Revenue: Admissions		0		$0
12.	Revenue: Contracted Services		0		$0
13.	Revenue: Other		0		$0
14.	Private Support: Corporate		0		$0
15.	Private Support: Foundation		8,250		$8,250
15-1 Emerson Foundation			1,000		1,000
15-2 FL Medical Clinic - Foundation of Caring			3,250		3,250
15-3 Hernando Co. Community Foundation			2,000		2,000
15-4 Gulfcoast Community Foundation			2,000		2,000
16.	Private Support: Other		0		$0
17.	Government Support: Federal		145,200		$145,200
17-1 Department of Education			135,700		135,700
17-2 VSA			9,500		9,500
18.	Government Support: State/Regional (not including state funds)		0		$0
19.	Government Support: Local/County		0		$0
20.	Applicant Cash		0		$0
F.	Total Proposal Income	117,000	153,450	10,000	$280,450

Proposal Summary: Evaluation Plan

Sustainability is insured by including each activity/program the means to measure for progress and problems. Each activity has a specific evaluation tool. Professional development includes a pre and post assessment and follow up activities through monthly teleconferences. This evaluation looks at the following criteria: value added, implementation, satisfaction, recommendation to others, accessibility. In October 2009, VSAFL established a Regional Program Coordinator Program (RPC). Each coordinator will work to develop partnerships with school districts, arts organizations, and disability organizations in their region. The RPC will submit monthly reports. The residency programs complete an evaluation tool from the teaching artist's perspective and the classroom teacher's perspective. In October 2009, VSAFL began the Observer Program. Eleven individuals selected from an RFP received training to act as an observer for artist in residency programs. The observers received training on what an excellent residency experience looks like and how that translates into learning for students. The learning is tied to specific state standards in the arts. Through a national initiative from VSA arts, VSAFL is the first state to use observers on a statewide level. The observers will visit a residency 3 times and then complete a final report. The observation is shared with the teaching artist and with the VSAFL artist in residency coordinator. On the state level, the reports will be used to improve our residency training for teaching artist. The information will be used on the national level to further refine the tool and begin amassing data on a national level.

Narrative: Applicant History

As a SSO, VSAFL promotes educational and cultural opportunities by and for people with disabilities. VSAFL represents FL as a member of VSA arts, an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing arts. VSAFL has led creative and innovative programming in the arts for 28 years.
VSAFL fulfills its mission through four guiding principles: (1)Every young person with disability deserves access to appropriate arts learning experiences; (2)All artists in schools and art educators should be appropriately prepared to include students with disabilities in their instruction; (3) All children, youth, and adults with disabilities should have complete access to community cultural facilities and activities; and (4)All individuals with disabilities who aspire to careers in the arts should have the opportunity to develop appropriate skills.
Each VSAFL staff person's program area directly support a specific guiding principle.
In 2007-2008 VSAFL provided 197 different programs in 52 counties. These programs included:

• Direct participation of 66,278 students with disabilities;

• 79 VSAFL artist residencies serving 1587 students with disabilities and 388 adults with disabilities;

• 36 professional development trainings for 1054 participants, including teachers, teaching artists, artists with disabilities and staff of cultural organizations;

• The first Florida Young Soloists Performance;

• Three student/adult staged performances were presented to an audience of 663;

• Ten exhibitions of artwork created by 107 students with disabilities;

• Two Florida adults received National recognition through the VSA arts Young Playwrights award and VSA arts Driven Volkswagen Art Exhibition, and one student with disabilities had work in a Smithsonian exhibition;

• 20 exhibitions of artwork were created by adults and students with disabilities;

• Eight calls for art were sent to 250 teachers statewide, resulting in 571 pieces of artwork created by students with disabilities;

• 107 artists with a disability were listed as members of the VSAFL artist registry;

• A total of 262,000 individuals directly participated in inclusive VSAFL programs with an additional 464,000 in indirect services.

  In 2008-2009 VSAFL Provided 220 different programs in 52 counties . These programs included:

• 32,786 students with disabilities participated in programs/activities;

• 79 artist residencies serving 1918 students with disabilities and 326 adults with disabilities;

• 29 professional development trainings for 837 participants including teachers, teaching artists, artists with disabilities and staff of cultural organizations;

• 2 Florida Young Soloists Performances featuring 4 performers for an audience of 15,000;

• VSA arts awards for Outstanding Community Partner and Outstanding Leadership,National recognition for 1 young adult artist as a finalist in the VSA arts Driven Volkswagen Art Exhibition;

• 13 exhibitions of artwork created by adults and students with disabilities;

• 8 community outreach events reaching 5300 individuals;

• 107 artists with a disability are members of the VSAFL artist registry;

• 9000 website hits per month with 75% new hits;

• 220,000 individuals directly participated in VSAFL program/activities and 537,217 individuals indirectly participated.

  VSAFL is recognized nationally. The ED chairs the south region of VSA arts and also chairs the affiliate council, which represents all USA affiliates. VSAFL is recognized at the VSA arts annual meeting for its excellence in program development and organizational management. VSAFL often mentors new VSA arts affiliates.

Narrative: Sustainability

Instructions to the Applicant

Describe plans to sustain the proposal activities after the grant period (if applicable). Include:

• Plans for expansion and growth for these or future activities and how activities will be sustained
• Information on the applicant's long range strategic plan (if available)

VSAFL frequently receives funding for local programs/activities. As nice as this is, it doesn't provide equal programs for all counties. This work is supported through the SSO designation and funding.

The VSAFL board of directors provides oversight to all programs and activities. The board includes representatives from 4 different VSAFL affinity groups – parents, teaching artists, artists with disabilities and cultural access. Each affinity representative works with the appropriate staff member to research, plan and develop programs/activities for their constituents. For example, The teaching artists have teleconferences monthly and the affinity representative summarizes the calls and presents current needs/issues to the board. The executive director speaks to each board member every two weeks. This insures that the board is knowledgeable about the organization and can speak about who and what we do at any time or place.

Each year at the VSAFL annual staff retreat all programs are reviewed. Staff reviews the impact of each program and decides whether or not to continue the program as is, to make changes, or eliminate the program. The program changes are approved by the VSAFL board and then acted upon.

The VSAFL board adopted a three year strategic plan in 7/2006. It is reviewed yearly to check the progress of the organization. The board retreat in January 2010 will be dedicated to updating and making changes as needed follows
"VSA arts of Florida Strategic Plan 2006-2009- Last reviewed 7/09".
(1) Guided by the Board Development Committee, to increase funding by $20,000 yearly. (met)
(2) Guided by the Board Marketing Committee, brand VSA arts of Florida so it is recognizable and expanded as a statewide resource to increase access to the arts as measured by:
a.An increase of 10% each year in participation in direct service for students with and without disabilities in inclusive environments. (met yearly)
b. An increase in people using VSA arts of Florida as a resource. Outcome will include technical assistance provided by VSAFL staff and participation in VSAFL professional development trainings ( met yearly)
c. An increase in press coverage for VSA arts of Florida (met in 2008 and continued in 2009
d. Increase by 10% revenue from non governmental sources. (met 2009)
e. An increase in technical communication to all involved (met yearly)
(3). Guided by the Board Executive Committee organize a program of board development, which could include board orientation, committee goals. etc. (in progress)
(4) Guided by the Board Education Committee, create and develop four partnerships to help diversify programs, increase program participants and revenues as follows:
a.Outreach programs with 2 media entities and 2 corporations per year ( met in 2008 and sustained in 2009
b.One new educational partnership with a rural or underserved school district ( met in 2008 and sustained in 2009)
c.Professional development programs in at least 6 districts per year.( met yearly)
d.Audio description at two performing arts centers and visual imaging at two museums.( met in 2008 and
sustained in 2009).

Narrative: Fiscal Stability

Instructions to the Applicant

Provide information about the fiscal condition of the organization as it relates to the successful completion of the proposal. Include information about the following:

• Current debt level and reduction efforts
• Special fiscal circumstances that may exist and how they impact the proposal
• Endowments and/or savings (or plans for these)
• Acquistion of non-state financial support for the proposal

VSAFL carries no current debt. We have built a cash reserve that covers 6 months of operating expenses. Our funding from the State Department of Education is stable. These funds cover all salaries and office rent. VSAFL receives a yearly award from the VSA arts, our national office. This is dedicated towards programs. Programs are explicitly planned with the knowledge of what new funding is guaranteed. We are flexible in our programs. We can add or eliminate as necessary.

Narrative: Collection Summary (GPS Collecting Museums only)

Instructions to the Applicant

Provide a summary of the applicant's collection (live or inanimate) and the collection policy. Provide information on the following:

• Size and scope of collection(s) the museum owns or uses
• Conservation and care
• Inventory and/or registration methods
No answer provided.

Applicant Accessibility

Statement	Response
Applicant's facilities and programs are accessible to persons with disabilities.	True
Applicant has conducted an accessibility self-evaluation of its facilities and programs (Date of most recent evaluation).	True Date of most recent evaluation: 7/21/2003
Applicant has established policies and procedures which address nondiscrimination against persons with disabilities.	True
Applicant has a complaint process for discrimination on the basis of disability	True
Applicant has designated staff person that is responsible for Section 504, ADA and Florida Statutes 553 Compliance.	True Designated staff contact: Marian Winters, Executive Director
Other staff members are informed and trained in access issues.	True

Narrative: Accessibility

People with disabilities constitute the largest and most diverse identified minority group in the United States, constituting 15 percent of the population. Based on the 2000 census, there are 3,240,000 individuals age 5 and older with a disability living in the state of Florida. Though large in numbers, people with disabilities struggle constantly to overcome the barriers of social prejudice and negative expectations. Inclusion teaches us that all means all. Everybody. No exceptions. The arts invite people to leave familiar territory, to explore new answers and seek new questions. The arts offer a means to self-expression, communication, and independence. By learning through the arts, students become lifelong learners, experiencing the joy of discovery and exploration, and the value of each other's ideas.

All programs are inclusive as: (1) Students/adults with disabilities participate in program activities alongside those who are not identified as having disabilities; (2) Adaptations and modifications using the principles of Universal Design and/or the Americans with Disabilities Act are made to provide access for people with disabilities in the program planning, implementation and evaluation; (3)People with disabilities are involved in program planning and design; and all program activities occur in accessible locations.

VSAFL board members include individuals with disabilities. However, they participate in the board not because they have a disability but because of the expertise in a particular area. People with disabilities are represented at all levels of the organization. VSAFL staff includes people with disabilities. Our program partner sites have advisory boards that include people with disabilities. Parents/families of individuals with disabilities are included in program development through our partnership with school district ESE parent liaison committees. VSAFL works with cultural organizations to develop access advisory boards, comprised of individuals with disabilities that are interested in the arts and have a stake in making the program/facility more accessible.

In summary, through the SSO grant VSA arts of Florida will continue to bring programs of excellence to the state. The programs will include:
• Education programs and artist residencies to facilitate students and adults with disabilities access to appropriate learning experiences;
• Professional development in area of building inclusive classrooms where every student experiences significant learning in and through the arts;
• Public awareness of abilities of artists with disabilities; and
• Cultural access and inclusive art services.

1. Division of Corporations Record
2. 501 (c)3 determination letter
3. Spiral bound booklet of support materials to include:
Section 1 - org chart, map of services, Board of Directors list, staff list.
Section 2 - VSAFL state regional plan overview, Job description for Reg.Prog. Coord., Regional map, Education program overview, Newspaper ad for Young Soloist.
Section 3 - Residency publication entitled "Faces in Artful Places", Residency Program overview, FLDOE letter from B. Lockman, Curriculum map spreadsheet, School site residency evaluation, Teaching Artist Evaluation, Evaluation activities, Observation Tool A, Observation Tool B, Newspaper articles written about 2 different Hand 'n Hand residencies.
Section 4 - Professional Development overview, Program from Creative Aging workshop, Inclusion in the Arts powerpoint.
Section 5 - "Inclusive Culture" publication, Cultural access overview, "How to" of Accessible Exhibitions, Access powerpoint.
Section 6 - Artist Registry overview, Artist registry website, Artist registry application.
Section 7 - VSAFL accomplishments, VSAFL website front page, VSAFL Informational DVD.