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AAI unlocks the doors to the arts for children with disabilities

The mission of Accessible Arts, Inc. is to champion the arts for children with disabilities and advocate access to the arts.

Accessible Arts values children and the arts. Above all, access to the arts for children with disabilities is our core principle. Advocacy, education and collaboration are essential components in accomplishing our objectives.

We believe that through the arts, children develop critical thinking skills, take risks in a safe environment and experience successes. The challenge of creating something of value instills hope and self-confidence in children. If you would like to volunteer, please contact us by email or by phone: 913/281-1133

List of Volunteer Activities

Event/Description

Time Period

Volunteer Needs

99 Drums Training dates and times to be announced. There is usually at least one Saturday afternoon and one weekday evening session available. Call 99 Drums Volunteer Coordinator: 913/281-1133 Volunteer Training prior to event is required. This is a unique and valuable experience for professionals, college interns, parents and educators.

99 Drums

Sunday April 27. About 2:00-4:00

Greeters/ushers for public performance.

99 Drums (Multicultural Drumming & Dancing Workshops)

Sat-Sunday, April 21-22, 2006

Morning, Afternoon, Evening--overlapping shifts

  • Group leaders, 4-hr. shifts, to accompany small groups of students to/during workshops + monitor table for 1 meal. (Meal included)
  • Assist in preparation, serving and cleanup of meal (4-hr. shift)
  • Chaperone children overnight in gymnasium.

After-school Arts Club

Tuesday Ceramics Club 3:30-5:00 pm
Thursday Mixed Media Club 3:30-5:00
Some arts, disabilities, teaching experience helpful

Assist teacher assembling art supplies and making ready in art room; student assistant as needed.

Art Supply Management

Periodic. 1/2 day per week or to be arranged.

Organize donated art supplies, label, sort, etc. Review materials such as dried-up markers.

Construction

Probably a one-time need

Build 'cubicles' for paper storage and to divide existing shelving or replace with more user-friendly shelving in existing spaces.

Paint & minor repairs on wooden sign outdoors.

Database

Weekly 1-4 hours at a time

Would require some training

Ongoing commitment

  • Updates and periodic confirmations.
  • Call artists to confirm phone/fax, specialty; get e-mail address & web site URL.
  • Add/update media e-mail addresses to our e-mail address books.

    • Folding & copying, assembling

    Periodic (and as needed)

    Training materials

    Special Event flyers/brochures

    Library Assistance

    Periodic (monthly or weekly)

    2-4 hours at a time

    Would require some training

    Ongoing commitment

    Use computer program to check-in/check out materials. Accession new books/magazines. Send reminders of past-dues. Restock shelves.

    A plus: review new materials (arts/disabilities background helpful)

    Mailings, Bulk

    As needed (Refer to Major Events/Programs sheet)

  • 2 Newsletters per year
  • Awards program
  • Major programs
  • Art Auction
  • Holiday appeal

    • Mailings, Miscellaneous

    As needed

    Folding, assembling, affixing address labels, postage, etc.

    Office Assistance

    4 hrs./month

    Removing old staff from mailing lists of other organizations, or canceling our entry from their database.

    Periodic as needed (perhaps 2x/month for 1/2 day)

    Filing (Primarily Newsletters, Magazines that come in mail. Remove oldest & insert newest. Enter new into spreadsheet or perhaps export into database.)

    Photo storage

    Periodic

    Place in albums and label

    Public Relations

    Periodic as needed. Could be a one-time job or ongoing commitment.

    (Refer to Major Events/Programs sheet)

    • Help write, distribute press releases/calendar notices.
    • Staff information tables at various AAI public events.
    • Distribute flyers, put up posters in strategic places.

    Special Events Volunteers

    Periodic, as needed.

    Past Examples: Supervise fabric weaving; assist children assembling birdhouse from kit, manage & supervise children w/art projects.

    Video tape Maintenance

    4-5 afternoons

    Video tapes need to be played periodically. Could read/do handwork while fast-forwarding.

    If you would like to volunteer, please contact us by email or by phone: 913/281-1133

    Major programs/events

    Event/Program

    Description

    2 newsletters per year - Bulk Mailing (Back to Mailings-bulk)

    Usually March & September 5,000+

    Awards program (Educator of the Year and Distinguished Service of the Year—both in Arts and Disabilities, for the State of Kansas)

    Takes place the second Wednesday of March.

    Mailing and other needs, 200+

    Major program (such as 99 Drums, The Country of the Blind in 2007)

    Usually March-April 2,000+ bulk mailing, plus other numerous volunteer needs

    Discovery Trails and Follow-up Art Program

    The trek is in June for teenagers who are blind. In the fall, some of the students plan and conduct an arts related program to elementary age children using their experiences to teach about pioneer life along the trail. Numerous preparatory volunteer tasks are available.

    Annual Fundraiser which benefits Accessible Arts

    (Back to Public Relations)

    April 3, 2008, AAI will host Monet's Garden: An Evening in Paris, at Starlight Theater. (Many volunteers will be welcome for as-yet to be determined tasks.)

    Holiday Appeal - Bulk Mailing

    Late October 600+

    If you would like to volunteer, please contact us by email or by phone: 913/281-1133

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