Adaptation, Integration, and the Arts
The Adaptation, Integration & the Arts (AIA) program began in 2002 and partners teaching artists and educators in inclusive classrooms with the goal of enhancing teaching and learning through an arts integrated curriculum. Since its inception, AIA has served hundreds of students with and without disabilities throughout Ohio. AIA residencies align with academic content standards and take place in K-12 classrooms throughout each school year.
Program Vision: By bringing together artists, classroom teachers, and students with and without disabilities there is a unique opportunity to experience the power of the arts to support student achievement, creativity, innovation, and effective teaching and learning.
Adaptation, Integration, and the Arts is funded by the Ohio Department of Education and VSA. The outcomes developed for AIA align with those of these institutions, including Ohio’s Part B State Performance Plan.
- Students with disabilities will demonstrate increased participation and learning when arts activities are integrated into the curriculum
- Parent involvement in student learning will be increased
- A positive and affirming environment for self-expression among students with and without disabilities will be created
- Secondary transition skills and participation and performance on state assessments will be improved
- Students strengthen and increase their knowledge and skills in the arts
- Classroom teachers will demonstrate use of arts integration in teaching
- Teaching artists increase their understanding of integration among the arts and other academic areas
- VSA Ohio will serve its mission to “empower people with disabilities, creatively and inclusively, through the arts”