The Capital Area Organization on Arts and Disability

VSA Washington D.C. is a community-based non-profit that develops, implements and supports arts-integrated education and employment programs for youth and adults with special needs. VSA Washington D.C. offers the following: the ARTiculate Training Program, The ARTiculate Gallery and The School for Arts in Learning Public Charter School.

The School for Arts in Learning, PCS (SAIL)

SAIL is a DC public charter school, serving students in grades K-8. SAIL’s mission is to address the needs of students with learning differences by providing creative learning environments using an arts-infused curriculum.

Brief Chronology of VSA Washington DC:

  • 1981: Founded at Trinity College as the DC affiliate of Very Special Arts (VSA)
  • 1981: Held first “The Arts Are Magic!” Festival
  • 1984: Incorporated as Washington Very Special Arts (WVSA), a 501(c)(3)
  • 1986: Started artsJAM! (Jobs and Mentors) Employment and Training Program
  • 1990: Started “Whole School Arts-Infused Program” working in DC schools
  • 1993: Started “Art on the Move” that places artwork in local businesses and offices
  • 1996: Opened artsJAM Gallery and Training Center in Takoma Park
  • 1998: A VERY BIG YEAR!
    • Incorporated WVSA School for Arts In Learning Public Charter School (SAIL PCS) a 501(c)(3), and received charter from PCSB
    • Purchased current 28,600sq/ft building at 16th and L Streets NW
    • Enrolled first SAIL students
    • Changed Washington Very Special Arts name to “WVSA Arts Connection”
    • Renamed “artsJAM” as the “ARTiculate Training Program” and the “ARTiculate Gallery and Studios”
  • 2002-03: Obtained DC Revenue Bonds and completed renovation and addition to 16th Street building
  • 2004: Expanded SAIL to include an Upper School, and rented space on H Street for Upper School grades 6-10
  • 2007: Board suspended Upper School, and returned to K-6 Lower School only;
    • Added SAIL Grade 7 to Lower School in 2008
    • Added SAIL Grade 8 to Lower School in 2009
  • 2009: Founder and CEO, Larry Riccio retires; Rick Offner, former VSA DC Board Chair hired as new CEO
  • Changed WVSA Arts Connection name to “VSA Washington DC”