Accessible Arts
ACCESSIBLE ARTS Division is an option for students who identify as having a disability and may receive services under IDEA or ADA: Section 504. The division welcomes students of all ages and offers division-specific accommodations to ensure that every student has the chance to participate fully in the program. Student artwork is now divided into two age groups K-5th grade and 6th-12 grade.
To participate, connect with your PTA/PTSA and/or state PTA to verify the Accessible Arts Division is available. Once confirmed, students check the box on the Student Entry Form to opt-in to participating in the Division. Students also select an arts category and grade-level division.
Division Participation Overview
By participating in the division, students will:
Compete against other students in the Accessible Arts Division and be awarded as part of the division.
Follow the general rules and arts category guidelines specific to their submissions, modified only by non-artistic accommodations for individuals with disabilities and division-specific accommodations.
When relevant, compete against other students based on the selected grade-level division.
Additional Participation Options
Students with disabilities that do not wish to enter the Accessible Arts Division may compete and be awarded in their relevant grade-level division (based on school grade). Students may receive only non-artistic accommodations.
Reminders
Division eligibility: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines an individual with a disability as a person who: (1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of that person; (2) has a record of such an impairment; or (3) is regarded as having such impairment.
NOW two grade division: Students participating in the Accessible Arts Division for one entry must compete in the K-5th grade division or 6th - 12th grade division.
Accommodations are adjustments or supports provided to students with disabilities to ensure they can fully participate in Reflections. Work with your PTA/PTSA and/or state PTA directly to discuss specific needs and explore what is specifically available through your PTA community.
Accepted Accommodations
Any accommodation should be both specific and limited to the student’s disability and should not impact the artistic process. The following provides a non-exhaustive list of allowable accommodations.
Non-Artistic Accommodations
Use of adaptive technology or assistive devices are allowed.
While the artist directs the process, assistants (a parent, teacher, other adult) may help with executing the artist's vision with typing, transcribing, etc.
Division-Specific Accommodations
Use the “Additional Details” field to provide details about how a student’s disability and/or support needs impacted their entry (10 to 100 words, optional).
As necessary, students may select the grade-level division most closely aligned to their support needs. Contact your local PTA and/or state PTA for additional details.
Not Accepted Accommodations
Assistants to student artists may not, in any way, involve themselves in the actual artistic process or act without direction from the artist. The following provides a non-exhaustive list of assistance that is not accepted:
Personally selecting a title for artwork and/or writing, editing or interpreting a student’s artist statement.
Drafting/editing language for literature or film; creating/editing footage or music.
Composing music, writing lyrics, combining sounds; choreographing dance moves.
Creating/editing visual arts; selecting subjects, edits and camera angles for photos.
Information provided by the National PTA website