VSA arts and the Kennedy Center Present Two Comedians in Celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act

July 20, 2005

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 20, 2005 - VSA arts joins The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the National Council on Disability in supporting the performances of two outstanding comedians, Alan Shain and Chris Fonseca, at the Millennium Stage on Monday, July 25, 2005 at 6 p.m. as part of the celebration of the 15th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

VSA arts develops opportunities that enable more people with disabilities to experience the social development and artistic opportunities provided through arts learning. “It is important to recognize, applaud, and support organizations that successfully involve all people in programs designed to foster an environment that creates awareness, understanding, and respect for everyone,” said Soula Antoniou, president of VSA arts.

The National Council on Disability’s observance of the 15th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is made possible by strong intergovernmental support and collaboration of personnel throughout the Federal Government. This significant engagement attests to the ongoing importance of the ADA.

The John. F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has, since it’s inception, supported the inclusion of people with disabilities as active participants in the cultural arts and society as a whole. It is through the support of the Rosemary Kennedy Education Fund that emerging and professional artists with disabilities are featured on the Millennium Stage. The center recognizes the contributions that people with disabilities have made and continue to make to our diverse culture heritage.

VSA arts and the Kennedy Center are pleased to be a part of the NCD observance and celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act 15th anniversary featuring:

Alan Shain, comedian, whose artistic work is founded on a deep commitment to disability activism. He has performed at conferences, schools and universities and was a featured performer at the 2004 International VSA arts Festival in Washington, D.C.
Chris Fonseca, a stand-up comedian for the past 21 years, has appeared on CBS’ The Late Show with David Letterman, HBO’s Loco Slam, PBS’ Look Who’s Laughing and ABC’s 9th Annual American Comedy Awards. He has released 2 CDs, 1997’s Not Tonight, I have Cerebral Palsy and 2001’s Get in the Van.

The performance on the Millennium Stage will be fully accessible with wheelchair seating, Sign Language Interpreting, Assistive Listening Devices, Open Captioning, Audio Description, Braille, and Large Print Playbills.

About VSA arts

VSA arts is an international nonprofit organization founded in 1974 by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to create a society where people with disabilities learn through, participate in and enjoy the arts. Today as a leader in arts-based teaching and learning, working through a nationwide affiliate network and in over sixty countries, VSA arts serves more than five million people around the world. VSA arts' programs support key national education goals: literacy and school readiness, teacher training, and parental involvement in education.

Media Contact

Marcia Rhodes, VSA arts, 202.628-2800, ext. 3883

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