CELEBRATING LIFE THROUGH ART.
From photography to music, painting, drawing, dance and movement, VSA Ohio works to promote the enrichment of art for all abilities across all artistic mediums. Our work takes us into the classroom, galleries and public arena, where we share information and resources with educators, artists and administrators. We work to change perceptions about ability and disability by helping connect people to accessible, creative opportunities that inspire all of us.
"VSA Ohio has really helped me have the confidence
to get my work out and find my audience."
– Trish, Toledo
“It's been a real honor and privilege to participate in this endeavor to select films for ReelAbilities: Columbus.”
– Simon Buehrer
Current events related to arts, culture, and disability that impact you.
Access opportunities in your local community, statewide and nationally.
Disabilities Film Festival
— presenting films by and about people with disabilities to
explore, discuss, embrace and celebrate the diversity of our
shared human experience
"VSA Ohio changes lives!"
–Pamela, Cincinnati
In 2011, VSA Ohio’s programs and services directly benefited over 18,000 people of all ages and abilities.
“It was such a joy to see and hear all of the phenomenal art by VSA Ohio’s associates.”
– Jennifer, Columbus
“I view life as an artist does: rich in both comedy and tragedy. Rather than as a pro or con, a culture of disability is based on everything a person is capable of becoming both
in spite of disabilities and
because of them.”
– Christopher Bowsman
WRITING
Chris Bowman
Columbus
Meet Chris, VSA Ohio’s first official written contributor. Each week Chris will post ruminations on arts, culture, and disability for his blog, Through Alien Eyes. This title reflects how he looks at disability, including his own, and his interest in sci-fi. Topics will consider a range discussions, including growing up with an able-bodied twin, the hero quest, creativity, imagination, pop culture, visual culture, and reporting from arts and disability events around the region. VSAO will post new entries on Facebook each week and/or you can sign up to follow his blog on your own.
About Chris: I'm a disability rights advocate, sci-fi fan, and intercultural communication guy. I have cerebral palsy, I like videogames. I have a master's degree in Intercultural communication. BA in German. I hope to go overseas again someday. Haven't been to Germany. I've been to Spain. I like movies. Raised in Port Huron, MI. Went to College in PA. Looking at the world through the eyes of aliens. Visit Chris’ blog at http://christopherbowsman.blogspot.com/.
ADMINISTRATION
SIMON BUEHRER
Columbus
Simon has been instrumental in finding opportunities for VSA Ohio and the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence to advance creative opportunities and increase awareness about the arts and disability to professionals and service providers. He facilitated OCALI’s presentation of the ADA Mural and was a member of the Screening Committee for the ReelAbilities – Columbus Disabilities Film Festival.
Simon Buehrer is the conference and event manager for the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI). Buehrer's primary focus is the annual OCALI Conference and Exposition on autism, assistive technology and low-incidence disabilities. He also develops and coordinates OCALI's communication and outreach efforts. From 2003-2005, Buehrer coordinated Ohio's annual Student Video Contest for grades 6-12 sponsored by eTech Ohio/Ohio SchoolNet. He has a BA in English from Bowling Green State University, an MA in English from the University of North Dakota and is a former on-air host and producer for Northern Lights Public Radio in Grand Forks, ND and WGTE Public Broadcasting in Toledo, OH.
