And once they accept Keith for his talents, they see a whole new side of the man, one that Keith wishes all people would recognize in others with disabilities. When VSA brings art programs to Boston Public Schools, they are accepted with open arms. Art is a equalizer and can bring out otherwise hidden talents in many special needs youth. Of course art is also a vocation. While there is beauty on the canvas or sweet sounds to hear, for many people this is a career.
Parents can encourage art or suppress it in their children.
Jones feels it is important to encourage art at all levels of growth. The Boston ARTreach Initiative helps disabled people get access to the arts by acquiring free or discounted admission tickets. With the support of promoters like Don Law and Dance Umbrella , and venues like the Emerson Majestic Theatre and the Museum of Fine Arts , Jones has exposed people to the arts and treasures in and around Boston. These people may otherwise never have felt included. Once they see the accommodations, Jones says many return as paying customers, making the project a win-win proposition.