VSA Italy

Very Special Arts Italia AIAS (Associazione Italiana per I'Assistenza agli Spastici) via Cipro 4/H 00136 Rome, Italy	Ms. Annamaria Puri Purini
Tel: 39-06-39-73-17-04 Fax: 39-06-39-73-17-49	muni.puripurini@alice.it www.vsa.it

Organizational Snapshot:

Very Special Arts Italia works to develop and promote the artistic abilities of children, youth, and adults with disabilities through formative courses in dance, music, theater, literature, and painting. Additionally, the affiliate organizes regional exhibitions, festivals, and performances. Very Special Arts Italia receives support from the 100 year old Instituto Sante de Sanctis and works in collaboration with its four Rome-based centers, one of which houses the affiliate. Very Special Arts Italia is able to extend its reach to the northern region of the country through affiliation with AIAS (the Italian Association for Spastic Assistance). AIAS is an association of parents and friends of children with cerebral palsy that is dedicated to providing a full range of services to individuals and their families to better integrate them into their communities. AIAS established the VSA arts affiliate in Italy in 1984 and has continued to offer activities in music and the visual arts to assist people in developing self-expression and skills for independent living.