Association of Children's Museums

2009 Universal Design for Learning Award Application

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Deadline: January 19, 2009

Overview: VSA arts and the Association of Children's Museums (ACM) share a commitment to inclusive and accessible learning through hands-on experiences and recognize the challenges of increasing these opportunities. To this end, VSA arts and ACM have collaborated to present the 2009 Universal Design for Learning Award to identify model programs in children's museums that demonstrate learning standards for inclusive practice and provide sub-awards and technical assistance to the selected institutions to expand and document their practices for dissemination. A maximum of three (3) awards of up to $10,000 each will be presented. This is a recognition award, not an award to seed programs/practices that have not been developed.

Eligibility: Nonprofit children's museums in the United States that are current ACM members in good standing are eligible to apply. Previous award recipients are not eligible to reapply for a period of two years. Thus the 2007 and 2008 award recipients are not eligible to apply for this year's award. Although partnership with a state VSA arts affiliate is not required, a courtesy copy of the proposal narrative must be submitted to the pertinent VSA arts affiliate. A listing of VSA arts state affiliates can be found at www.vsarts.org.

Selection Criteria: Applications will be evaluated by an independent panel of professionals with expertise in children's museums and Universal Design for learning principles. Deliberation will be based on applicants' narrative responses to questions provided in this call for proposals. VSA arts senior staff will select final awardees. Selected applicants will be notified in March 2009.

Reporting and Promotion Requirements: If selected, all award recipients are required to:

Send a museum representative to InterActivity 2009 to accept the award
Write and distribute a press release announcing receipt of the award and submit all media clippings (and museum newsletter award announcements) to ACM by September 15, 2009.
Submit a progress report to ACM by June 30, 2009. Reports will detail use of award funds.
Send a museum representative to InterActivity 2010 to participate in an Universal Design for Learning Award Showcase session.

Additionally, the award recipient may be asked to write an article on the program for possible distribution in an ACM, VSA arts or other publication.

Narrative Requirements: Describe how your museum's successful practice(s) incorporates Universal Design for Learning principles by answering the following questions in a narrative not to exceed 1,850 words. Models include, but are not limited to, parent guides, exhibit or museum activities, exemplary exhibits/programs and events that encourage inclusive engagement of learning styles and disabilities through the arts during out-of-school time. The practice described must be a current practice in your museum.

Application Process: Applicants must complete the online application in one sitting; ACM recommends that applicants prepare their answers for the essay questions ahead of time. ACM will send a confirmation email once your application has been submitted.

Universal Design for Learning Award Application

Name (First, Last):
Title:
ACM Member Museum:
Phone:
Email:
Summary description of program suitable for possible posting on ACM or VSA arts Web site. (Limit 50 words)
What are the program's activities and timeline? (Limit 200 words)
How does your program incorporate learning goals and teaching strategies to include people with physical and cognitive disabilities? (Limit 200 words)
How do your institution's guidelines and policies support inclusive educational programming? (Limit 200 word)
How are people with disabilities involved in the planning and implementation of the program? (Limit 200 words)
How does your institution support museum staff professional development on inclusive practice? (Limit 200 words)
How does your museum evaluate the program's impact on participant communication, problem solving, cognitive and/or artistic skills? (Limit 200 words)
What makes the program unique and innovative? (Limit 100 words)
Describe how you share this program with the local community? (Limit 200 words)
Provide a detailed budget for the successful practice for the current fiscal year, identifying all income sources and expense details. Funding from multiple sources is encouraged. (Limit 150 words)
Next, you will need to describe a proposed budget for use of the $10,000 award. Please note, appropriate use of funds includes, but is not limited to: Expanding, not offsetting, existing programs Program development support, staffing and consulting Professional development on inclusive practice for education and support staff Promotional and outreach efforts Supporting materials
Provide a proposed budget for use of the $10,000 award that demonstrates how the award will expand the current practice. (Limit 150 words)
To support your application, you may upload electronic files/scans of brochures, press clippings or letters of endorsement. If you have posted video or a Flash presentation to a Web site, please include the URL to the video/audio files. (**Total file size limit is 4 MB)
Museum PR/Marketing Contact Information:	PR/Marketing Contact Name	PR/Marketing Contact Email
	I have read and understand the reporting requirements.
Supervisor Name:
My Supervisor:	My supervisor endorses this application
		(**Please only press the Submit button once and wait for the Thank You page to appear to confirm that your email has been sent.)