Connections Academy, the provider of virtual public schools and service provider for the Baltimore County Virtual Instruction Program, will participate in the 2008 Very Special Arts Festival on Thursday at Oregon Ridge Park in Hunt Valley.
Now in its 27th year, the festival has grown from an event exclusively for students with severe disabilities to a more inclusive event.
Students with disabilities including significant cognitive delay and autism will be paired with students and adult volunteers without disabilities through the celebration and exploration of art, according to academy spokeswoman Allison Bazin.
“This is a very special opportunity for students from all over Baltimore County,” Bazin said. “We look forward to everyone coming together and having a great day.”
Chris Swanson, the academy?s professional development manager, added that the Baltimore County Public Schools Office of Special Education, the festival?s sponsor, will use every school bus in its jurisdiction to transport the students.
“There are other Very Special Festivals held all across the country. However, ours has grown in capacity over the last [decade],” he said. “The festival will allow participants a day of fun and interaction that?s free of what they can?t do ? but rather of what they can do.”
Among the activities planned are games, music, and student and professional performances. The academy also will sponsor an interactive art booth where participants can contribute to a community mural.
