When 4-year-old Vegas Tullis entered my dance class in 2008, I knew I had my hands full. Even in the "I CAN! Dance" class designed specifically for children with disabilities, Vegas presented a unique challenge. She was my first student with autism, is filled with energy, and has a limited attention span. The class already included my own daughter, Katie, born with spina bifida, and other children with spina bifida, Down's syndrome and cerebral palsy.

Dancing "buddies" - older, healthy children - assist I CAN! dancers who need more personal attention. So 12-year-old Kaylee Stewart became Vegas' buddy and tried to keep her attention focused. It seemed to be an almost impossible task, as Vegas continued to run from one side of the room to the other.

A few months later, the I CAN! Dance class performed at the Ms. Wheelchair Arkansas pageant. It was Vegas' first performance, and I didn't know what to expect. I thought that if she just stayed on stage and didn't run off, it would be a victory.

Not only did she stay on stage, but somehow she knew every step of the routine. I was amazed. What a joy to watch! Shame on me for doubting her ability. Since then, I have seen similar results from other students. When it comes time to perform, they turn on the charm.

The I CAN! Dance class has grown to include five dance classes in East End, North Little Rock and Conway. We have performed at Disney World, the Dallas Theological Seminary, numerous local events like Riverfest and the Greek Food Festival, and even auditioned for America's Got Talent.

Research Proves Arts Education Benefits All

Several school districts in Arkansas are currently not making adequate yearly progress in the sub-group "children with disabilities," according to the No Child Left Behind Act standards. The federal law was designed "...to ensure that all children have a fair, equal and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education ..."

Some educators say the standards are set too high for this population. As a parent of a child with a disability, I don't want standards lowered for my child. I want her to be encouraged to learn as much as she can.

As demonstrated by Vegas, children learn differently.

The left brain is used in logical thinking and analytical processes, like math, reading and science. The right brain is used in emotional perception, intuition and creativity. Studies show that when gifted children solve problems in their areas of giftedness, there is increased electrical activity in both hemispheres. In other words, both sides of the brain work together.

Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has pointed to studies that show "low-income students who play in the orchestra or band are more than twice as likely to perform at the highest levels in math as peers who do not play music."

If the arts can help both gifted and low-income children excel, it stands to reason the same might be true for those who are physically or emotionally challenged.

In August, Community Connections, the non-profit that helps provide the I CAN! class free of charge, was notified that it has received a $200,000 grant to help build the I CAN! Arts and Resource Center for people with disabilities.

The center will include opportunities for these children to participate in dance, art, music and theater. One goal is to show how these extra-curricular activities can positively affect the academic success of the children involved.

How You Can Help

Staff and volunteers are in the very early stages of building the I CAN! Arts and Resource Center, which is scheduled to open in the summer of 2011. We are currently seeking volunteers who share the same vision, whether that is an art educator, grant writer, fundraising coordinator, counselor, or parent of a child with a disability. It will take a team to start this center off right. For more info, visit CommunityConnectionsAR.org.