VSA arts, an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, is accepting short works of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for publication in an online literary journal on the theme "At Second Glance."

The contest is open to students with disabilities and students who have connections to people with disabilities. Students must be between the ages of 11 and 18 years. Submissions must relate to the theme "At Second Glance."

Writers should describe a a situation in which they felt scared, hesitant or unhappy, but a second glance gave them the opportunity to feel fearless, confident or happy. Authors may also imagine a fictional incident where a second glance changed a person's opinion of what they experienced.

Prompts are available online at www.vsarts.org, including the following: Describe how a second opportunity to experience a sound, smell, sight, event, or personal interaction led you to change your perception or opinion.

Submissions will be judged for creativity, technical proficiency, adherence to the the theme and presence of personal style and vision.

Entries must reach VSA arts on or before Friday, November 21, 2008.

Writing may be submitted in any language. A total of two entries per student are allowed: one fiction or nonfiction piece and one poem. See www.vsaarts.org for complete guidelines and entry/publishing information.

The call for writing is a tool to encourage educators to explore creative writing in their classrooms and learning environments. It is an opportunity to draw out the expressive minds of students of all abilities through the written word, while also addressing education standards in reading and writing. Writing guides are available on the website under Resources for Educators and Parents.

VSA arts is an international, non-profit organization founded in 1974 by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to create a society where all people with disabilities learn through, participate in and enjoy the arts. VSA stands for Vision of an inclusive community; Strength through shared resources; Artistic expression that unites us all.