On the 143 acres that make up West Valley College campus, there is a single building that houses the College of Adaptive Arts (CAA). Last week I arranged a tour with Nicole Kim, the executive director at CAA. As she welcomed me in, I noticed the music class had just ended. Students were milling about; everybody was smiling. For some of these students, attending college was an impossible dream—until they enrolled. Some students carry trauma from past “educational” experiences.
Kim introduced me to Pamela Lindsay, a professor in arts and education, and DeAnna Pursai, a special education teacher. Together in 2009 they co-founded CAA. Their mission and vision: “to provide lifelong equitable college education for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”
What started with 12 students has become a “forever school.” This college has grown with hybrid classes, filling an educational gap for intellectually and developmentally disabled students. Both Lindsay and Pursai have been recognized locally and nationally for their work creating lifelong learning “colleges.” These colleges bring together students and support their efforts. Here they offer higher education, age 18 and above—without any upper age limit—to adults with disabilities.
Lifelong learning
All of the students at CAA have a place where they belong. Some travel to get to class and some stay at home and Zoom in. Everyone belongs. I felt very welcomed in this inclusive education atmosphere. This college within a college provides students a place to be lifelong learners.
At ages 20 and 21, most students at CAA have aged out of what is called traditional education. At CAA, students may continue on pathways for job training or further their college education. The enrollment has doubled over the past five years.
The curriculum is adjusted for the needs of the students. There is a high ratio of professors to students. During Covid, when classes went online, enrollment actually increased. Going online changed the game for many students. Today around 80% of students take online classes.
Social events
Victoria Rivera, age 33, is an event planner. Rivera said, “I like the vibe here. I especially like “Lounge Night.” I make sure that everyone is comfortable. What I really like is being an ambassador and letting everyone here know that you are welcome and not alone.” Rivera will also co-emcee the upcoming gala with Rowan Timmermann. Rivera added, “Did you know we will have a politician attending our Gala on Sept. 14?” That would be Congressman Sam Liccardo, school officials tell us.
On Sept. 14, 2-4pm, at Mission College in Santa Clara, CAA will hold its annual gala fundraiser with the theme “Writing the next chapter in inclusive higher education.” The benefit is the largest event for this worthy cause. Everyone is welcome. I then chatted with Rowan Timmermann, age 26, a student who is an emcee at the gala. He said, “What I like about coming to classes is that I can make friends. I have been coming here for five years and I am honored to be part of the gala.”
On the job training
The workforce development program blends classroom instruction with on the job training for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Pre-OJT training provides students with hands-on learning. CAA sets up students for success in school and in life with college courses and lifelong learning programs.
College of Adaptive Arts is a nonprofit that serves more than 225 adults with I/DD. Higher education schools serving these students exist in nine different states. CAA offers a mix of online learning and in-person classes, with 10 different schools of instruction in such subjects as digital media studies, communication, business, coding and visual arts. The vision of the College of Adaptive Arts is to be able to replicate its innovative educational model on college campuses across the world so that any adult with I/DD has access to higher education, wherever and whenever they want.
College of Adaptive Arts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a lifelong, equitable collegiate experience to adults with special needs. collegeofadaptivearts.org
