College of Adaptive Arts

I love CAA its a phemonal college I love the profesors. Tv and film is my favorite class with Professor Clarissa shes amazing.

I have had the pleasure of touring this college several years ago through association with one of its founders, DeAnna Pursai. Through the years I have had the opportunity to see various students and staff at the college or at charitable events to raise awareness and money for the college. The students and staff genuinely love college of adaptive arts and you can see how much joy it brings to so many people. This wonderful organization fulfills a much needed gap in the education system and I hope that this model can be duplication at collegiate campuses across the country.

College of Adaptive Arts has had performers at both Campbell's Boogie Music Festivals and Oktoberfests for many years. We truly appreciate their participation and wonderful performers. Thank you.

This has transformed my thoughts and feelings about what is possible for adults with special needs. Now I see special talents not needs! Talents that would have never been unlocked without CAA. This program should be available across the country in colleges. It would not only transform these adults with these hidden special talents but it would also transform our young people in a traditional college setting to see and experience these lives.

The College of Adaptive Arts is such a gift to our community. It has been so rewarding to watch them grow from meeting in a small dance studio to now being a presence on the West Valley Community College campus. I know a few of the students personally and they've expressed such joy over finding CAA and having the chance to learn & also share their talents. The fact that CAA was able to reach even more students by being flexible & innovative by providing online classes during the pandemic shows how much they truly exist to serve & will move mountains to so. I'm so excited to see how much they grow in the coming years, serving more and more students & their families in this community and beyond.

The team at CAA have created a uniquely wonderful environment for their students. The more I hear about their efforts to provide an equitable collegiate experience for differently abled adults, the more I’m inspired. Their School of Dance is especially inspiring. If I’m ever having a day, I can watch one of their many Latizmo dance performances and be immediately uplifted. I will sing the praises of this non-profit to anyone willing to listen.

I have seen the journey of CAA for over ten years now and it is remarkable the accomplishments it has made. However, DeAnna and Dr. Pam are not stopping and want to continue to make this model to provide an equitable collegiate experience available to even more adults with all special abilities. It is really changing lives and how people view education. It is for lifelong learning and gives opportunities to so many people who have not had the chance before. No one should be denied the chance to learn and discover their passion in life. DeAnna and Dr. Pam have dedicated their lives to bringing this joy and opportunity to as many people as possible and would love to replicate this model nationally, and I'm sure even globally. It is definitely a non-profit worth supporting. I've had the opportunity to attend CAA's events and meet the students and families that have participated in the program and time and time again, all of the responses have been that it is a life changing experience for the adults who participate in the program. I really look forward to continuing to support CAA and watch this fantastic organization grow.

Hello

My name is saida mahoney I am a proud happy student at College Of Adaptive Arts (CAA) I am so thankful to be a student at CAA

I am a performing arts major I am also on the cheer team as well at CAA

This school is so amazing all of the teachers are absolutely phenomenal, the programs are outstanding and the students are so sweet and kind.

Being a student at CAA have changed my life for the better and I couldn’t ask for anything better in this school

I highly recommend CAA to everyone

I learned about the College of Adaptive Arts through a dance performance they conducted at a networking event I attended. Not being a dancer in the slightest, being asked to dance along with their performance was intimidating, but their story, passion and pure joy while dancing was something I will never forget. I immediately fell in love with this organization that offers a college like experience to a group who historically has not had that access.

Having helped raise a family member on the Autism Spectrum, I know firsthand how important the work this team does can be. This is a very passionate team that is doing very important work on a daily basis. I highly recommend the College of Adaptive Arts!

Our daughter has been attending College of Adaptive Arts for 10 years and she has enjoyed every class she had taken.
The amazing opportunity of performing in musicals before an audience, the opportunity to create her own art and had it displayed at an art exhibit at Santa Clara University, the joy of learning healthy cooking, the honor of sharing her own written stories in a speech presentation. Those are some of the many benefits CAA provides Elayne to participate at her own ability surrounded with her friends and supported by an amazing staff.
Our daughter has developed a great confidence in herself and she sees herself as an artist.
We are truly thankful to CAA for their continue effort to enrich the lives of our children with different abilities.

The College of Adaptive Arts is a life changing collegiate experience for adults with special needs. My sister, Cathy, has Down Syndrome. From early on, whenever she accomplished something special to her, she would declare "I'm smart, huh." CAA says to everyone with special needs, "Yes, you are not only smart, but talented and filled with possibilities." And CAA gives them the opportunity to prove it. I have observed students grow in confidence in their own abilities and then encourage others. What a joyful experience for all !

The first time I walked into CAA, they were rehearsing for their next musical Greasy Hairspray. They were rehearsing at Pioneer High School and as I walked in the door the joy, caring and is respect, was overflowing. I was on my first day of volunteering at the college. It didn't take me long to realize this is where I wanted to be and needed to be. Three months later I was hired on to the staff. Everyday I see adults grow in confidence and are dreaming bigger than they ever have before. I see adult learners come up with goals and attain those goals. I see students not just look at college education from the outside, but take classes, make friends and even go to graduation! It is such a joy for me to see these adults fully immersed in a college where they thrive and think big! Thank you CAA!

College of Adaptive Arts (CAA) has enriched the life of my daughter who has Down Syndrome. First, I have such praise for the two originators of CAA who continue to dedicate themselves to provide a wonderful college experience for our loved ones with disabilities. The classes, taught by incredible staff, have inspired my daughter, given her opportunities to grow, gain confidence, and expand her horizons during her day to day life.

Opportunity is always a desire for my daughter. Through CAA’s supportive staff and the numerous classes offered, my daughter has found extraordinary opportunities. The CAA dance and public speaking classes have provided opportunities for her to practice what she has learned within the community. She has danced at various community events including sjDANCEco Festival at Santana Row and San Jose’s Christmas in the Park. She has had the opportunity to speak to Service Clubs, local Chambers of Commerce groups, the National Down Syndrome Day celebration at Santana Row, fundraising events, to name a few. These community opportunities through CAA have allowed her to use the skills and techniques learned in class, elevated confidence, self esteem, and poise. I also believe through her and her classmates’ community events the public has gained a new respect for an individual’s abilities.

CAA has been an exceptional education experience for my daughter, providing a variety of learning experiences and opportunities all while forging friendships.

College of Adaptive Arts is a one of a kind model right here in the Bay Area. This dedicated group leaders share the highest level of compassion, love and learning for a lifetime. This one of a kind learning model is on it's way to growing into every College across the Country . I have had the opportunity to work with College of Adaptive Arts on several community awareness campaigns and feel truly honored and blessed to see first hand how over joyed not only the students are but also the teachers and directors involved. Sincerely, a valued Santa Clara County community partner.

This amazing program has been a vital piece to keeping the community they serve connected through the COVID-19 pandemic. Moving seamlessly to an online format was so important and COAA did not miss a beat. Thank you to the staff who is so committed to providing varied, interesting and useful programming in-person and online!

CAA is a remarkable organization providing education and wonderful experiences to adults with special needs. I learned about CAA a few years ago. I started volunteering at CAA and DeAnna, Dr Pam and all the staff members are a joy. The college staff really focuses on providing the best learning experience to all the students. The College of Adaptive Arts supports parents, families, and the community in so many ways. I have witnessed myself the joy of the students participating in class and learning, and I can see how the students are eager to learn every day. It makes them happy to be part of the student community learning and focusing on the subjects they enjoy. I am very grateful to get to know them and to be part of their team. Thank you CAA!

His name is Thomas. When he was born he was diagnosed with failure to thrive, then it changed to developmental delays, then it was mental retardation, and his current label is intellectual impairment. If you ask Thomas he will say, "I'm a college student ". Having the opportunity to attend the College of Adaptive Arts has both broadened his interests and given him the opportunity to participate in a social setting with his peers. To his family's surprise, his favorite class is Fun with Famous Artists, in which they are planning virtual trips to museums. His computer literacy has soared and is now beyond that of his parents as he's had to learn to do everything virtually. He is currently attending his 3rd quarter at CAA and is looking forward to the day he will be in classes on the new campus.

Our son, born with Down syndrome, has been active in College of Adaptive Arts since their early days in a sublet dance studio in San Jose. He has enjoyed each and every course he has engaged in, but mainly the compassionate and effective founders. Now a entire new generation of encouraging and more specialized 'Professors" has been built up, all effective and teaching to a level the students understand. They so effectively all 'build up' each other, maintaining a respecting, loving atmosphere. Bravo CAA for providing more than a decade of consistent learning experience to a audience of Special Needs adults thirsty of more!
Warmly,
a Delighted Parent

College of Adaptive Arts has been a social and mental life-giving experience for our son. Before the Pandemic he was regularly engaged in classes, had improved his social skills, conversational skills and enjoyed the arts offerings. Being part of their golf team has given him a refreshing way to golf regularly, enjoying an activity that was difficult to access without CAA. After the Pandemic got underway and all of the classes converted to ZOOM, the impact of CAA went from appreciated and enjoyed to vital for our son. It became his go-to place to connect when he was not able to be out in the community doing ordinary life things. We love and appreciate everything that CAA does for this community of adults who learn differently.

The College of Adaptive Arts really helped a student's journey from beginning to where you are at now and to the end.

It really helped me out. I would give credit to the professors and the deans of instruction for letting me to pave the path forward.

If you have a child with special needs who is approaching college-age (or is even much much older) and you are having trouble finding continuing education that is adapted to match your child's needs, you need to look at CAA. This is the need they are filling: providing a post-high school/college-like/ongoing education experience for kids like ours where educational options are limited.

My daughter Victoria (19) has enjoyed attending classes at CAA for the past 1.5+ years and we look forward to her continuing with CAA as long as she enjoys it. The Administrators and teachers at this school all have many years working with and advocating for kids with special needs and what they do comes from the heart. Check it out.

This College is changing lives for adults that wouldn't have the opportunity to expand their education. This allows adults with differing abilities to shine and find their passion, whether it be in the arts or science and technology. This school is an example of a model of education that should be replicated all over the world.

I can't tell you enough about how wonderful this school has been for my son. Even with all that is going on in the world they have rebounded and made it posible for him to keep on going online. One of the most amazing things is that this is a life time school. People with disibilaties can go to this school for their entire life and keep learning and acomplishing things that they may not be able to do in typical schools. It raises their confidence and self worth. The staff and teachers there are top notch and amazing with the students and with the parents. I am just sorry that there are not schools like this all over the country to help all the adults with disabilities. It's a great model that should be duplicated. I feel proud of our community to have such a place.

The College of Adaptive Arts is hands down one of the best organizations for Adults with amazing and unique abilities that often go unnoticed! I had the privilege of serving on their board in their early years and the founders, DeAnna and Pam, began moving mountains in 2009. Their passion and perseverance are going to take this replicable model around the world - it's just a matter of a wider audience understanding not only the need but the capabilities of the population they serve. In my opinion, one of the best aspects of CAA is that it provides lifelong learning opportunities - never stop learning, never give up and keep on growing. I can't wait to see what the future holds for CAA and all of their students.

College of Adaptive Arts, CAA, is such an amazing, special place!!! My daughter is Intellectually disabled and could not attend a typical college but CAA gives my daughter the opportunity to continue her education and feel part of a community. The directors, teachers and faculty are all so nice and accommodating. There are many classes to choose from.

I love the College of Adaptive Arts (CAA) and everyone who directs, teaches, and attends there! I appreciate how the students are respected, loved, and cared about. The students look forward to learning and being an important part of the wonderful CAA community. The skills they learn extend way beyond CAA. My husband and I support CAA because we have witnessed growth in the students over the years and we have attended great plays and other CAA events and really enjoyed them. I am thankful for CAA the many ways they are making a positive difference in our community.

The College of Adaptive Arts offers a joyful alternative college experience for adults with disabilities. Students and their families express deep satisfaction with the wide and creative array of classes offered and convey great appreciation for the warm, supportive, caring faculty and staff. Inviting CAA students to participate in local events creates a wonderful opportunity to integrate adults with disabilities into the wider community. Each of my interactions with CAA has been positive, enriching, and uplifting.

CAA warms the hearts of everyone involved. The Mission is one of the best causes I know of. It is my honor to be a supporter!!!!

I can't say enough about how impressed my wife and I have been with the College of Adaptive Arts. The range and quality of programs is absolutely amazing, and DeAnna's passion shines through everything they do, along with that of the rest of her team. What a wonderful organization!

College of Adaptive Arts provides so much more than education for adults with differing abilities. It is a community of learners who show mutual respect and great enthusiasm for the success of their fellow students. CAA students pursue their interests by choosing the classes they want. They have opportunities to showcase their abilities among the community, interact with their typical peers, and succeed in their endeavors. From dance to television to stage production to robotics, students grow and thrive because they are motivated by success. As a member of the board, I am honored to have a small part in moving the mountain toward equity in education for all.

College of Adaptive Arts has given my son a new lease on life. After high school my son was not really sure what he was going to do with his life. Standard College felt too daunting to him he needed a place that was going to teach at his pace. Where the fellow students would be more interested in building him and themselves up. College of Adaptive Arts gives him the ability to continue his learning and growth.

College of Adaptive Arts is a top-notch nonprofit. The bright and wonderful adults that study in this equitable learning environment are truly honing their educational, creative, and leadership skills. Additionally, CAA offers the students many opportunities to carrying this real-world knowledge into their community; "Changing perceptions"!
What I love most, is watching the students shine and blossom, encouraged by the dedicated professors, to achieve their lifelong educational and professional goals.

CAA has long been the single most reliable, dynamic & supportive Adult Day Program available to my students aging out of Adult Transition at 22.

As of June 2019 I retired from teaching Special Education. Over the past six years CAA remained a tremendous resource for several students every year. Real life-long learning ensures these young adults true opportunity to flourish, explore and develop their natural creative potential

It warms my heart continuously to see or hear from former students who continue their learning & socializing journey with sustained enthusiasm at CAA year after year.

CAA is a remarkable organization making an incredible difference in the lives of special needs adults, showing the students and the larger community that recognizing potential and accessing continuous learning are the
foundation to an ever expanding productive life for all adults, no matter the unique needs. The founders and staff are immensely passionate and committed to the mission of the college and its students. Our world benefits from high quality non-profit organizations like CAA!

Our 36 year old daughter Jenni has been a student at the College of Adaptive Arts since it's inception in 2009. Jenni has always loved her involvement with CAA. Her professors are amazing. There is unending support for the students as well a love for the classes they teach. The students display so much enthusiasm and joy for whatever class they are in. The professors also see that the students are able to share their learning experiences with family, friends, and the public in general. This may come by participating in plays, dance recitals, art exhibits, sign language, music and many more. The students truly shine when given the opportunity to perform. Along with all the wonderful learning that goes on at CAA there are friendships. Jenni has made so many wonderful friends. The one thing we notice is how kind and caring the students are towards one another. This comes from a staff that cultivates kindness and respect among their students. When a young adult ages out of the traditional educational system, it is a true gift and blessing to know that a College like CAA exist for our children. Thank you DeAnna and Pam for your vision and unending dedication to serving the amazing community of
"Adults with Differing Abilities ".

I came to contact with CAA thru one of its founders, DeAnna Pursai. My contact with her and CAA allowed me to see and understand a whole new world when it comes to integrating important members of society into the workforce thru the arts, providing opportunities that no other organizations can provide. A trully amazing college.

CAA is an idea whose time is due. It is a organization that is based on the premise of thinking “outside the box”, by providing adults with differing abilities experiences that have been unavailable to them thus far. The success that has been experienced by the organization is testament to the core principles of providing an equitable experience, and a safe and validating space for all participants. It is time for them to transition to the next stage and provide this service at a larger scale!

College of Adaptive Arts provides educational opportunities, a feeling of community and friends, plus challenges, encouragement for our adult son with disabilities. He loves attending classes. Instructors are caring and top notch. This is a great organization.

I could not recommend CAA more highly! The organization provides a much needed education and experience for adults with special needs. It is a one-of-a-kind education for which we need more! Please support the College of Adaptive Arts!!

CAA is one of the most inspiring collection of people on the planet. They’ve lifted the aspirations of so many differently-abled young adults.

CAA is the best idea every adult with atypical abilities - and their families - had been waiting for all along: a program that unlocks the talents, confidence and universe of every student and embraces their quest for learning and achievement. CAA will only be better when it has campuses on colleges and universities throughout the country - this definitely is not a one-off model!!!

I was a desperate parent with an adult child at home unengaged without meaningful activity and as yet undiagnosed with 22Q11.2 when I stumbled onto CAA and the passionate founders of this program who welcomed my daughter with open arms, focusing on her strengths and her abilities. It was an amazing experience where they created opportunities for her to assist others while making inroads with her own creativity. Through their guidance she was able to take the lead to create interviews with people who experienced World War II on the home front while their loved ones were away at war. The video became part of their film program and later was the given to a library. CAA helped me to see possibilities for my daughter and make connections for her. Today she paints and her artwork has become greeting cards. She has joined a community choir and takes group taiko drum lessons. This is not her end story, but part of her ongoing story that CAA helped to launch thanks to the belief of the founders and their passion for what is possible. They are innovative and relentlessly positive-focused.

I absolutely love CAA. My niece attends the school and it has been life-changing for our family. I've seen her blossom and grow over the years. She is confident, outgoing, capable and joyful. She benefits so much from the variety of classes she attends.
I started volunteering at CAA about a year ago and I'm so happy to be a part of this amazing school that offers so much to its students!

CAA is close to my heart because I grew up with the mountain mover inspiration, Angel, and director, DeAnna. I know I met DeAnna in kindergarten and I assume I met Angel at that same time because they were such close sisters. DeAnna and Angel both have a loving nature that is felt always when you're part of their world. DeAnna was an "over achiever" throughout our childhood and I admired her energy but wondered where, how can she do all this. Now I know it is her HEART. I'm not sure if her heart would be complete without Angel or CAA. So CAA is a five star non-profit because I am absolutely sure it is lead by heart, it reaches anyone's heart that is involved and I just love everything they do. I'm an extremely proud supporter of the mountain moving sisters and CAA.

CAA is a wonderful school for young adults who are differently abled. The teachers are skilled, compassionate and have a big heart. It is such a pleasure to watch the students arrive for class full of enthusiasm, self-confidence, and a sense of direction!

My family and I have been to several CAA events over the past 18 months... And we LOVE it. My two sons, 10 and 6 years old, usually won't sit still for any event, let alone a play or graduation. But we all have taken in a play, graduation and dance events and we are mesmerized by not only the students abilities, but by the amount of love that is apparent and prevalent. CAA has created an unbelievably special place that is the epitome of a loving learning environment. My kids and I have learned so much about the students and teachers by being audience members at CAA events.

College of Adaptive Arts is a place where there are no boundaries, no judgements, no mistakes; nothing but unconditional caring and support to be all you can be. I have seen students come in shy and barely even looking up at their professors. Within a short period of time, they are volunteering to participate, offering their ideas and opinions. They grow in self-esteem and tossing away the labels that society has put on them. CAA changes perceptions everyday and I am truly honored to get to know the students, their families and all those who care about equitable education for all!

CAA is such an amazing place! Everyone is so positive, helpful, kind and caring. It is great for the students to have an opportunity to go to college and meet new friends, continue their education and have fun!

College of Adaptive Arts is the perfect environment for students to thrive with the kindest, brightest, and most supportive classmates and teachers who will guide them with understanding, compassion, and encouragement every step of the way. Once you experience a class here, you will want to return again and again! I felt incredibly welcomed on my first day here, and that feeling of acceptance and warmth has not gone away at all! I love CAA!

The College of Adaptive Arts showcases the creative abilities of adults with disabilities. CAA provides opportunities an educational and social experiences in a collegiate atmosphere.
The students challenge every stereotype of disability. Students range from 22 to 68.

The College of Adaptive Arts is a non-profit school for adults with differing abilities.

The work that CAA is doing with its students is inspirational. Every parent of a child with a disability should be so fortunate as to have a CAA nearby, and we do--right here in San Jose.…