College of Adaptive Arts

Learning Without Limits

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Equitable Higher Education Opportunities

Collegiate experience for adults with special needs.

Enrollment Info
Lifelong Learning Model

Lifelong learning model, without any maximum age or participation limits.
Our Mission: To provide equitable, accessible, and lifelong college programs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities wherever and whenever they need them.
Our Vision: To transform the perception of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by creating a world with innovative and inclusive access to ongoing college education.

Welcome to CAA

Welcome to College of Adaptive Arts! CAA’s mission is to provide an equitable and lifelong collegiate experience to adults with disabilities who historically have not had access to higher education. CAA’s vision is to empower the student body to creatively transform perception of individuals with disabilities. Eager learners ages 18+ are welcome to enroll in this unique, lifelong learning model without any minimum or maximum age or participation limits.

Enrollment Info Campus Map

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Schools of Study

CAA offers 1-hour classes in 10 Schools of Instruction, offering a full liberal arts education that you will find at any campus of higher learning.

Take a Tour Class Schedule

Visual Arts

Business

Communications

Dance

Health & Wellness

Leadership & Civic Engagement

Music

Science and Technology

Theatre

Digital Media Studies

Schools of Study

CAA offers 1-hour classes in 10 Schools of Instruction, offering a full liberal arts education that you will find at any campus of higher learning.

Take a Tour

Class Schedule

Visual Arts

Leadership & Civic Engagement

Business

Music

Communications

Science and Technology

Dance

Theatre

Health & Wellness

Digital Media Studies

Visual Arts

Business

Communications

Dance

Health & Wellness

Leadership & Civic Engagement

Music

Science and Technology

Theatre

Digital Media Studies

18- 74 yrs+

Student Age Range 18 to 74+

210+

Average Students Per Semester

1000+

Class Seats Filled Per Semester

3000

Total Class Registrations To-Date

10/21

Total CA. Regional Centers Served

News

CAA News and Press

In The News

College of Adaptive Arts on "Today in the Bay" 3/18/26

- Copyright NBC Bay Area / NBC Universal

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Amplifying Silent Voices: A Higher Education Revolution | DeAnna Pursai | TEDxViikki

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Reinventing College for Disabled Adults

Dali Talks Podcast

Watch Video

Kim: Expanding educational pathways for adult students with IDD

- San Jose Spotlight

CAA Shares Program for Adults with Disabilities

- Saratoga News

Medicaid Matters: Supporting Alan’s Safe and Dignified Life

- California State Council on Developmental Disabilities

Class is back in session at College of Adaptive Arts

- Los Gatan

San Jose Mercury News - September 3, 2025

Sept. 14 fundraiser set to support programs for disabled adults

NBC Bay Area - September 2, 2025

Funding cuts threaten college programs for adults with disabilities

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KRON 4 News

Bay Area College Empowers Adults Through Inclusive Education

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Forbes

The Missing Pieces of America's Higher Education System

- Nicole Kim

Adults with Disabilities Gain an Edge at College of Adaptive Arts

The lively Saratoga program serves students facing intellectual and developmental challenges - Los Gatan

Saratoga nonprofit tees off for students with disabilities

Golf Fundraiser for College of Adaptive Arts set for April 17

-- The Mercury News

Saratoga Non-Profit Tees Off for a Good Cause

College of Adaptive Arts will hold its annual golf tournament fundraiser April 17 at Santa Teresa Golf Club -- Patch.Com

Student with disabilities, once bullied, now leads class in kindness at South Bay college

Bay Area Proud - NBC

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College of Adaptive Arts Empowers Students to Reach Their Goals

San Jose Mercury News WishBook 2024

San Jose Barracuda Take the Ice for a Cause

San Jose Mercury News

Mama’s, Motors & Mother’s Day Tribute Video from our community partners at the School of Art & Culture at MHP.

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College of Adaptive Arts Welcomes Our New Executive Director, Nicole Kim.

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Saratoga’s College of Adaptive Arts hires new Executive Director

San Jose Mercury News

College of Adaptive Arts New Executive Director

The Silicon Valley Voice

Saratoga's College of Adaptive Arts on KTVU's ZipTrips

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Adult Autism: Education Gap for Adults with Autism in Silicon Valley

In Silicon Valley, adults with disabilities face challenges, including lower educational attainment (16.4% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher compared to 34.6% of non-disabled individuals), leading to a stark employment gap (17.9% vs. 61.8%), magnified by the competitive tech market. Additionally, less than 1% of housing units are wheelchair accessible.

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College of Adaptive Arts Students with Disabilities Gain Leadership Skills

KRON-TV News Segment 4/4/24

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Major Pain Podcast

The College of Adaptive Arts Is Providing Continuing Education for Adults With Disabilities

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Success Magazine - How 3 Post-Secondary Programs Are Setting Autistic Individuals On a Patch to Success

Empowering Diverse Minds: College of Adaptive Arts' Trailblazing Journey

Santa Clara County setting up advisory board within disabled community

Santa Clara County is asking members within the disabled community to serve on a new advisory group focused on disability issues.

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College of Adaptive Arts co-founder DeAnna Pursai was recently selected as one of the profiles for the prestigious Human Atlas project.

Human Atlas projects are research-based, interdisciplinary explorations of the people of a specified geography. They are built on an extensive nomination process from a carefully curated group. These individuals profiled are championing and driving social impact in all its forms: from public servants to entrepreneurs, from non-profit leaders and activists to artists and scientists.

Dr. Pamela Lindsay Selected as a 2024 AARP Purpose Prize® Award fellow

National award recognizes people over the age of 50 who have had a positive impact in their communities

Senator Cortese Secures Funding To Expand College of Adaptive Arts

Senator Dave Cortese joined with leaders of special education to announce a $2.2 million state investment into the College of the Adaptive Arts (CAA). This funding will expand on CAA’s first-in-the-nation efforts in delivering lifelong, equitable, and college-level education to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities — along with a greater career pipeline including educational apprenticeships and teaching classes.

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Saratoga’s College of Adaptive Arts earns $2.2 million in state funding

Nation’s first special needs college to create educational model for campuses across country

Congrats, College of Adaptive Arts you're a top-rated nonprofit!

Your organization has achieved Top-Rated status for 2023 from your community on GreatNonprofits. You are among the distinguished few to receive this community endorsement. Keep up the great work!

Where Diversity thrives, Dreams come Alive with CAA.org

Non Profit Stories Podcast

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Saratoga’s College of Adaptive Arts gets $250,000 from county budget

Funds to be used for federally accredited apprenticeship program

CAA is featured in the latest edition of DIVERSEability Magazine

Reimagining Educational and Vocational Opportunities for Adults with Developmental Disabilities (page 71)

College for disabled is adapting to success at Saratoga campus

The Mercury News

Saratoga Non-profit Leader Honored as District 15 "Woman of the Year"

Patch.com

Senator visits College of Adaptive Arts

Los Gatan Mention

Santa Clara Weekly

CNN Heroes Social Feature

CAA’s Oldest Student Bob Rahn

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CNN Heroes – April 2021

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Mercury News

Next City

Exceptional Parent

KTVU-TV (Fox 2)

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Student PSA

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Upworthy

Good Day Sacramento

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Women at Work - Purdue Alumni

The Give Back Economy Spotify Podcast

Listen to this episode from Give Back Economy on Spotify with CAA Co-founder Dr. Pamela Lindsay. The Giveback Podcast features over 100 interviews from social innovators from all over the world.

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Localish

The College of Adaptive Arts opens new location at Saratoga's West Valley College

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BayAreaLIFE: San Jose's CAA Continues to Grow and Thrive

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BayAreaLIFE Storyworthy Segment - Learn about the inspiring college model

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BayAreaLIFE: College of Adaptive Arts Professors Empower Students

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BayArea LIFE: Local College Helps Adults with Disabilities Reach Full Potential

South Bay college helps adults with disabilities reach potential

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1% For Good - College of Adaptive Arts

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Bay Area Women Magazine: Meet Pamela Lindsay, Co-Founder/Dean of Instruction, College of Adaptive Arts

Bay Area Women Magazine: Meet DeAnna Pursai, Executive Director, College of Adaptive Arts

ABC7 StoryWorthy Commercial

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OKLaw: San Jose’s College of Adaptive Arts delivering lifelong learning for adults with special needs

College of Adaptive Arts delivers lifelong learning for adults with special needs

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College of Adaptive Arts CreaTV PSA

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San Jose Mercury News: San Jose Dance Teacher Finds Calling Teaching Students with Disabilities

Latizmo helps San Jose teacher give students with disabilities strength

The Three Tomatoes Blog: College of Adaptive Arts

SF LIFE: Gabrielle Union, College of Adaptive Arts, Cashmere, Corgis

CAA 10 Year Anniversary White Board Animation Video

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San Jose Mercury News: Adults with disabilities learn to perform at college of their own

Adults with disabilities learn to perform at college of their own

Land of Milk and Honey Podcast: College of Adaptive Arts

#29-College of Adaptive Arts. This show is part of a 12 episode education series.

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# University of Illinois: Alumna Starts College of Adaptive arts to Make a Differing in the Lives of Diverse Learners

Arts Education for Everyone

Painting, music, dance - anything you would expect to find at a performing arts college you can find at CAA - but they teach it in a way that allows people with differing abilities to comprehend, achieve and grow to their full potential.

Adults with disabilities learn to perform at college of their own

Members of the Children's Touring Puppetry Ensemble from the College of Adaptive Arts perform during a puppet show at the Morgan Autism Center in San Jose, Calif.

CBS BaySunday: College of Adaptive Arts

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College of Adaptive Arts in San Jose helps adults with special needs to get a higher education

College of Adaptive Arts in San Jose is paving the way for every special students to pursue a higher education

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Go inside the school offering adults with special needs the college experience they were missing

San Jose, California (CNN)Growing up in rural Indiana, DeAnna Ellenberger Pursai and her sister, Angel, were constant companions and playmates. Only a year apart in age, they called themselves twins.

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College of Adaptive Arts Has New Location

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North Coast Medical Interview with Pamela Lindsay, Co-Founder, College of Adaptive Arts

College of Adaptive Arts, furthering education and therapy compliance

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Sponsors and Supporter can Subscribe to our General Updates List to get information on public events and news:

General Updates

CAA Blog

Where the System Ends, CAA Begins. We Built the College We Couldn’t Find. CAA Story #9: CAA Steadfast Mountain Mover Joe Siecinski

By DeAnna Pursai • April 20, 2026

This is a blog post that is most unexpected and heart-wrenching for our College of Adaptive Arts Mountain Movers community. This past week we lost one of our truest and long-standing Mountain Mover board members, Mr. Joseph Siecinski. Joe walked into our small, rented space at Randol School in 2010. He was in a full suit and tie (which we later would learn that he wore everyday). He politely introduced himself to Dr. Pam and DeAnna. De and Pam were teaching about 90% of the classes at this time, and we may have had about 30 adult students. He asked what was College of Adaptive Arts, and when we explained that we were creating an adaptive collegiate experience for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, he did not blink and eye, and said, “How can I help?” To say that there would not be a College of Adaptive Arts without Joe Siecinski would truly not be an understatement. He quickly joined our board, giving guidance and financial and business support with all of his heart and soul. He helped us to write our very first business plan, which as we look back on now, we achieved within the first 10 years of operation. He formally left the board in 2021 after 8 years of formal service. He stayed on to this day for our regular board meetings, executive board meetings, and monthly financial meetings. He believed in this model through thick and then when it seemed sooooo difficult and tempting to give up. Joe never did. Joe was a most magnanimous, kind, and larger-than-life figure. He *always* told the truth and never glossed over any hard financial findings– but with kindness, integrity, and humility. Through his constant presence CAA has grown operationally that first year in 2009 closing the books at about $65k to closing at over $2million this past fiscal year on June 30, 2025 with another 2 million grant bestowed to us in 2023. When he commended the CAA team on their collective efforts, teamwork, and fiduciary stability this past year at a board meeting, it was a compliment that was genuine and tremendously valued and cherished coming from Mr. Joe. Joe would start any meeting he would attend with, “Happy Monday!!!!!!! or whatever day of the week it was. He made you feel like you were the most important person on Earth to him when he was with you. And his was so positive, knowledgeable, wise, and kind. He just exuded grace, integrity, and hope. Joe was the one who recommended that we read the book Traction by Gino Wickman back in 2019. CAA embraced the tenets and business principles of this book, and it’s been a transformative experience for our business execution. To this day, our staff huddles that we employ each Monday morning before school begins are called the Traction Huddles. Joe would always say that if CAA could bring in $1 for every $1 in tuition, we would be in a financially sustainable position. This is the year that we’re going to honor Joe and bring this sentiment into operational fruition. CAA has been operating in a structural deficit for a number of years now as the demand for our services has outpaced the one and only state funding code that did not pass the rate reform study. There’s significant community and policy momentum and traction to rectify this deficit, and our Q4 fundraising campaign is dedicated to Joe Siecinski. CAA will embrace his spirit and figure out a way to build a sustainable recurring model to reach adults worldwide who want to learn and grow and contribute at their own unique and individual pace. It’s happening, and we vow to keep going until this equitable, lifelong collegiate and workforce model is fully established in communities worldwide to be a beacon of Hope, Joy, Fulfillment, and Traction. This is our Salute to Joe Siecinski.

Where the System Ends, CAA Begins. We Built the College We Couldn't Find. CAA Story #8: Professor Sharon Lea

By DeAnna Pursai • April 13, 2026

Sharon Lea has always had a love of music, but it wasn’t until joining CAA that she could actually meld both her passion and her career. Sharon obtained her degree in English from Chico State and worked most of her life in administrative roles. The companies she worked for made products like medical devices, and she always enjoyed customer service and helping people. After surviving a cancer diagnosis and losing her husband all within a three-year span, Sharon took time off work and began volunteering with CAA. That volunteer work quickly turned into a fulfilling career. CAA came into Sharon’s life at a time when she needed them, and when CAA needed instructors who had compassion and commitment to teach. “At CAA, you don’t need the degree but you need the heart,” said Sharon. Professor Sharon is the Director of Music at CAA and teaches many popular classes, including Concert Choir and Music Appreciation. In both those classes, she stresses to her students to find something that they like in the music and reminds them that it’s not about hitting all the right notes. “One of the reasons I love CAA is because I see the benefits of what I’m doing every day in the classroom,” said Sharon. When she was young, Sharon had to overcome a significant stutter so she can relate to the difficulties some of her students have with being heard and understood. Sharon says that she learns just as much from her students as they learn from her, and she loves coming away from classes hearing new perspectives and ideas. According to Professor Sharon, CAA is a unique place to work because the leadership puts people in positions where they can really thrive. “This has been such a wonderful growth experience for me,” said Professor Sharon. “I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of a supportive environment which celebrates caring and collaborative teamwork.”

Where the System Ends, CAA Begins. We Built the College We Couldn't Find. CAA Story #7 Curtis K.

By DeAnna Pursai • April 6, 2026

When Curtis Kitaji was first born, his family was told that he wouldn’t be able to speak. Fast forward many years later, and Curtis is one of the most prominent performers you’ll meet. In fact, his dream is actually to become an actor one day. Curtis takes acting and songwriting classes at CAA and recently was one of the emcees at the Celebration of Inclusive Partnerships Gala, where he received rave reviews. “Being at CAA has helped me come out of my shell,” Curtis said. “I love being on campus and being here with my friends.” CAA’s model for lifelong learning was highly beneficial for Curtis. He attended two other colleges before CAA but had trouble keeping up with the required pace and workload. There have been so many great memories Curtis said he had experienced as a student, and he remembers fondly when his acting teacher showed up to class dressed as a chicken for no reason. Curtis was a participant of CAA’s Cardinal Apprenticeship Program and has learned many new skills, both in class and in his on the job training, that will help him later as he explores new career opportunities. Curtis is a South Bay native and loves participating in various sports. He is part of the Special Olympics bowling team and also an integral part of the CAA golf team. When Curtis isn’t in class at CAA, he enjoys hanging out at the mall with his friends or listening to his favorite band, Pentatonix.

Where the System Ends, CAA Begins. We Built the College We Couldnt Find. CAA Story #6: Longstanding Supporter Erin B.

By DeAnna Pursai • March 30, 2026

Longtime College of Adaptive Arts supporter and donor Erin Benford has been an integral part of the school since its inception. Erin has been a well-known realtor in the South Bay for nearly twenty years. She currently works for Christie’s International Real Estate Sereno, but prior to that she was a teacher, so she always had a passion for education. After meeting CAA co-founder DeAnna Pursai at a Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce mixer, the two bonded over their shared similarities of being school teachers and having loved ones with disabilities. Erin’s son Joel had learning disabilities and was diagnosed with Asbergers Syndrome. He is high functioning, so he was able to work in various different jobs before eventually settling in as a valuable assistant at Erin’s real estate business. Working alongside Joel, Erin knew firsthand the importance of creating opportunities for a neurodiverse population. Aside from her family, her real estate business and philanthropy, one of Erin’s biggest passions is sewing. She is the president for the American Sewing Guild’s San Jose chapter which encompasses 5 different bay area counties. The guild is a community service organization and educational group, focusing on garment making, textile arts, quilts, machine embroidery and much more. Erin says she hopes more people will get involved and support organizations like CAA who have no federal funding. “Raindrops make oceans,” said Erin. “If everyone gave just a little, it could do so much.”

CAA Blog

Schools of Study

Visual Arts

Business

Communications

Dance

Health & Wellness

Leadership & Civic Engagement

Music

Science and Technology

Theatre

Digital Media Studies

Visual Arts

Business

Communications

Dance

Health & Wellness

Leadership & Civic Engagement

Music

Science and Technology

Theatre

Digital Media Studies

Learning Without Limits

Equitable Higher Education Opportunities

Lifelong Learning Model

Welcome to CAA

Schools of Study

CAA offers 1-hour classes in 10 Schools of Instruction, offering a full liberal arts education that you will find at any campus of higher learning.

Visual Arts

Business

Communications

Dance

Health & Wellness

Leadership & Civic Engagement

Music

Science and Technology

Theatre

Digital Media Studies

Schools of Study

CAA offers 1-hour classes in 10 Schools of Instruction, offering a full liberal arts education that you will find at any campus of higher learning.

Visual Arts

Leadership & Civic Engagement

Business

Music

Communications

Science and Technology

Dance

Theatre

Health & Wellness

Digital Media Studies

Visual Arts

Business

Communications

Dance

Health & Wellness

Leadership & Civic Engagement

Music

Science and Technology

Theatre

Digital Media Studies

18- 74 yrs+

210+

1000+

3000

10/21

News

In The News

College of Adaptive Arts on "Today in the Bay" 3/18/26

Amplifying Silent Voices: A Higher Education Revolution | DeAnna Pursai | TEDxViikki

Reinventing College for Disabled Adults

Kim: Expanding educational pathways for adult students with IDD

CAA Shares Program for Adults with Disabilities

Medicaid Matters: Supporting Alan’s Safe and Dignified Life

Class is back in session at College of Adaptive Arts

San Jose Mercury News - September 3, 2025

NBC Bay Area - September 2, 2025

KRON 4 News

Forbes

Adults with Disabilities Gain an Edge at College of Adaptive Arts

Saratoga nonprofit tees off for students with disabilities

Saratoga Non-Profit Tees Off for a Good Cause

CAA Blog