About Us
College of Adaptive Arts
College of Adaptive Arts (CAA) is redefining what college can be. Through innovative, inclusive higher education, we empower adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to continue learning, develop new skills, build community, and thrive throughout their lives. We exist because education shouldn’t end where traditional systems do.
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.
Our Values
Equal and Accessible Education
We lead with compassion and strive to make higher education accessible and possible for adults of all abilities. We create our classes based around what our students want to learn, and we ensure that they can learn at their own pace.
Safe Learning Environment
Our classes are a welcoming, safe place to learn. Our students are treated with dignity, and all ideas are heard and respected with opportunities matching students’ personal learning goals and journeys.
Celebrating Diversity and Inclusivity
We foster a culture that honors each individual voice. We create advocates for social justice honoring personal expression and individuality. We empower our students to expand their strengths and develop more diverse ways to be a successful contributor to their communities. We offer a diverse range of experiences.
Challenging and Changing Perceptions of Ability
We believe that adults with disabilities are important contributors to society, and we challenge the notion that those with intellectual disabilities cannot be critical thinkers and social leaders.
Growth Mindset
We create an environment of choice-based lifelong learning to support ongoing cognitive growth and health in students of all ages. We champion the continued ability to creatively develop their contributional capacity and increase their life satisfaction and personal success.
Global Vision
With the help of our community, donors and supporters, we aim to grow and expand our programs so that they can be available to people with intellectual disabilities all around the country, and the world.
Our Beliefs
We believe in our students’ competence and unique abilities.
We believe in creating a culture of active engagement and high expectations.
We believe in empowering students and staff to expand their strengths.
We believe in celebrating diversity and honoring our introverts.
We believe in maintaining a safe space for creativity and expression.
We believe in building bridges for positive, successful community relationships.
We believe in never giving up on any individual.
