Learning Is Not A One-Way Street by Professor Sharon Lea

May 31, 2022

As a teacher I learn from my adult students every day, actively listening to their intelligent minds, brave hearts and compassionate ways. I take the time, because I whole-heartedly believe in them.


By doing so, I learn from these men and women in meaningful ways, becoming a better teacher and human being. I ask their opinions, ideas and learn from the powerful words that they share with me. I do not preach to them about a topic– we learn together in this life-long learning model.


Learning should never be a one-way street between teacher and student. At CAA our students have important words to express and thoughts about how to make the world a better place. Just like any other adult, they have their likes and dislikes, opinions and ideas about the world.


Historically society has not wanted to hear these thoughts and ideas from these adults. That is changing and has been since 2009 when College of Adaptive Arts was founded. I am so proud to be a CAA teacher, where I go home every day knowing this population is finally being heard!


CAA does not want these students to be watching and listening to conversations, just sitting on the sidelines of life. We want them to be an active part in daily conversations and make an impact on the communities in which they live.


The ARTS model creates a safe and caring environment for our students to express themselves. A is for Attitude, a positive attitude. R is for Respect. T is for Trust. S is for support. This inspiring educational model works and I see it every single day in my students.


Just as on any college campus, CAA cardinals have strong voices and deserve a platform to share who they are and their hopes for their own lives. Now located on West Valley College campus in Saratoga, California, these cardinal voices are lifted up by others who believe in the CAA mission.


As a teacher I learn from my students every day and I wouldn’t have it any other way!!

Where the System Ends, CAA Begins. We Built the College We Couldn't Find. CAA Story #12: Student Andre C.

By DeAnna Pursai • May 11, 2026
At only 5 years old, Andre lost his parents and began a long and painful stay in the foster care system, not really having anyone to trust or love him. Eventually he started hanging out with the wrong people and faced his share of troubles. Being developmentally and physically disabled, people often took advantage of him or tried extorting him for money. He met two friends, Nancy and Kristin, through his church and they began helping Andre turn his life around.. Both women began helping Andre at first with essentials, making sure he got meals and into a safe housing situation. Nancy helped Andre get set with a bank account and taught him basic budgeting skills, while Kristin got him involved in stable social environments like College of Adaptive Arts. Now, at age 67, Andre is one of the oldest students currently enrolled in College of Adaptive Arts (CAA), a nonprofit providing higher education for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Every week, Andre looks forward to attending his Innercise class, which focuses on mindfulness, meditation and introspection. “The class helps me feel good about myself,” said Andre. “It helps me calm my mind.” According to Nicole Kim, Executive Director of College of Adaptive Arts, students like Andre who have been sidelined from traditional education are exactly who they are trying to reach. “Andre is proof that education has no expiration date,” said Nicole Kim, Executive Director of College of Adaptive Arts. “No matter your age or ability level, you are never too old to learn, grow and cultivate meaningful relationships” According to Nancy and Kristin, CAA has helped Andre further his education but also regain the trust to make friends and find a safe community of like-minded friends. “After our church closed, Andre really missed being able to share things with others that were important or special to him, and I think he’s found that at CAA,” said Nancy. Since meeting both women and attending CAA, Andre has said he has made the choice to change his life, and that he chooses “The New Andre” everyday.

Where the System Ends, CAA Begins. We Built the College We Couldn’t Find. CAA Story #11: Mimi Giannini and the Bill and Linda Giannini Family Foundation

By DeAnna Pursai • May 4, 2026

Where the System Ends, CAA Begins. We Built the College We Couldn’t Find. CAA Story #10: Ann Lunt

By DeAnna Pursai • April 27, 2026
When Ann Lunt was recovering from foot surgery two years ago, she came across a story about CAA on Channel 7’s “Localish” TV show and she immediately knew it was a place where she belonged. “I love CAA,” Ann said. “Everyone is really friendly and the teachers understand us.” Ann has lived on her own for 20 years and navigates to and from campus by herself. In 2002, she went deaf but was able to get a cochlear implant in 2003 which now helps her hear, however the hearing loss still affects her speech. Despite that, or maybe because of it, Ann’s favorite thing is singing and music. Some of the CAA classes which she enjoys are Adaptive Guitar, Choir, and Music Appreciation. One of her goals is to get into the Songwriting class and learn how to write a song. At age 57, Ann is proof that you never stop learning and growing. “In this world, we need to learn as much as we can,” Ann said. Ann is extremely compassionate and had the idea during Compassion Week to make video messages for foster youth. Growing up in group homes for nearly 15 years, Ann could relate to those experiencing the foster care system and wanted to reach out to them. One of the things Ann loves most about CAA is socializing and making friends. “I’m proud that I have friends who I can talk to,” Ann said. “We have each other’s backs and all root for one another.” Ann is excited to continue her learning journey and hopes that one day she might become an Associate Professor at CAA.

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