CAA Launches Innovative Workforce Development Program

DeAnna Pursai • July 14, 2023

Grateful to Supervisor Joe Simitian for his investment for this launch.

We are so tremendously grateful to County Board Supervisor Joe Simitian for supporting College of Adaptive Arts for a Workforce Development Grant for Adults with Disabilities particularly focused on innovative positions on accentuating adults with disabilities’ intellectual inquiry, interests, and passions.


Here's an excerpt from Supervisor Simitian’s office: “the CAA program is intended to provide training and experience for “non-routine” jobs. These jobs promote intellectual and leadership opportunities for participants, and the development of situational awareness and non-linear thinking to adapt to different situations. Candidates for this apprenticeship program are drawn from CAA’s own students, the West Valley College Disability Student Services Program, and other populations that historically have had challenges obtaining work. 


One such potential apprenticeship candidate is CAA student Curtis Kitaji (featured in the photo) joined CAA about 5 years ago; as I type these words, I’m listening to Curtis lead the on-site tour for interested new families and community members as a CAA Student Ambassador. Curtis demonstrated his true abilities, interest, passion, and initiative at the Annual School of Theatre Graduate Musical Theater Production this past Saturday. He took 2 buses to get to the dress rehearsal early in the morning; he was not in the show, he just came to help. When the assigned volunteer who was going to run the teleprompter called in sick, Curtis jumped in right away to run the teleprompter throughout the show so the actors could easily refer to their lines. He did a phenomenal job at tech support and was a tremendous asset to the production.


A second CAA student candidate is a young woman who happens to have a more hidden disability. She’s got so many ideas on helping this school grow strategically. She is kind, resourceful, energetic, and has a plethora ideas on how to better market this school on social media, including Instagram and TikTok. She’s going to become an apprenticeship candidate as we work collaboratively and strategically to create new workforce opportunities, particularly in the higher education space, which align more closely with their intellectual inquiry, talents, and innate abilities.


This is such an exciting and pivotal development at College of Adaptive Arts as we work diligently to create Inclusive Collegiate Partnerships. The sky is truly the limit with exploring new workforce possibilities, and we invite you to join us in this incredible, monumental, and impactful journey.

Here's the full Press Release that was published July 6, 2023:

County Steps Up on Career Opportunities for People with Developmental Disabilities - Supervisor Joe Simitian District 5 - County of Santa Clara (sccgov.org)



Sign up here to take a tour online or in-person every Friday school is in session:

2023 Weekly Tour Dates - Campaign (collegeofadaptivearts.org)

Where the System Ends, CAA Begins. We Built the College We Couldn't Find. CAA Story #25: Professor Eliza :)

By DeAnna Pursai • August 10, 2026
When Professor Eliza Riley first got involved at CAA, it was very different from what it is today. In fact, she has been part of the community ever since the founding in 2009. Over the years, she has watched the CAA community grow, evolve, and continue creating a place where people can express themselves freely and confidently. Long before she began teaching, Professor Eliza served on CAA’s board, helping with fundraising efforts and supporting the community however she could. At the time, she never imagined that one day she would sign up to be a teacher. But with encouragement from her fellow board members, she eventually found her place as a professor. Today, she helps teach two acting classes, and loves sharing the uniqueness of theater with students each week. Professor Eliza fell in love with the performing arts because it gives the performer the freedom to become anyone that they want on stage. For Professor Eliza, theater is a place where she feels like her labels and limitations disappear. She says that when she is performing, her rare disease and the wheelchair no longer defines who she is. Outside the classroom, Professor Eliza is known for bringing warmth and a calming energy to those around her. She often used to bring her dog to classes because his presence helped her stay relaxed and grounded. Although her dog is getting older now and she does not bring him in as often, everyone still asks how he is and why he isn’t in class.  After so many years with CAA, Professor Eliza continues to be an important part of its story. From board member to teacher, mentor, and longtime community member, her journey reflects what CAA is all about: finding belonging, confidence, and joy through the arts. — Written by Nina Pal Volunteer

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By DeAnna Pursai • August 3, 2026
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Where the System Ends, CAA Begins. We Built the College We Couldn't Find. CAA Story #23: Professor Laura J.

By DeAnna Pursai • July 27, 2026
Professor Laura is a graduate from SJSU with a degree in Dance.

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