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)



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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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