College of Adaptive Arts

The mission of students and staff at the College of Adaptive Arts (CAA) is to change perceptions of ability while providing educational opportunities previously and historically not available to the adult students served. CAA moves that mountain from its location in the San Jose Bay Area through a unique new model for innovative, lifelong learning opportunities in a collegiate environment for adults of all ages including students who happen to have Down syndrome, autism, and the whole beautiful range of differing abilities. Courses in 10 schools of study provide instruction through a copyrighted instructional model targeting core areas of social cognitive ability. All levels of learners are welcome as students learn at their individual paces and with personalized resource needs. Students continue ongoing adult education toward achievement of private and nontrasferrable 60-credit undergraduate diplomas, 180-cumulative credit graduate studies diplomas, and 420-cumulative credit post-graduate diplomas in Communications, Science and Technology, Health and Wellness, Visual Arts, TV/Film, Music, Dance, Library Arts, Theatre, and Business. Credits are based on experience with and exposure to taught concepts. Students continue accessing skills as they work forward in their area(s) of emphasis at their own pace and level based on developmental needs and progress. For example, a CAA graduate student may enthusiastically move forward in classes for art or technology while continuing to access reading or writing skills. Classes operate online as well as out of a central on-campus location including a dance studio, TV/Film green screen space, digital and live music production facilities, classroom areas, visual arts studio, computer lab, library space, and additional breakout learning and event space. Other resources and opportunities for learning are provided through community collaborations with local professional groups for fitness, television broadcasting, theatre performance, dance, science and technology, and other professional areas. Most of CAA's students receive or have received vocational training and ILS services elsewhere. Many attend day programs and college classes at other locations as well, and have existing housing and transportation arrangements in the area. CAA does not provide transportation or housing. CAA is not a vocational studies program or group home CAA does not offer one-on-one caregiving (although students may attend classes with a caregiver if necessary), and is not classified as a day program or recreational/respite activity. Instead, CAA is a state-vendorized, 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit offering lifelong adult education in a collegiate environment for adults of all ages based on the community college model. The main requirements for registration are the minimum age of 18 and student/family/caregiver commitment to follow CAA policies. Students do not "age out," and there is no limit to the number of quarters or years adults may attend. Attendance currently averages 100 students per quarter enrolled in multiple classes, for an average of 400+ filled seats per quarter. State coverage for quarterly classes is available based on qualifications of the student per regional center criteria, and such authorization is arranged with the regional center prior to class registration by the student/family. Steps to becomming a CAA Cardinal start with a site tour and submission of current registration paperwork, followed by set-up of a new online class registration account and confirmation of completed paperwork through the CAA registrar. Prospective conserved students must attend the live or online site tour and registration set-up meetings, including their primary caregiver/document co-signer if necessary. Go to www.collegeofadaptivearts.org to sign up for a tour date and time. Check out CAA's sports and cheer teams, recent class activities, and student events on Facebook or on our website: www.collegeofadaptivearts.org.