Teaching out of West Valley College, the nonprofit College of Adaptive Arts (CAA) focuses on providing adults (22 years and older) with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) access to a college education. CAA provides 10 schools for their students that include: business; communications; science and technology; and arts programs such as theater, dance, and music. After evaluation, a curriculum is developed for each individual student.
In 2023, Supervisor Simitian led the way to provide a County grant for CAA to develop their Workforce Apprenticeship Program. The program will allow individuals with I/DD to develop situation awareness, non-linear thinking skills, and adaptability to different situation in order to work in “non-routine” jobs. Simitian continued to support this effort a year later by bringing another County grant for CAA forward to increase accessibility and participation through technology upgrades. During this time, the Workforce Apprenticeship Program also saw its first program participants complete the program.
Learn more about the College of Adaptive Arts
