Supervisors boost College of Adaptive Arts with grants funding for technology
County Supervisor Joe Simitian champions support of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities at the College of Adaptive Arts.
Funds will be used to upgrade technology to improve the learning experience for students.
Funds will also be used to support CAA’s Workforce Apprenticeship program.
SAN JOSE – Students at the College of Adaptive Arts (CAA) will now find it easier to participate in the classes and programs the school offers. The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors voted to approve a one-time grant for specialized equipment, software, and training to enhance accessibility and full participation for students at CAA. County Supervisor Joe Simitian said he was pleased he could “continue to champion support for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).”
“Folks in the I/DD community face challenges many of us don’t have to think about – things we take for granted,” said Supervisor Simitian. “Sometimes, a little bit of investment can yield huge returns. A new laptop here, more easily accessible software there, can be the difference between being fully part of a community and its experiences, or feeling like you’re on the outside looking in.”
Funds from the $100,000 grant will go towards technology upgrades for both staff and students. These include new computers, displays, upgraded sound system for the theater department, new intranet for staff communication, and password manager for staff to improve digital security. To improve accessibility, ergonomic furniture for wheelchair users will be purchased as well as repairing magnification tools used by visually impaired students. Grant funds will also be used for student transportation, as well as the implementation of an on-site badging system for students.
“Fostering a love of life-long learning for our students is our primary focus at the school,” said Nicole Kim, CAA Executive Director. “With this additional support, our instructors will have the tools and technology to teach our students. We don’t have to worry if things will work; we can focus on each student and their individual needs.”
In addition to supporting daily classes, the grant funds will also support CAA’s Workforce Apprenticeship Program. This program is accredited by the U.S. Department of Labor and has two tracks: the Cardinal Apprenticeship Program (CAP) and Empower Inclusion Apprenticeship Program (EIAP). The CAP is designed for CAA students and teaches skills necessary for “non-routine” jobs that promote intellectual leadership opportunities, the development of situational awareness, and non-linear thinking to adapt to changing situations. The EIAP targets West Valley College students, typically from economically disadvantaged, or marginalized communities, or are navigating disabilities, and teaches essential skills necessary to become teacher’s aides or office administrators.
At the County’s December Health and Hospital Committee meeting, CAA leadership provided a Workforce Apprenticeship Program status update, sharing that the first program participants have already completed the CAP and are both currently working as associate professors at CAA. The next CAP cohort is in session while EIAP is currently at capacity.
Looking ahead, CAA is working to expand partnerships with businesses to develop a pipeline for employment for CAP students who complete the program, to continue to build a community of funders and collaborators, and develop managerial training on how to manage a neurodivergent workforce.
“Folks in this community are well-suited for a variety of career paths. They can and want to do more,” said Simitian. “Being able to provide these resources allows the County, through CAA, to help one of our most vulnerable populations live full and meaningful lives, and contribute to the communities in which they live.”
For consideration for the CAA Workforce Apprenticeship Program, interested parties may send an email to workforce development coordinators Dr. Pamela Lindsay ([email protected]) and Professor Angel Coronado ([email protected]). For more information about enrollment, visit the CAA website at: https://www.collegeofadaptivearts.org/admissions.