College of Adaptive Arts

CAA families and friends! Please join us on March 17 from 7:30-8:15 for our CAA Virtual Spring Art Slide-show. View artwork created by our talented students from the comfort of home. Watch your email over the next few days for your exclusive invitation and R.S.V.P to this beautiful event!

Here's the newest episode by CAA podcasting class! I hope you guys enjoy it.

* CAA is proud to announce a new campaign: #ShareYourCAAStory. We want to hear from YOU how CAA has impacted your life - whether you and your student began with us that first summer in 2009 or whether you are brand new to this lifelong, equitable collegiate model. CAA is in the process of setting up a TikTok account for sharing CAA stories & reaching a broader audience to learn about this innovative, lifelong educational model. Written stories are also welcomed - please email...Continue reading

* Spring Quarter Schedule is here! Here is the updated Spring Course Roster & Course Descriptions Catalog for reference & circulation. Currently registered students have the next 4 weeks to select their new classes before it opens up to general registration. Enjoy browsing and taking a look at the new course offerings! :) * Save the date! Our art students have been working hard all year and on March 17 from 7:15pm - 8:30pm over Zoom Webinar, you will get to see their creati...ons at a very special, one-night-only art (slide)showcase, hosted by Nicole Ferguson. Watch this space and your email for more details and an invitation. * Save the Date: The CAA Impossible Dream Virtual Fundraising Gala has been rescheduled for Saturday evening, 5-6pm. Details forthcoming. This event is in lieu of the CAA Annual Golf Classic that has become a wildly popular annual event that has happened for the past 8 years but had to be canceled this past fall due to the pandemic.

This week's mission moment

* Daily check-ins continue during Shelter in Place each day at 10am & 4pm for CAA enrolled students & prospective students: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82595739562; Meeting ID: 825 9573 9562 * Online virtual tours will continue throughout the quarter for prospective students/families who are interested in possibly registering for the Spring Quarter which will begin the first week of April 2021. Please email [email protected] to schedule a virtual tour of the Coll...ege of Adaptive Arts. * CAA welcomes input and feedback. CAA has a new online form for accepting feedback - it's the yellow button on the website homepage just below the podcast features. Please feel free to submit all feedback, including testimonials and suggestions for new classes and workshops here. * 2021 Quarter Dates for Reference: Winter Quarter 2021: Monday, Jan 4 - Friday, March 19 Mid-Quarter Break: Feb 8 - 12 (NO CAA Classes) Spring Quarter 2021: Monday, April 5 - Friday, June 18 Mid-Quarter Break: May 10 - 14 (NO CAA Classes) Summer Quarter 2021: Monday, July 5 - Friday, Sept 17 Mid-Quarter Break: Aug 9 - 13 (NO CAA Classes) Fall Quarter 2021: Monday, Oct 4 - Tuesday, Dec. 21 Mid-Quarter/Thanksgiving Break: Thurs., Nov. 18 - Friday, Nov. 26 (NO CAA Classes) * Visit the West Valley Campus & take a photo in front of your new school. To date, we've had 2 wonderful students visit West Valley College and take a photo in front of their new school. Email [email protected] & she'll send you a map of our school's building in the heart of the beautiful sprawling campus and we'll add it to our growing list of CAA West Valley College Campus photos! * College of Adaptive Arts has now transitioned to an Online Student Application. We ask that you go on and complete this online application with all updated information and a one-time photo consent release option for all future events and class projects. CAA Policy documents have also been updated during this time of COVID distance learning. * Link for Daily Check-Ins at 10 am & 4 pm, each Monday - Friday as long as Shelter in Place is Happening: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82595739562; Meeting ID: 825 9573 9562 One tap mobile: +16699006833,,82595739562# US (San Jose) * If you are doing online shopping these Shelter in Place days on Amazon, College of Adaptive Arts is on Amazon Smiles. If you are going to order anything through Amazon, the College of Adaptive Arts would be deeply obliged if you could consider remembering this equitable collegiate model. Here is the smile link: https://smile.amazon.com/ - College of Adaptive Arts is listed as a 501c3 charity.

This Saturday is College of Adaptive Arts'School of Dance End-of-Year Showcase Extravaganza this coming Saturday, December 12 from 3pm 4:30pm over Zoom: College of Adaptive Arts School of Dance Throughout the Year Video Showcase. This virtual event is free - donations dearly appreciated. :)

Monday, December 14, 1:30 - 2:30pm: December 14 marks the last Library Lecture of Fall 2020 and we will go out with a rata tat tat ratta ratta boom! boom! craaasssshhhh! Jimmy Biala, who teaches Brazilian and Cuban percussion, has performed and taught in China, Taiwan, France, Germany, Brazil, Canada, and here in the US. He is coming (via Zoom) to CAA on December 14, 1.302.30 pm! He’ll talk about the role drums played throughout the history of humankind, how culture adds flavors to the sounds, and he’ll show us how he makes drums sing. And if that’s not exciting enough, there’s going to be a drum-along!!! Reserve your seat with an RSVP to [email protected] by December 10!

The College of Adaptive Arts celebrates the volunteer-run weekly Walking Team!! Here's a testimonial from a new parent and student to the group: I would like to put a strong recommendation in to all CAA families for the volunteer led CAA walking club. This is an extraordinary opportunity that is safe and fun during the mild fall weather. Meeting on Saturday mornings for a 40 minute or so stroll for healthy, socially distanced exercise is the ONLY in person opportunity for C...AA students right now. Those who are participating are delighted to have the personal interactions and conversation and laughter as we walk together. Presently the walks are at West Valley College, to acquaint students with the location of the new CAA College building, so when we are free to gather students will be oriented to this awesome new space. (It's amazing.) Hope to see more CAA students and their escorts (parents or care providers) at the next walk. Contact Jasmina Naleid for details.

#CollegeofAdaptiveArts just received the *sweetest card* from one of our new CAA Cardinal students Tessa. CAA is so grateful to the students, parents & community for working together for adults out there who are hungry to continue learning, growing, & pushing the boundaries of their full potential. #WeAreDifferentWeAreAble #WeAreSanJose #BestCollegeEver #CAACardinalCollegeStudentsROCK

Saturday, December 19: CAA Holiday Concert & Graduation Ceremony Virtual Event information: Flyer attached for reference and circulation The College of Adaptive Arts Presents the Annual Holiday Concert & Graduation Ceremony Virtual Event on Saturday, December 19, 2020, from 2:00 pm 4:00 pm on Zoom Webinar. Please join the College of Adaptive Arts in Celebrating the talents and accomplishments of our students....Continue reading

Here's our fearless College of Adaptive Arts Walking Team last weekend walking at Martial Cottle Park. #college #WeAreDifferentWeAreAble #WeAreSanJose #lifelonglearningforall

* This Saturday, November 7th: Community Performance: Children's Music & Sign Language Classes will be performing through Zoom at the Autism Society Adult Conference on Saturday, November 7th from 12:45 - 12:58 pm - details forthcoming later this week. * Physical Addresses requested for December Newsletter! If you know of anyone in your network who might want to receive a physical copy of CAA's December newsletter, please email [email protected] with name and ...Continue reading

* College of Adaptive Arts Celebrating Abilities Virtual Film Registration link is Live & Open for Registration; donations greatly appreciated. We've got a goal to raise $2,500 for our 12th Annual Celebrating Abilities Film Festival. Here a pdf version of the Official CAA Film Fest Flyer for sharing & circulation - there is a clickable link directly from the pdf to register for this online free event! Featuring short local, national, and international films by, about, and for...Continue reading

This week's mission statement

* Phyiscal Addresses requested for December Newsletter! If you know of anyone in your network who might want to receive a physical copy of CAA's December newsletter, please email [email protected] with name and mailing address - it's gearing up to be our best newsletter to date, and we're trying to spread the word to more interested in learning about this lifelong college model for adults who historically have not had access. :) * This Friday, October 30: Your ...Continue reading

* Great NonProfits Reviews for College of Adaptive Arts now at 49 would you submit your Story next? We’ve got a goal to reach 50 Reviews by October 31st? Share Your Story Here. CAA would like to extend the *most heartfelt thank you* to everyone out there who has taken their time to write a review of the college!!! The following is the latest review to come in over the weekend: College of Adaptive Arts (CAA) has enriched the life of my daughter who has Down Syndrome. First,... I have such praise for the two originators of CAA who continue to dedicate themselves to provide a wonderful college experience for our loved ones with disabilities. The classes, taught by an incredible staff, have inspired my daughter, given her opportunities to grow, gain confidence, and expand her horizons during her day to day life. Opportunity is always a desire for my daughter. Through CAA’s supportive staff and the numerous classes offered, my daughter has found extraordinary opportunities. The CAA dance and public speaking classes have provided opportunities for her to practice what she has learned within the community. She has danced at various community events including sjDANCEco Festival at Santana Row and San Jose’s Christmas in the Park. She has had the opportunity to speak to Service Clubs, local Chambers of Commerce groups, the National Down Syndrome Day celebration at Santana Row, fundraising events, to name a few. These community opportunities through CAA have allowed her to use the skills and techniques learned in class, elevated confidence, self-esteem, and poise. I also believe through her and her classmates’ community events the public has gained a new respect for an individual’s abilities. CAA has been an exceptional education experience for my daughter, providing a variety of learning experiences and opportunities all while forging friendships. * New CAA Student Artwork greeting card packs are here and ready for sale in time for the Holiday Season! Cards will be sold in packs of 10 for $14. These are all artwork that has been created by CAA student artists during Shelter in Place time. These are a fundraiser to help CAA continue to grow and expand options for adults who historically have not had access to a college education. These card packs make wonderful holiday gifts!! Please send your card pack requests to Anthony at [email protected]. * The Autism Society of San Francisco Bay Area is hosting its Adult Autism Conference online this year on Saturday, November 7th typically at Stanford University. Free to everyone. Donations sincerely appreciated!! Register Here: https://med.stanford.edu/autismcenter/conferences.html * Save the Date! Community Performance: Children’s Music & Sign Language Classes will be performing through Zoom at the Autism Conference on Saturday, November 7th from 12:45 12:58 pm. More details forthcoming.

* Winter Quarter 2021 Schedule is now up on the website & attached here for circulation and reference. Here is the Winter 2021 Course Description catalog as well. Registration is open for the next 2 weeks exclusively for currently registered students. Updated: All Regional Center past & current POSs must be fully in place by Friday, January 8, 2021, or students are moved to the waitlist until submission is confirmed. * Please enjoy the December 2020 Newsletter for reference ...and circulation. * This Saturday is College of Adaptive Arts'School of Dance End-of-Year Showcase Extravaganza this coming Saturday, December 12 from 3 pm 4:30 pm over Zoom: College of Adaptive Arts School of Dance Throughout the Year Video Showcase Virtual Event Flyer Attached for reference and circulation. This virtual event is free - donations dearly appreciated. :) * Monday, December 14: December 14 marks the last Library Lecture of Fall 2020 and we will go out with a rata tat tat ratta ratta boom! boom! craaasssshhhh! Jimmy Biala, who teaches Brazilian and Cuban percussion, has performed and taught in China, Taiwan, France, Germany, Brazil, Canada, and here in the US. He is coming (via Zoom) to CAA on December 14, 1.302.30 pm! He’ll talk about the role drums played throughout the history of humankind, how culture adds flavors to the sounds, and he’ll show us how he makes drums sing. And if that’s not exciting enough, there’s going to be a drum-along!!! Reserve your seat with an RSVP to [email protected] by December 10! See the flyer for details and watch your email for details of the drum-along.

Have a short film you want to submit to our Virtual Film Festival? Head over to: https://filmfreeway.com/CAACelebratingAbilitiesVirtualFilmF For more details and to submit your film today! The submission deadline is November 1st

* Visit the West Valley Campus & take a photo in front of your new school. To date, we've had 2 wonderful students visit West Valley College and take a photo in front of their new school. Email [email protected] & she'll send you a map of our school's building in the heart of the beautiful sprawling campus and we'll add it to our growing list of CAA West Valley College Campus photos! * College of Adaptive Arts has now transitioned to an Online Student Applicati...Continue reading

* The above photo is the CAA walking club at West Valley College we meet at 9 AM Saturday morning in front of the western entrance of the campus. Join us for a leisurely and exciting walk through the campus. Meet new students me old students meet friends bring a friend. Email [email protected] for details. :) * Great NonProfits Reviews for College of Adaptive Arts now at 45 - can you help us reach 50 Reviews by October 31st? Share Your Story Here. CAA would like to extend... the *most heartfelt thank you* to everyone out there who has taken their time to write a review of the college!!! The following is the latest review to come in over the weekend: My son loves the College of Adaptive Arts. He was attending a Day Program, but when I enrolled him into classes at the College he did not want to return to the Day Program. His favorite class at first was Belly Dancing. Now he loves Theatre and Speaking With Confidence. He enjoys the collegiate atmosphere at CAA. Although, he is quiet and shy he enjoys hanging out with his peers. The Instructors are very attentive and observant of the students. This appears to aid them in learning how to motivate and teach each individual student in accordance with their abilities and learning style. They are patient, understanding, professional and well trained in the education of students with developmental disabilities. My son was diagnosed with Down syndrome at birth. He completed high school in Atlanta, Georgia. He attended Post Secondary at Fremont High School in Sunnyvale, California. We learned about the College of Adaptive Arts while he was participating with Angels on Stage. Wiley loves acting, singing and dancing. The College of Adaptive Arts has provided him with the opportunity to learn, develop skills and participate in all three. The founders have gone above and beyond our expectations to make us feel an integral part of this unique organization of higher education for this special population. * New CAA Swag witih New Logo in time for the Holidays: CAA is finalizing a new logo to highlight our collegiate partnerships, beginning with this historic first partnership with West Valley College. We are planning to order new college swag in time for the holidays. If you have particular ideas for fun merchandise, please email [email protected] with your ideas! :) * The second voting video is now posted on the San Jose Public Library YouTube website featuring CAA student Thomas V: Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tEQGEm9VsM

Save the dates for the Virtual Film Festival.

* Please enjoy and circulate this Voting Basics Webinar is about voting basics and was created in cooperation with the San Jose Public Library and the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities. It features three presenters who have disabilities, one of whom is CAA student Thomas Valdivia: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WXFfeqm4sQc * New CAA Student Artwork greeting card packs en route and almost ready for sale! Cards will be sold in packs of 10 for $14. These are ...all artwork that has been created by CAA student artists during Shelter in Place time. These are a fundraiser to help CAA continue to grow and expand options for adults who historically have not had access to a college education. These card packs make wonderful holiday gifts!! Please send your card pack requests to Anthony at [email protected]. * College of Adaptive Arts is now a Great Nonprofits 2020 Top-Rated Nonprofit. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories. We're at 43 reviews - we'd love to get to 50 reviews by October 31st: Share your story here. * CAA has been selected to be a San Jose Mercury News Wishbook 2020 Feature Charity. If you'd like to reach out to CAA Mountain Mover board member Lorie Reichel-Howe to thank her for her monumental efforts the Grants Task Force, or if you would be interested in joining this Task Force to help CAA find more grant opportunities in the community, you can send her an email thank you to [email protected] * If you are doing online shopping these Shelter in Place days on Amazon, College of Adaptive Arts is on Amazon Smiles. If you are going to order anything through Amazon, the College of Adaptive Arts would be deeply obliged if you could consider remembering this equitable collegiate model. Here is the smile link: https://smile.amazon.com/ - College of Adaptive Arts is listed as a 501c3 charity.