CAA Salutes & Honors Dr. Martin Luther King's Legacy
DeAnna Pursai • January 19, 2026
CAA embraces the spirit of MLK's legacy
On this auspicious day celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., College of Adaptive Arts strives each day to live the legacy inspired by Dr. King.
College of Adaptive Arts embraces the spirit of Dr. King by providing a lifelong collegiate model to adults who historically haven't had access to higher education. It's based on the premise that everyone has value to learn, connect, and contribute.
What's truly refreshing about this lifelong learning model is the power of teamwork, inclusivity, and support for one another. Many of our staff have declared disabilities. They work tirelessly to support each other, back each other up, set their teammates up for optimal success.
The students are off all ethnicities, backgrounds, disabilities, and ages over 18 when the college stage begins. Their support and goodwill for each other is a true shining light for us all to embrace. They know when each other is hurting, and they go out of their way to support and be a helping hand. They liberally give compliments in class on the thoughts and ideas each other present. They work alongside each other and hold space for each other to be who they are.
These are most complex times we are living through. The College of Adaptive Arts model is truly a shining light on the best of humanity and human dignity and goodwill. We invite you to experience this vibrant lifelong learning model through a student-led tour each Friday CAA classes are in session, 1pm PST online virtual and 2:30pm PST in-person on the beautiful campus of West Valley College in Saratoga, CA: https://www.collegeofadaptivearts.org/tour-landing-page
CAA's Director of the School of Communications
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.
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