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
James walked into CAA's site in 2018 and transformed our school!!
CAA student Lina loves art, learning, and making new friends.
When Professor Eliza Riley first got involved at CAA, it was very different from what it is today. In fact, she has been part of the community ever since the founding in 2009. Over the years, she has watched the CAA community grow, evolve, and continue creating a place where people can express themselves freely and confidently. Long before she began teaching, Professor Eliza served on CAA’s board, helping with fundraising efforts and supporting the community however she could. At the time, she never imagined that one day she would sign up to be a teacher. But with encouragement from her fellow board members, she eventually found her place as a professor. Today, she helps teach two acting classes, and loves sharing the uniqueness of theater with students each week. Professor Eliza fell in love with the performing arts because it gives the performer the freedom to become anyone that they want on stage. For Professor Eliza, theater is a place where she feels like her labels and limitations disappear. She says that when she is performing, her rare disease and the wheelchair no longer defines who she is. Outside the classroom, Professor Eliza is known for bringing warmth and a calming energy to those around her. She often used to bring her dog to classes because his presence helped her stay relaxed and grounded. Although her dog is getting older now and she does not bring him in as often, everyone still asks how he is and why he isn’t in class. After so many years with CAA, Professor Eliza continues to be an important part of its story. From board member to teacher, mentor, and longtime community member, her journey reflects what CAA is all about: finding belonging, confidence, and joy through the arts. — Written by Nina Pal Volunteer
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