Sharing the Joy of College of Adaptive Arts

November 6, 2022

By CAA School of Dance Director Khalilah Ramirez


I'm writing this post from multiple perspectives. On the one hand, I am an everyday citizen whose perception of people with differing abilities has been permanently altered by spending time at the College of Adaptive Arts. 


On the other hand, I am a professional educator who has been challenged to grow, stretch and expand my horizons as I work with the amazing population of people.


Since my very first day, It was clear that College of Adaptive Arts was innovating the education experience for people with differing abilities. Here, people are treated with respect, patience and understanding. 


My first encounter with CAA was as a guest in their library series. I spoke to students and staff via Zoom presenting movement, music and playful practices that can be used to enhance the enjoyment of daily life.


I was shocked by the engagement, intelligence and eagerness of the students to learn new skills, as well as the sheer joy they displayed as they learned them. You can watch a replay of this event using the following link:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lmff7_Nuf_Y&t=3533s


Later that year, I became a professor at College Of Adaptive Arts. I began teaching classes on a weekly basis. My experience with the staff was incredible, unlike anything I experienced in the corporate realm. My fellow professors let me know that they were invested in my success.  The competitive aspect of work did not exist here. It gave me hope for the future. It gave me hope that we could all have a more equitable experience of work, life and professional relationships." 


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Where the System Ends, CAA Begins. We Built the College We Couldn't Find: CAA Story #14: Student Samuel H.

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When Samuel Hinojosa first discovered his passion for videography and the performing arts, a passion he says is in his genes because he has family who are also in the arts, participating in theater productions and expressing himself through dance became a part of his daily routine. But when he turned 22, he suddenly aged out of the programs he had come to love, leaving a gap in both his routine and his creative outlet. That’s when a chance meeting completely changed his life. Samuel was in an Angels on Stage production when he just so happened to meet DeAnna Pursai and Dr. Pamela Lindsay in the audience. Realizing he was about to age out of Angels on Stage, they encouraged him to explore the opportunities available to him at CAA. Their guidance led him to finding a new beginning. At CAA, Samuel quickly found a place where he could continue to grow creatively. He enrolled in videography, acting, and dance classes, reconnecting him with his passion for performing. After taking many performing arts classes, Samuel started exploring what other classes CAA had to offer. He has joined the CAA Go Green Climate Action Class, where he did a phenomenal presentation on UNESCO and how climate change is impacting his native roots community in Mexico. Now in his second semester at CAA, Samuel has expanded his interests beyond just the stage and production lens. He’s developed an interest in bodybuilding and nutrition, exploring what those classes can teach him and how he can use that new confidence to improve his life. CAA’s supportive environment has allowed Samuel to continue exploring his passions, while also discovering new ones. It doesn’t matter if he is behind the camera, performing, or focusing on his health and fitness goals, CAA is constantly pushing Samuel to try new things and grow. For Samuel, CAA is not just a place for him to take classes, it is a community where he can express himself, try new things, and keep moving forward. — Written by Nina Pal Volunteer

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