Show Notes:

• Inspiration Behind College of Adaptive Arts (CAA): DeAnna Pursai shares the story of her sister Angel, who could not access college education due to her disabilities, inspiring the creation of CAA – a lifelong learning community for adults of all abilities.
• Unique Approach to Education: Unlike traditional educational institutions, CAA does not require its students to read, write, or take tests, making education accessible to adults historically marginalized from higher education.
• Innovative Startup Culture: Situated in Silicon Valley, CAA is described as a startup disrupting the traditional education model for adults with special needs, with hopes of expanding globally.
• Angel’s Perspective: Angel expresses pride and admiration for her sister's initiative, highlighting the personal impact and broader recognition she has gained through CAA.
• Curriculum and Programs: The podcast delves into the origins and evolution of CAA’s curriculum, which started with arts and has expanded to include a wide range of subjects, catering to the diverse interests of its students.
• Community and Partnerships: The importance of community support and partnerships is emphasized, highlighting collaborations with local businesses, arts organizations, and educational institutions that have been instrumental in CAA’s growth.
• Impact on Students and Community: The remarkable growth from 12 to over 229 students across 10 states and internationally underscores CAA's significant impact on filling an educational gap for adults with disabilities.
• Scaling and Measuring Success: The challenges of scaling CAA’s impact are discussed, along with the strategies for measuring success, including student enrollment, engagement, and development of workforce skills.
• Vision for the Future: The future of adaptive education is envisioned as a global initiative, with CAA planning to replicate its model to serve more adults with disabilities around the world.
• How to Support CAA: The podcast concludes with ways the community can support CAA, including attending events, engaging with social media, and contributing to fundraising efforts to sustain and expand its programs.