"At West Valley College in Saratoga, the College of Adaptive Arts (CAA) is filling this gap with a sustainable model of inclusive, lifelong higher education. More than 270 students take college-style courses - on campus and remotely - in subjects ranging from theater and computer coding to astronomy and photography. Enrollment has doubled in five years, proof of both success and demand."
"But this progress rests on shaky ground. CAA relies on a pandemic-era waiver - Assembly Bill 637 - that reimburses online and remote learning. For students who cannot attend in person due to mobility, health or transportation challenges, this waiver has been a lifeline, covering nearly 80% of CAA's operating costs. Developing accessible online courses, maintaining platforms and providing specialized support all require sustained investment."
Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities lose access to formal education after age 22 despite promises of lifelong learning. A few pilot programs at CSU campuses and the UC Davis Redwood SEED Scholars program exist but are limited to four years. The College of Adaptive Arts at West Valley College provides inclusive, college-style courses to more than 270 students, and enrollment has doubled in five years. The program depends on Assembly Bill 637, a pandemic-era waiver that reimburses remote instruction and covers nearly 80% of operating costs for many students. Reimbursement rates are frozen at $27.24 per student hour, forcing reliance on donors and temporary measures. Permanent, inflation-adjusted funding and sustained investment are needed to maintain lifelong learning.
#inclusive-higher-education #intellectual-and-developmental-disabilities-idd #funding-and-policy #ab-637-waiver
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