Draft:DeAnna Pursai
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Comment: Lacks multiple instances of significant coverage (in-depth, more than passing mentions) about Pursai in published reliable independent secondary sources. Refs 1 and 2 are interviews (so primary per WP:IV); Refs 3 and 5 both just 2 passing mentions; Refs 4 and 7 no mention; Ref 6 is broken. Paul W (talk) 18:30, 27 July 2026 (UTC)
 | This is a draft article. It is a work in progress open to editing by anyone. Please ensure core content policies are met before publishing it as a live Wikipedia article. Find sources: Google (books · news · scholar · free images · WP refs) · FENS · JSTOR · TWL Last edited by Paul W (talk | contribs) 53 days ago. (Update)
Finished drafting? or |
DeAnna Pursai | |
|---|---|
| Occupations | Educator, nonprofit executive |
| Known for | Co-founding College of Adaptive Arts |
DeAnna Pursai is an American educator and nonprofit leader. She is the co-founder and Director of Development and Community Outreach of the College of Adaptive Arts (CAA), a postsecondary program that provides lifelong learning opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.[1] She was recognized as a CNN Hero in 2022 for her work expanding access to higher education for adults with disabilities.[2]
Early life and education
[edit]Pursai earned a bachelor's degree in elementary and special education from Purdue University and a master's degree in education policy analysis from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign.[1]
Career
[edit]In 2009, Pursai co-founded the College of Adaptive Arts with educator Pamela Lindsay. The organization was established to provide a collegiate model of education for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.[3]
The program offers courses in areas including visual arts, music, theater, communications, and health and wellness, and operates in partnership with West Valley College in Saratoga, California.[4]
Pursai has contributed to the expansion of the program to include online learning opportunities and workforce development initiatives.[3]
The College of Adaptive Arts has expanded from a small pilot program into a multi-disciplinary educational model with both in-person and online offerings. According to media coverage, the organization addresses a gap in postsecondary education for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, a population historically underserved by traditional higher education systems.[2]
Additional media coverage has highlighted the College of Adaptive Arts as an innovative model for postsecondary education for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.[5][6]
Recognition
[edit]Pursai was recognized as a CNN Hero in 2022 for her work expanding access to higher education for adults with disabilities.[2]
She has also received regional recognition for her leadership in inclusive education, including honors from community and professional organizations in California.[7]
References
[edit]- 1 2 Nudo, Sal (17 July 2014). "Alumna starts College of Adaptive Arts to make a difference in the lives of diverse learners". University of Illinois College of Education. Retrieved 27 July 2026.
- 1 2 3 Dunn, Meg (29 April 2022). "This college helps adults with special needs achieve their dreams". CNN. Retrieved 2026-04-22.
- 1 2 "College of Adaptive Arts provides education for adults with special needs". ABC7 News. 6 April 2021. Retrieved 2026-04-22.
- ↑ "College of Adaptive Arts". San José Museum of Art. Retrieved 2026-04-22.
- ↑ "College for adults with special needs serves 'forever school'". KTVU. Retrieved 2026-04-22.
- ↑ "Go inside the school offering adults with special needs the college experience they were missing". WLFI. Retrieved 2026-04-22.[dead link]
- ↑ "DRI Waterstone Announces Inaugural America's Most Admired Awards Winners". DRI Waterstone. Retrieved 2026-04-22.
- provide significant coverage: discuss the person in detail, not brief mentions or interviews lacking independent analysis;
- are reliable: from reputable outlets with editorial oversight;
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