Foundation Steps Up to Save Adaptive PE Program After Budget Cuts Threaten Disabled Students

Last spring, Napa Valley College made tough budget decisions that cut a program over 40 years old, serving more than 200 students with disabilities each semester. The adaptive physical education program gave disabled students and older adults a place to exercise safely using special equipment designed for wheelchairs. When the program faced elimination, students, families, and seniors showed up to board meetings to protest, calling it a lifeline for their health and social connections. The college blamed financial struggles from lost federal grants and lower property tax income, forcing layoffs and program cuts. However, the community’s reaction made it clear: this wasn’t just about money—it was about access to opportunity. The college’s foundation, which had supported the program since 2021 through a donation tied to alumni Evelyn Anderson’s estate, stepped in to fill the gap. Anderson, a former student in both the adaptive PE and wine programs, left funds specifically for these causes. The foundation had already used her gift to buy equipment and offer scholarships, but when the program was at risk, they realized they needed a stronger solution. Instead of just short-term help, they’re creating a permanent investment fund. The idea is simple: use the fund’s earnings to keep the program running forever, though details on exact costs are still unclear.Trustee Jeni Olsen admitted the board had to rethink how the program worked due to budget limits, but she emphasized that the value of adaptive PE goes beyond class schedules. For many participants, it’s about community, confidence, and friendship—not just fitness. The board is now exploring partnerships and fundraising to rebuild the program before it returns in the fall. Meanwhile, the program takes a summer break starting June 15, giving everyone involved a few months to plan its future. When asked about the foundation’s role, executive director Jessica Thomason said Anderson’s vision for inclusion inspired them to act quickly. “We knew this was something she cared deeply about, ” Thomason said. “It’s rewarding to see how much this program means to people who rely on it. ” The foundation’s move proves that sometimes, when institutions face hard choices, outside support can make all the difference.