Georgia News Desk

The Association for Chinese Families of the Disabled (ACFD) reached an important milestone with a big celebration on November 23, 2019.  Approximately 300 individuals with disabilities, their families, community supporters, sponsors, and public officials came out to the Paramount Superstars Restaurant in San Francisco to help celebrate ACFD’s 30^th Anniversary.  California State Senator Scott Weiner presented ACFD’s Board of Directors with a Proclamation recognizing the organization’s 30 years of service.  San Francisco Mayor London Breed’s legislative aid also presented ACFD with a Certificate of Honor. A special guest Dr. William Ma representing California State Treasurer, Fiona Ma, attended the celebration to express congratulations. 

Parents who do not speak English face a myriad of challenges when they have a child with special needs. They may have difficulty accessing information about their child’s disability; finding available and appropriate resources; understanding their rights and responsibilities; and communicating with their child’s teachers and other service providers. In the early 1980s, there were some individuals in the Chinese community who were concerned about these problems and challenges and attempted to come up with ways to address them. 

As the result of three very important one-year projects spear-headed by Dr. Sam Chan, a clinical psychologist at UCLA, focusing on the education and training of parents of children with disabilities, a small group of committed parents began meeting on a regular basis to discuss the unique needs of Chinese parents and to find ways to address these needs. After much discussion and a great deal of hard work, particularly on the part of Mr. James Ng, the Association’s first Board Chairperson, the Association for Chinese Families of the Disabled became incorporated as a nonprofit in July 1989 with the help of co-founder, Ms. Nancy Lim-Yee, a licensed clinical social worker.  

The mission of ACFD is to provide bilingual information, education, training, and support to Chinese parents who have children with disabilities in order to enhance their knowledge and strengthen their advocacy skills so that they will be able to access appropriate services for their children with special needs.  Joyce Chang, immediate past Board Chairperson, is a parent of a daughter with Down syndrome.  When Joyce first immigrated to the United States, she did not know where to go to obtain services for her daughter. “I was so confused by the different kinds of agencies and it was even more difficult because I did not speak English”.  When Joyce was invited to join ACFD’s Board of Directors, she did not hesitate.  “I want to help other parents; I want to share my experiences and knowledge with them to make it easier for them.”   During the past 30 years, ACFD has sponsored bilingual parent conferences; hosted annual parent gatherings; partnered with other organizations to sponsor field trips and family activities; organized advocacy trips to the State capital; and participated in community outreach fairs.  The organization has been very fortunate to receive support from its community partners over the years. 

ACFD depends solely on donations from the general public to run its programs. The organization is very grateful to have received sponsorships from the Asian American Culture Infinity Association, the San Francisco Chinatown Lions Club, and the Portsmouth Plaza Parking Corporation to support its 30^th Anniversary celebration.  ACFD is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (Tax ID#94-3101644) and any donation is fully tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.  Donations of any amount are appreciated and can be made to “ACFD” and sent to 378 – 18^th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94121.

The Association for Chinese Families of the Disabled members received multi-recognition from the Mayor and Supervisors of City and County of San Francisco. (photo by Youmans Hsiong)

Co-founder of the ACFD Nancy Lim-Yee received proclamation from the California State Senator Scott Wiener. (Photo by Youmans Hsiong)

Former President of ACFD Joyce Chang received recognition from the representative (Dr. William Ma) of California State Treasure Fiona Ma. (photo by Youmans Hsiong)

President of ACFD Herby Lam received recognition from the representative of Mayor of San Francisco London N. Breed (photo by Youmans Hsiong)

Asian American Culture Infinity Foundation as a major sponsor of the event. (photo by Youmans Hsiong)

Media Contact
Company Name: The Association for Chinese Families of the Disabled
Contact Person: Herby Lam
Email: Send Email
Phone: 1-415-309-1506
Address:ACFD, 378-18th Ave
City: San Francisco
State: CA
Country: United States
Website: www.acfd-ca.org