Chinese Parents Association for the Disabled (CPAD) is a non-profit organization dedicated to help individuals with special needs and their families (e.g. Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy… etc). All the parent members are volunteers, and strive to help each individual achieve his or her full potential toward a meaningful and productive life, to encourage opportunities of social integration, and social inclusion into mainstream society.
CPAD was officially founded in 1990 by 8 families from Los Angeles Chinatown, Cerritos, Monterey Park and South Bay areas and has now expended to include over 250 families. To expand the services, in October 2008, CPAD OC Chapter was established in Orange County. Our parent trainings and social activities are held at local facilities, take place at the Community Health Education Center (CHEC), a subsidiary of San Gabriel Valley Medical Center; First Christian Church in Alhambra and Orange County OCAAC in Anaheim.
On a weekly basis, CPAD provides educational and recreational services specifically designed for member’s children with special needs. Currently, we offer drawing, dancing, rhythm movement, Chess, Tai-Chi exercises and music therapy classes. For parents, CPAD arranges training to improve their skills to care for family members who have learning disabilities. On a periodic basis, CPAD also invites subject matter experts and legal petitioners to speak on subjects such as how to fight for better educational services and gain better understanding of their legal rights.
CPAD understands how much our members with special need children must sacrifice in order to maintain a normal family life. Therefore, our parent volunteers are available, on an informal basis, to share the knowledge and experiences we had raising our children with disabilities, with parents who are in need of assistance. In addition to emotional support, we can provide information about various disabilities, suggest referrals to appropriate community resources, and offer interpreter/translation assistance.
CPAD Hotline: (626) 600-6538
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2884, San Gabriel, CA 91778-2884