The Korean American Disabled People's Association (KADPA) was started in 1991 by a small group of Baltimore area families with disabled children and volunteers. Initially formed as a support group serving a limited number of families' unique needs and concerns, KADPA was formally established in 1993 as a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization in order to expand their service to other Korean families with similar needs. KADPA especially seeks to serve Korean families with disabled children who are unable to take full advantage of available local, state, and federal services, by helping these families to overcome language and informational barriers. KADPA also seeks to address common concerns parents have for their disabled children¡¯s future. KADPA is dedicated in reaching out to these families, offering information, referrals, support and advocacy services.

      

 

Outreach Program

Seek out and assist families with disabled children who are currently unable to take full advantage of the available funding and assistance due to their language, cultural and information gap.

Host annual events for members so that all members, volunteers as well as families, can get together to share their support and love.

Facilitate communication between other service providers and Korean families and their children with disabilities.

 Sponsor seminars that promote increased awareness and understanding of rights and benefits afforded to the disabled, latest research, diagnostic and treatment information and other practical information.

Translate various publications and forms into Korean for increased access and knowledge for families with disabled children.

 

 

Annual Events for Families

- February              Family Ski Trip, with ski lessons for skiers with disabilities
- May                       Spring Picnic
- June                      Family Camping
- August                  Evergreen Summer Camp for families
- October               Family Ice Skating
- December           Christmas Party
These events provide valuable means for families to get together and share their personal experiences, provide emotional support, share helpful information, further develop support network and to enhance social skills for people with disabilities.

 

Fundrasing Events

- Music Event
- Music and Dinner Night
- Golf Contest

Our mission and activities are supported through annual membership dues, contributions made by sponsors, friends, support groups and families during fundraising events, and successfully funded federal, state and local grants. All donations and contributions are tax deductible.

 

 

KADPA Korean School

KADPA Korean School was opened on September 9, 2006 at Bethel Korean Presbyterian Church, located in Ellicott City, Maryland. The school is for the Korean-American disabled people who often do not have opportunities to learn about their Korean heritage. Every Saturday the students participate in activities such as Korean language and culture tutorials, including Taekwondo, art and music. They seem to especially enjoy playing traditional Korean musical instruments and preparing Korean food. From these experiences, they gain a better understanding of their cultural identity in terms of who they are and where they come from.

 

 

Membership Information

KADPA members are parents of children with conditions such as mental retardation, Down Syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy and Rett¡¯s Syndrome. KADPA welcomes families of disabled children and other concerned individuals who share common goals of KADPA. A simple application form, annual dues of $50 and common concerns for the individuals with disabilities are basic requirements for being part of the KADPA family.

 

Contact

The Korean American Disabled People's Association c/o ARC
3448 Ellicott Center Drive, Unit 4E1, Ellicott City, MD 21043
Tel: 301.785.2596 / 240.535.5770

 

KADPA CFC

Combined Federal Campaign of Central Maryland: 3039

Combined Federal Campaign of the National Capital Area: 7719