Partnering with the Asian Pacific Development Center
Partnering with the Asian Pacific Development Center [download PDF]
2. Who did your project inform, help, influence or impact? (UCEDD, individual, community, state) How?
My project informed different community providers on how they can better help the families they serve access early intervention services, which has been shown to enhance a child’s development through everyday learning opportunities and everyday routines (e.g., mealtimes, bath time) and reduce future problems in a child’s learning, behavior, and health status. APDC currently provides a variety of services to the adolescent and adult population (e.g., behavioral health, youth leadership, adult education, victim assistance), but they are limited in their services geared towards the pediatric population. Therefore, I collaborated with APDC to determine what services might be most beneficial and impactful to the pediatric population (i.e., early intervention).
3. Why did you choose to work on that project(s)?
I decided to partner with APDC because of my interests in working with culturally and linguistically diverse populations. The API community is one of the fastest growing communities, yet only a small percentage of API children receive early intervention services. Therefore, I wanted to increase the API community’s awareness of the availability of these services by partnering with a community organization that serves this population in order to create a systems change.
4. What did you gain from being a Diversity Fellow?
Through the Diversity Fellowship, I completed a systems change project and influenced community access to community services. I was provided with the opportunity to attend the AUCD conference in Washington, D.C. and was able to connect with other Diversity Fellows from around the country. Through my clinical work, I increased my clinical skills and gained valuable insights into the many health care system challenges that families encounter.
5. How will this experience impact your education or career decisions?
This has been very valuable and unique experience. I will be able to collaborate more effectively with community organizations in the future. Because I am more aware of how systems affect access, I will also be able to better advocate for families and better help families access services.
6. What are your future goals? Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
In 5 years, I envision that I will still be working with culturally and linguistically diverse families with children with complex needs while working on multidisciplinary teams with other professionals. I will hopefully be mentoring my own students and will still be striving to expand my knowledge and expertise so that I may better serve families and their children.
7. What recommendations do you have for other Fellows?
I would recommend that Fellows take advantage of any opportunities that are provided to them. I would pick a project that you are passionate about. I would ask lots of questions and learn as much as you can from your mentors and peers. I received wonderful support from my mentors and peers, who helped enrich my fellowship. I would also try to connect with other Fellows and make the most out of this unique experience.