In an insightful interview, Lucy Taylor, a Chinese-American founder of the nonprofit organization Ltecareplus, shared her journey into the world of special education. She discovered the pressing needs of Chinese immigrant families in New York City who were not only hesitant to acknowledge their children’s special needs but also faced significant language barriers that hindered their access to vital government resources. This realization led her, a former international trade professional, to establish Ltecareplus last year—an organization dedicated to providing essential services to children with special needs, particularly within the Chinese community.

Lucy explained that the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) aims to enhance the quality of life for children with disabilities and help them lead fulfilling lives. This initiative has given rise to a new role known as a “Broker,” where financial centers work with intermediaries to guide the management of funds allocated to service centers by the state. Lucy obtained her broker license before founding her nonprofit, which has enabled her to effectively assist families in navigating available resources.

Her entry into this field came by chance, as she observed a significant demand for special services among Chinese families. She emphasized that the issue is not a lack of government support, but rather that many new immigrant families struggle with traditional beliefs and language challenges that prevent them from accessing these crucial services. Unfortunately, this means that children miss out on timely interventions during their most formative years.

Ltecareplus was established with the mission of helping families within the Chinese community, officially launching its services in March 2023. With around 60 employees, the organization has already taken on over 200 cases, predominantly assisting Chinese families, with about 50 cases involving Caucasian and Hispanic families. To ensure effective communication and understanding, all staff members must be bilingual in English and either Chinese or Spanish.

Currently, the center offers a range of services including Early Intervention for children aged 0-3 and behavioral guidance for children with autism, as well as those dealing with conditions such as Williams syndrome, Down syndrome, and intellectual disabilities. Once doctors identify a child’s need for special services, they are referred to the center. The team acts as advocates for the parents, coordinating resources, conducting assessments, and facilitating communication with service providers.

Lucy mentioned that some Chinese parents find it difficult to confront the realities of their children’s conditions, often due to cultural misunderstandings and fears of stigma associated with disability labels, which they worry may impact their children’s educational and employment opportunities. A key part of their work is educating parents about U.S. disability policies, helping to shift their mindsets so they can face the situation more positively. “By sharing our professional knowledge, we aim to alleviate their concerns,” she remarked. “Many parents just need a better understanding; once we discuss it, they often find the situation more acceptable.”

Discussing the importance of early intervention, Lucy pointed out that children with autism, though they may differ from their neurotypical peers, possess immense potential that can be unlocked. Some even exhibit extraordinary artistic talents. “With the right guidance from professional tutors, we can truly change their lives,” she stated passionately.

Lucy also recounted a particular case involving a 16-year-old boy with autism who had never engaged in special education. He had little to no communication with others and avoided eye contact. Initially, his mother was skeptical about any positive change due to his age, but after encouragement, she agreed to give it a try.

Once the tutor started one-on-one sessions, remarkable changes occurred within just a month or two. The boy began to trust his tutor, eagerly anticipating each session. He learned skills like simple cooking and even began shopping independently with a credit card. “That moment was incredibly touching for us,” Lucy reflected. “We realized that no matter the effort, every bit of what we do is worth it.”