About US
When my child was diagnosed with autism, I felt lost and overwhelmed. There was no clear medical plan, no single person to guide me to the right therapy, and no clear direction on how to embark on this journey. The diagnosis seemed to forever determine my child’s fate, all I could do was try to hold back my tears.
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Desperate for help, I turned to support groups, leaning on the compassionate hearts of other families who had walked a similar path. They helped me navigate the complex web of services at the Regional Center, but too often, by the time I discovered a service my child was eligible for, it was way too late to apply.
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I felt alone and hopeless, constantly racing against time, knowing that every single minute counted for my child’s progress and improvement. Every day felt like a battle, and the weight of uncertainty was crushing. I wish the system had been more transparent, so I didn’t have to waste precious time searching for services that were supposed to help my child.
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I wish there had been more guidance and support, someone to help me through the overwhelming complexities. I longed for someone to tell me that everything would be okay, to offer a hand and a glimmer of hope.
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Many parents have walked this same painful path. Amidst this struggle, a collective effort to change the system for the better became a lifeline, bringing us together on this journey. We found strength and solidarity in one another.
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This is how we founded AAPP (Advocacy in Action Parent Partnership). Together, we are a beacon of hope, support, and change, ensuring that no parent has to navigate this journey alone.
Mission
Empowering Orange County parents and caregivers of dependents with disabilities through collaboration with organizations and communities to promote advocacy, equity, inclusion, and advancement.
Vision
We envision a future where every parent and caregiver in Orange County has the knowledge and access to ensure their dependents with intellectual developmental disabilities thrive. We aim for a community where services are accessible, seamlessly connected, and that transform lives through collaboration, equity, and inclusion.”
