Honoring children in China with disabilities and educating the public about disability

Yorba Linda, California, USA.(Huaren One Media) 1st June, 2022. International China Concern (ICC), a nonprofit organization that serves children with disabilities in China, held a press conference in honor of International Children’s Day at the Richard Nixon CLibrary and Museum in Yorba Linda, California. The organization was honoring the children with disabilities in China and bringing awareness to the public about disability. Items being donated for the upcoming fundraiser on June 16th, 2022, were formally presented at the press conference.

Robin E. Dunn

International China Concern (ICC) has been serving children with disabilities in Hunan Province, China for nearly 30 years. ICC’s mission is to bring love, hope and opportunity to every child with a disability in China.

Peter Maize

Today, ICC is moving closer to a comprehensive service delivery model, which will make it possible to serve thousands more children and families over the next 10 years. This model is based on prevention, intervention and integration. Prevention of the stereotypical myths and shame often felt with having a child with a disability. Intervention when necessary to ensure a child has the proper assessment and care, medical treatments, and physical therapies needed to thrive. And integration into society through educational and training programs which often lead to employment opportunities and a better future.

Regis Kwong
(from left)Peter Gao, Li Hua, Chen Ni,and Dr. Lei Xu

A few highlights during the program: Regis Kwong, an advisory board member for PenguinSmart since 2019, shared about the online therapy program PenguinSmart is providing to assist ICC’s work in China. Peter Gao, Li Hua, and Chen Ni of the American Chinese Athletic Association spoke about their partnership with ICC—in helping to build stronger, happier children. In addition, they donated two Olympic / signed sports memorabilia for the upcoming auction at the Stand for Children Gala, June 16.

Dr. Lei Xu

Dr. Lei Xu shared about the Boya Foundation’s passion for assisting young people with excellent education and opportunity.

Robin E. Dunn and Yanyu Zhou(right)
Robin E. Dunn and Yan Zhang(right)

The press conference participants included: Peter Maize, CEO of ICC, Robin E. Dunn, Executive Director of American Friends of ICC, Regis Kwong, Advisory Board Member of PenguinSmart, Peter Gao, Founder and Chairman of the Board of the American Chinese Athletic Association (ACAA), Li Hua, President of ACAA, Chen Ni, General Secretary of ACAA, Yanyu Zhou, renowned artist and President of the Silkroad Huayu Cultural Media Group and Founding President of the Orange County Chinese American Association, Yan Zhang, Li Textile Weaving Artist, Dr. Lei Xu, Executive President of the Boya Foundation, Joey Zhou, TV host and Founder of The Beverly Arts, Dr. Mark Rafter, Founder and CEO of Modern Day Marco Polo Enterprises.

Joey Zhou
Dr. Mark Rafter
Volunteer: Jason Cheung 和 Stephanie Wang

The order of the program was as follows:

10:30 – Registration / Refreshments

10:45 – Welcome & Introductions – Robin E. Dunn, CFRE, American Friends of ICC Executive Director

10:50 – ICC and it’s work (overview) – Peter Maize, International China Concern CEO

• History and Mission

• Current programs and initiatives throughout Hunan

• AFICC’s work – (Include video)

11:00 – PenguinSmart and their work with disability (and ICC partnership) – Why is ICC and PenguinSmart’s work with children and families with disability is so important and relevant – PenguinSmart – Regis Kwong, Advisory Board Member

11:05 – Q & A

11:10 – Yanyu Zhou and Yan Zhang, and their support of the children from a cultural perspective – bringing Chinese culture and art to the US – Yanyu Zhou and Yan Zhang

11:15 – Joey Zhou, and a preview of the upcoming Stand for Children Gala, June 16.

11:23 – Q & A

11:30 – Boya Foundation and ICC partnership – and their work to improve educational opportunities – The Boya Foundation – Dr. Lei Xu, Executive President

11:35 – ACAA and ICC partnership – Athletes and how they are helping children less fortunate…Special Olympics – every child has a bright future and possibilities – ACAA – Chen Ni, Peter Gao and Li Hua

11:45 – Q & A – All – Facilitated by Robin Dunn, Chen Ni & Joey Zhou

12:00 – Thank you & Adjourn

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US NONPROFIT TAX-EXEMPT ID#31-1706836 www.aficc.org

www.facebook.com/AmericanFriendsofICC www.instagram.com/ usachinaconcern

About International China Concern (ICC):

ICC is proud to be one of only 12 remaining foreign NGO’s serving children and families in China. American Friends of International China Concern supports ICC’s mission to bring love, hope, and opportunity to every child with a disability in China.