Ltecareplus, a nonprofit organization founded by Lucy Taylor, a Chinese American, is dedicated to providing educational services for children with special needs. In her journey into this field, Lucy discovered a significant gap in resources for Chinese immigrant families in New York City, particularly due to language barriers and a reluctance to acknowledge their children’s unique needs. This revelation redirected her career path from international trade to founding Ltecareplus last year, driven by a mission to support and address the needs of the Chinese community.
Lucy explained that the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is responsible for enhancing the quality of life for children with disabilities, aiming to help them lead fulfilling lives. This has given rise to a new profession known as “Broker” for children with disabilities. Brokers are affiliated with a financial center and guide parents in managing funds allocated by the state, teaching them how to optimally utilize resources for their children. Before establishing her nonprofit, Lucy obtained certification in this area.
Her entry into the special needs sector was serendipitous. Lucy noticed that many Chinese families required these services but often struggled to access them. She stressed that the issue is not necessarily one of unfair resource allocation; rather, cultural beliefs and language challenges often prevent newly immigrated families from availing themselves of available support, hindering their children’s access to timely interventions during crucial developmental years.
Founded in 2023, Ltecareplus aims primarily to assist Chinese families. By March of this year, the organization had commenced its services and currently employs around 60 staff members, handling over 200 cases. While most of these cases involve Chinese families, approximately 50 are from White and Hispanic backgrounds. To ensure comprehensive service, the staff is required to be bilingual, proficient in English, Chinese, or Spanish.
Currently, the center offers services that include early intervention for children ages zero to three, as well as behavioral guidelines for children with autism—covering conditions like Asperger syndrome, Down syndrome, and intellectual disabilities. When doctors determine that a child requires special services, they are referred to Ltecareplus, which acts almost as a parent, coordinating resources, conducting assessments, and facilitating communication between Chinese parents and service providers.
Lucy also highlighted challenges faced by some Chinese parents who struggle to confront their children’s realities or misunderstand American cultural perspectives. Many fear that labeling their children as “special needs” might lead to discrimination in education and employment. Educating these families about American disability policies and changing their mindsets is crucial. “Using professional knowledge to clarify their concerns is part of our job. Often, parents simply don’t understand, and once we explain things, many are more accepting,” Lucy noted.
Discussing the importance of early intervention, Lucy used autism as a focal point. While children with autism may demonstrate differences compared to typical children, they possess untapped potential. Some exhibit exceptional artistic abilities, qualifying as ‘genius’ level. “With the right guidance from qualified instructors, these children can truly transform their lives,” she emphasized.
Lucy shared a poignant example from her work: a 16-year-old boy with autism who did not speak to anyone, showed no eye contact, and had never been exposed to special education. His mother had little hope for change, believing her son was too old for effective intervention, but after some persuasion, they decided to give it a try.
After only one or two months of one-on-one sessions with an instructor, significant progress emerged. The boy developed a trusting relationship with his teacher, began to anticipate their sessions, and even learned basic cooking skills and how to use a debit card at the grocery store. “In that moment, we were deeply moved, realizing that no matter the effort, it was all worth it,” Lucy reflected.
