CELEBRATING AAPI MONTH 2024

May is Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month.
 
Interesting Facts:

• AAPI Month was first celebrated in 1990.
• AAPI is an umbrella term that includes 50 distinct ethnic groups; these groups speak over 100 languages.
• The AAPI community is one of fastest growing populations within the U.S.
• Portland’s AAPI population increased by more than 30% between 2010 and 2020.
• Portland’s AAPI community is incredibly diverse, and includes people with roots in China, Hawaii, India, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Samoa, Tonga, Vietnam, and many regions.

 
The intersection of an Asian identity, and a disabled identity, can often be complicated. 1 in 10 Asian adults in the U.S. (and 1 in 6 Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander adults) experience at least one disability.
 
However, as Austin Tam says, Asian Americans with disabilities often feel that they are “very invisible.” Austin adds, “there is a huge cultural stigma, and taboo... [which] often presents challenges to families because of fear of embarrassment or shame.” Austin shares his story, so that “others in our community do not have to be silent, ashamed, embarrassed, or have to be invisible any longer.”
 
This month, and always, UCP recognizes the resilience, diversity, and beauty of the AAPI community, and reaffirms our commitment to fostering inclusivity, equity, and solidarity across all communities.
 
Happy AAPI Heritage Month from UCP Oregon!
 
PS: Want to learn more about AAPI month, and Austin Tam? Click here: https://www.disabilityrightstn.org/celebrating-asian-american-pacific-islander-aapi-heritage-month/
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