Who We Are

The Circle of Vietnamese Parents (VTCMV) was founded in 2017 to empower Vietnamese-speaking families of children with disabilities through multilingual and culturally responsive educational resources, advocacy, and emotional support. Led by parents with lived experience raising children with developmental and intellectual disabilities, including autism, our organization has grown into a trusted community that serves families across Massachusetts and beyond. Our comprehensive resources have been utilized by parents nationwide.

Beyond providing support and advocacy, we foster an inclusive environment where children with autism and disabilities feel empowered through our recreational activities. We also celebrate Vietnamese heritage by hosting traditional cultural events, creating meaningful connections for families while honoring our shared traditions.

In addition, we offer culturally relevant training for professionals - including educators, school nurses, special education specialists, and future clinicians - upon request. These training sessions equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to better serve Vietnamese-speaking families and create more inclusive, equitable systems of care and education.

Oanh Bui came to the US in 2006 as a Ford Scholar to pursue advanced education at Brandeis University. In 2008, her daughter Tiny, who has multiple disabilities, joined her, leading Oanh to become a LEND fellow at the Shriver Center, where she learned about the US healthcare system and disability services. As a mother new to the U.S., Oanh searched for a support group for Vietnamese parents but found none. Determined to fill this gap, in 2017, she founded The Circle of Vietnamese Parents to support other parents facing similar challenges. The group has been providing emotional support, education, and advocacy while guiding families through the complexities of the U.S. healthcare and education systems, helping them understand their rights and empowering them to advocate for their loved ones. Oanh is deeply passionate about preserving Vietnamese culture and advocating for culturally responsive practices. She works tirelessly with students, state agencies, and community organizations to support Vietnamese families and other underserved communities. Through these collaborations, she strives to create a more inclusive and equitable future, where every family, regardless of their background, has the resources and support they need to thrive.

Read Oanh's story:  My personal story of a cultural broker