THIS MONTH IN THE KOREAN ADOPTEE COMMUNITY -Apr 2025
By Jon Oaks
Black and white photo of Mia Mingus - a Korean woman smiling with long hair and glasses, sitting on a wooden chair with plants and trees all around her. Photo by EPLi
Raising Disability Awareness: Support, Visibility, and Community for Korean Adoptees
This month, we take time to honor the resilience, strength, and contributions of individuals living with disabilities. For Korean adoptees with disabilities, this observance also offers a powerful opportunity for visibility and affirmation in a world that often overlooks both adoptee experiences and disability narratives.
Words of Support for Korean Adoptees with Disabilities
To Korean adoptees living with disabilities: You are seen, valued, and your experiences matter. Navigating adoption and identity is already complex—and adding the challenges of physical, cognitive, sensory, or mental health disabilities can make the journey feel even more isolating. Know that your story is important, and your voice deserves space. Whether you're just beginning to explore your identity or have been advocating for years, your presence strengthens our community.
This is a reminder that disability is not a limitation on worth—it is a part of human diversity. Your needs, your advocacy, your ways of being—all are valid. We celebrate your achievements, your courage, and your presence in this world.
Support for Adoptees Supporting Others
To adoptees who are caregivers, friends, or supporters of someone with a disability: Your role matters deeply. Whether you're navigating accessibility with a friend, advocating for accommodations for a family member, or simply being present—your care and commitment reflect a powerful form of love. It can be overwhelming at times, and it’s okay to seek support for yourself, too. You are not alone.
Korean Adoptees with Disabilities Who Inspire
Adam Crapser
A Korean adoptee and advocate for adoptee rights, Adam Crapser has spoken out about the trauma of adoption and deportation. He lives with PTSD and has raised awareness about the mental health challenges faced by adoptees, especially those affected by abuse and systemic neglect.
LISTEN TO AN EPISODE OF ADAM CRAPSER’S PODCAST
Kam Redlawsk
Kam is an award-winning industrial designer, artist, author, and advocate. Born in South Korea and raised in Michigan, she lives with an ultra-rare muscle-wasting condition. Kam uses her creative talents to promote disability awareness and inclusion.
Mia Mingus
Mia is a writer, educator, and community organizer focusing on disability justice. A queer, physically disabled Korean transracial and transnational adoptee, she has been instrumental in advocating for transformative justice and co-founded the Bay Area Transformative Justice Collective.
These individuals show that strength takes many forms—and that living with a disability is not a barrier to leadership, creativity, or joy.
Upcoming Retreat Opportunity: A Space to Recharge
If you're looking for a way to relax, reflect, and connect, consider attending the Empowered Adoptee Retreat this summer.
Summer 2025 Empowered Adoptee Retreat
June 26–29, 2025
Mount Shasta, California
This retreat offers a healing space for adult adoptees to rest and reconnect—with nature, with community, and with themselves. The schedule is intentionally gentle, with time for journaling, yoga, guided reflection, and rest. For adoptees with disabilities, this kind of calm, supportive setting may be especially meaningful.
https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/retreats/summer-2025
A Time to Reflect and Affirm
This month, let’s reflect on how we can make our communities more inclusive and affirming. For Korean adoptees, that means creating spaces where every identity is honored—including disability. Whether you’re living with a disability, supporting someone who is, or simply learning more, your presence matters.
Let this month be a time to center compassion, accessibility, and connection—and to uplift one another in community.
