Thi Duyen Lam was confused when doctors tried to explain to that she had given birth to a daughter with Down syndrome.
Mrs Lam and her husband, originally from Vietnam, saw that baby Thao Lam Ngoc Phan had 10 fingers and 10 toes and she looked beautiful and healthy.
The language barrier, coupled with the struggle to cope with a baby who wasn't developing as others were, lead Mrs Lam and her husband Van Dang Phan to establish a support group.
The Vietnamese Parents with Disabled Children support group began nine years ago to help Vietnamese families understand their children's disabilities.
"In the Asian culture we have a lot of pride, so families wouldn't want to admit there was something wrong with their child," Mrs Lam said.
Mr Phan said parents should not hide their children if they have a disability. "We know there are a lot of other Vietnamese families out there who have a child with a disability and they hide their child," he said. "There's nothing to be afraid of. There are people here to help and support you. They should start speaking up for themselves."
The group, comprising parents of children with autism, Asperger's syndrome, Down syndrome and brain damage, meets monthly at Bonnyrigg Community Service Centre.
For those who cannot attend meetings, the group has a range of books in Vietnamese detailing family experiences. The books are available at Fairfield library.
Meanwhile, Mrs Lam and Mr Phan's daughter, Thao, now 28, is enjoying independence.
She works at a child-care centre during the week and catches buses to and from work on her own.
The support group will launch a book on cerebral palsy at the Canley Heights RSL Club on Friday, May16, from 10am to noon.
Details: chamevoiconkhuy ettat.org.au or 9823 6041.