On October 9, 1993 a group of parents of children with disabilities met to see if there existed sufficient interest to form an organization. The principle desires of the group were to offer assistance and support between families and to improve the children’s quality of life. On July 27, 1994 the Asociación de Padres de Niños Mentalmente Inhabilitados, A.C. was legally constituted. In 1999 a private special education school, “La Gaviota”, was registered with the Department of Education under the association’s patronage.

The Asociación de Padres de Niños Mentalmente Inhabilitados, A.C. (APNMI) provides medical and dental care, education, social services, adapted equipment, emotional support, job training, and employment to persons with physical and mental challenges and their families. These services are provided through the donation of services, equipment, supplies, and contributions. The association has a salaried staff of four teachers, a school director and a secretary; all other personnel, including the administration, are volunteers. The association is housed in a facility donated in 1998 through a contribution from the United Fund. It is located in Nuevo Casas Grandes, Chihuahua.

The association’s principle goal is to help any child with special challenges reach his maximum potential and enrich his life in any way possible. In order to reach this goal, APNMI has eight areas of focus.