State Council on Developmental Disabilities Day at the Capitol Event Celebrates the Abilities of People with Developmental Disabilities March 12, 2015
Posted on Apr 16, 2015 in Ola Lokahi
Nearly 550 individuals with developmental disabilities and their families from across the state recently gathered together at the Hawaii State Capitol to celebrate their abilities and to meet with their legislators. It was part of the annual Day at the Capitol event, coordinated by the State Council on Developmental Disabilities in partnership with the Hilopa`a Family to Family Health Information Center and Hawaii Waiver Providers Association.
The event coincided with National Disabilities Awareness Month whose theme for this year is: “Don’t DIS an ability, look at what we can do!”
One of the highlights of the day was a proclamation from the Governor’s office, recognizing the abilities, skills and talents of individuals with developmental disabilities, while pointing out the concerns of those with developmental disabilities.
According to Waynette K.Y. Cabral, MSW, Executive Administrator of the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, which included nearly 70 from Hawaii Island, Kauai, Maui and Lanai, were introduced and recognized during the House and Senate Floor sessions and toured the State Capitol.
They also had opportunities to share about their challenges regarding education, employment, housing, transportation, and funding for the developmental disabilities waiver with their respective legislators.