Hawai'i State Council on Developmental Disabilities

The DD Council promotes self-determination for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families by contributing to a coordinated and comprehensive service system that is person-centered and family-directed. Learn more – view the DD Council Fact Sheet!

DD Council Hawaii License plate with a rainbow

Support for our Maui Communities​

The DD Council extends our support and efforts to the people of Maui who have endured the wildfires and their impacts. 

Disability Hui

We will be having a Zoom meeting with FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and American Red Cross representatives every Tuesday from 8:30 am to 9:30 am (HST) to discuss the needs of our disability community on Maui affected by the wildfires, to provide information on what supports are available, and to provide updates. We will have an ASL interpreter and closed captioning. If you need any other accommodations, please reach out to Daintry Bartoldus at daintry.bartoldus@doh.hawaii.gov. For more information about the Disability Hui, please contact Che Silvert at che.silvert@doh.hawaii.gov. 

Tuesdays at 8:30 am to 9:30 am (HST)
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8085868166
Meeting ID: 808 586 8166
Passcode: DDC

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On August 21, 2023, the American Red Cross provided the Disability Integration External Partners Report (PDF). This report provides information to external American Red Cross partners regarding Disability Integration efforts during the Hawaii Wildfires Disaster Relief Operation.

Resources

Access translated FEMA Resources including the following flyers: Disaster Assistance Registration, How to Write an Appeal, and Helping Children Cope. View the Maui County website for the latest information and Maui Nui Strong – Aging and Disability. the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Center on Disability Studies (CDS) Message of Support for Maui and Resources webpage and the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health – Developmental Disabilities Division Maui Wildfire Resources webpage for resources. Check back often as these are regularly updated. 

About the Hawai'i DD Council

The Council, appointed by the Governor, is a group of individuals dedicated to improving the lives of Hawai‘i’s citizens with developmental disabilities. The philosophy of membership is that all key stakeholders are represented at the Council table: individuals with developmental disabilities; their family members, advocates; representatives of state and private agencies who provide services; representatives of the Hawai‘i Disability Rights Center (HDRC), the state’s Protection and Advocacy agency; University of Hawai‘i’s Center on Disability Studies (CDS) and other key community interests. The beauty of this composition is in the skills and experience that each brings to the table and shares with other Council members. 

News Releases

Discovering A World of Possibilities: The 24th Annual Day at the Capitol with the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Alzheimer’s Association

The Hawai‘i State Council on Developmental Disabilities, a prominent advocacy group for individuals with developmental disabilities, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, is proud to announce its Annual Hawai‘i Advocacy Day to take place on Thursday, March 7, 2024 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Hawai‘i State Capitol. Themed “A World of Possibilities,” this unique gathering is dedicated to fostering inclusivity, belonging, empowering voices, and promoting awareness about the rights and need of individuals with developmental disabilities, and Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Those with an intellectual and/or developmental disability, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, advocates, family and friends are invited to attend.

This day serves as a cornerstone in the mission to create an avenue for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias to engage directly in the legislative process. Attendees will actively participate in meetings with lawmakers, observe legislative sessions and contribute to discussions on policies that impact their lives.

Promoting the ABLE in Capable: 100 ABLE Accounts Established in Hawaiʻi

The 100-account mark is only the beginning, as the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, with support from the State Department of Budget and Finance (B&F), strives to increase the number of ABLE accounts.

The Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities, a disability service and support organization, and B&F revel in the confirmation of 100 ABLE accounts as of August 2023. Simply said, 100 ABLE accounts equate to 100 individuals with disabilities who can save money without fear of losing state or federal benefits.

Hawaiʻi is One of 12 States Chosen to Expand Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

The U.S. Department of Labor announced Hawai’i as one of 12 states that will participate in its National Expansion of Employment Opportunities Network (NEON) initiative. The initiative is to commence during the 2024 federal fiscal year and enables Hawai’i government agencies to receive consultation, capacity-building support and ongoing mentoring to increase competitive employment for people with disabilities.

“We are one of 12 states offered the opportunity to make workplace equity a reality rather than it remaining a great idea,” said Daintry Bartoldus, the Executive Administrator of the Hawai’i State Council on Developmental Disabilities. “The council has already congregated a plethora of interagency groups both public and private striving to accomplish this goal. The NEON grant will surely accelerate our efforts”.

View Current DD Council Members