David Y. Ige

HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i State Council on Developmental Disabilities will convene its 16^TH annual “Day at the Capitol” event on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the State Capitol Auditorium. More than 400 self-advocates, family members, friends, service providers, and other advocates have registered for the event.

Participants will receive a briefing from the Council and have the opportunity to participate in the legislative process by discussing developmental disabilities-related issues, concerns, and measures with legislators from their home districts. Participants will also be recognized during the House and Senate floor sessions, take a tour of the State Capitol including a visit to the Public Access Room, and network with others.

The event will highlight March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in Hawai‘i and a governor’s proclamation will be presented. This year’s theme, “Side by Side,” encourages people to understand that individuals with and without developmental disabilities should participate together within their local neighborhoods, workplaces, houses of worship, schools, and other areas. When we look past the disability and recognize our similarities, everyone benefits and brings awareness of the barriers that people with developmental disabilities face in connecting to community life.

This year’s “Day at the Capitol” is a collaborative venture coordinated by the Hawai‘i State Council on Developmental Disabilities in partnership with the Hilopa‘a Family to Family Health Information Center, Hawai’i Self-Advocacy Advisory Council, and the Hawai’i Waiver Providers Association.

The Hawai‘i State Council on Developmental Disabilities was established in state law by Act 198, Session Laws of Hawaii, 1975. The Council is comprised of individuals appointed by the governor. Sixty percent of the Council is made up of persons with developmental disabilities and family members of persons with developmental disabilities. The remaining members represent state and private agencies, and the community at-large. The Council engages in advocacy, capacity building and activities that contribute to a coordinated, consumer- and family-centered, consumer- and family-directed, comprehensive system of services and supports that promotes self-determination for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

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Media Contact:
Waynette Cabral, Executive Administrator
(808) 586-8100
[email protected]