THE CENTER ON DISABILITY STUDIES

Background
The Center on Disability Studies (CDS) was established in 1988 as the Hawaii University Affiliated Program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and is part of a National Network of University Centers for Excellence in Disabilities focused upon Education, Research, and Services. CDS addresses individual needs from birth to old age, a variety of service issues from prevention to early intervention to supported employment, and a broad range of disabilities by providing interdisciplinary training, exemplary services, technical assistance, and information dissemination, thereby supporting persons with disabilities to live as independently as possible and to participate in their communities.

Mission
The mission of the CDS is to support the quality of life, community inclusion, and self-determination of all persons with disabilities and their families. This is accomplished through training, service, research, demonstration, evaluation, and dissemination activities in Hawaii, the Pacific Region, and the U.S. mainland. The CDS provides a structure and process to support and maintain internal professional development, collegiality, and cooperation, reflecting an organizational commitment to excellence. The CDS activities reflect a commitment to best practice and interdisciplinary cooperation within an academic, community, and family context. Activities are culturally sensitive and demonstrate honor and respect for individual differences in behavior, attitudes, beliefs, and interpersonal styles.

For more information please contact:

Center on Disability Studies
Hawai'i University Affiliated Program
1776 University Ave. UA 4-6
University of Hawai'i at Manoa
Honolulu, HI 96822
phone: 808.956.5011
fax: 808.956.7878
www.cds.hawaii.edu

Administration
The CDS Core Administration consists of the Leadership Team and Faculty Senate. The Core Administration provides leadership for programmatic planning, operation, and development of CDS activities. Through ongoing faculty and staff meetings, training sessions, retreats, and one-on-one personal and technical assistance, the Core Administration strives to maintain internal professional development and well-being in the CDS. Additionally, the Core Administration makes every effort to develop and maintain sound working relations with the local community, the Pacific Region, and national audiences. These ongoing efforts are directed through the Community Advisory Council and the University Coordinating Council, as well as through day-to-day interactions within the university, state departments, private organizations, families, persons with disabilities, and individuals who address the needs of persons with disabilities.

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Background
The Department of Education is committed to providing a comprehensive array of supports ranging from classroom modifications to intensive individual programming with a focus on prevention and early intervention. Students' needs will determine the appropriate services. The DOE is expanding relationships among the school-community as well as other public and private agencies. Schools welcome and invite partnerships with parents, senior citizens, businesses, and military (both active and veteran) to become resources and supports for our students.

Mission
The mission of the DOE is to provide students with comprehensive, coordinated, integrated, and customized supports that are accessible, timely, and strength-based so they can achieve in school, be confident and caring, and become contributing citizens in their communities. The DOE involves families and the community as integral partners in the implementation of the Comprehensive Student Support System (CSSS) and strives to integrate the human and financial resources of appropriate public and private agencies to create caring communities at each of our schools.

For more information please contact:

Honolulu (808) 733-4950 Hawaii (808) 974-6600
Central (808) 627-7478 Maui (808) 984-8000
Leeward (808) 692-8000 Kauai (808) 274-3503
Windward (808) 233-5700
doe.k12.hi.us

HAWAII FAMILIES AS ALLIES

Background
Hawaii Families as Allies (HFAA) is a 501(C) (3) statewide parent-controlled family network organization, recognized in Hawaii and nationally as a voice on behalf of families of children and adolescents with emotional and/or behavioral challenges, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, and Autism. HFAA is the Hawaii state chapter of the Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health, a national organization that has been at the forefront in effectively advocating for service system change so that families are valued and treated as true partners.

Mission
The Mission of HFAA is to support families whose children have emotional and/or behavioral challenges through education, technical assistance and advocacy. Adolescents who have emotional and/or behavioral challenges can include those with Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) or Autism.

Program Goals and Objectives
Provide essential training and support for family members to function as full and equal partners in the planning, delivery and evaluation of services for their children.
Foster meaningful family involvement, where families have voice, ownership and options on every level in the identification, design, delivery and evaluation of services that are community based, culturally competent, accessible and responsive to the values, needs and functioning of children with serious emotional disorders and their families.
Strengthen the capacity of families, educators, service providers and other stakeholders to collaborate, persevere and improve outcomes for children and youth with serious emotional disorders.

Administration
HFAA is lead by Co-Executive Directors, Vicky Followell and Sharon Nobriga. Staff are located in communities across the state of Hawaii. There are 17 Parent Partners,1 Training/Outreach Coordinator, and 2 support staff.

Parent Partners
Parent Partners work closely with their local Family Guidance Center, Community Children’s Council, schools and other organizations to develop and implement activities that meet local needs and priorities. They are at the forefront in developing collaborative relationships with families and other stakeholders. Parent Partners provide families with technical assistance and support. Parent Partners develop support groups within their communities and do outreach to families and community organizations. They also provide families with resource information and disseminate information to the wider community. They conduct informational workshops covering topics.

Family Resource Specialists
ThThe Family Resource Specialists are part of Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST) Continuum of Care Research Project. They work closely with families receiving MST services to identify local resource and support families through crisis.

Training/Outreach Coordination
Our statewide Training/Outreach Coordinator works on state level initiatives and participates on various task forces, committees, councils and projects, The Training/Outreach Coordinator facilitates parent support groups, provides training, and participates in and assists in organizing statewide conferences and other community outreach activities that promote the mission and objectives of HFAA.

For more information please contact:

(808) 487-8785
HFAllies@aol.com
Vicky Followell and Sharon Nobriga
Co-Executive Directors

LEARNING DISABILITIES ASSOCIATION OF HAWAII

Background
The Learning Disabilities Association of Hawaii is a nonprofit agency founded in 1968 by parents of children with learning disabilities. LDAH conducts disability awareness presentations in the community, co-sponsors the statewide Learning Disability Conference, and works with other parent and disability organizations in educational activities that address systemic issues. LDAH is also involved in policy making, advisory groups, and legislative advocacy. Special involvement in the community is achieved through the Parent Support Project and Project AWARE.

Mission
The mission of LDAH is to serve the needs of the learning disabled community and their families through education, training, and advocacy. They strive to remove barriers, promote increased opportunities and equal access to education and employment, and ensure appropriate programs and services.

For more information please contact:

Learning Disabilities Association of Hawaii
200 N. Vineyard Blvd. Suite 310
Honolulu, HI. 96817
(808) 536-9684
(800) 533-9684 Neighbor Island
http://www.ldahawaii.org/