Maui Legislators Welcome Council on Developmental Disabilities

Maui County Senate team, along with other legislators, welcomed the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities to the State Capitol. Photo Courtesy: The Office of Senator J. Kalani English.

By Maui Now Staff

Members of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities met with Maui lawmakers on Thursday, during its 13th annual Day at the Capitol.

Hosted by Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui, the meeting gave caregivers and providers the opportunity to discuss budget items and bills relating to developmental disabilities within their community.

“Individuals with developmental disabilities have talents and abilities and it’s important that we recognize that they contribute to the community, too,” said Senator Roz Baker of West Maui.

Fellow Senator J. Kalani English of East Maui said, “I know that the services that we provide are important and it was good to hear them express their thoughts and concerns on these issues.

Meanwhile, Senator Gil Keith Agaran of Central Maui said, “It was encouraging to hear how important the measures were to them and how it would impact their lives.”

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in Hawaii and is part of a nationwide campaign to raise public awareness and build understanding.

The 2013 national theme, “Look Beyond,” encourages people to get acquainted with someone who has a developmental disability, look beyond the person’s disability, and recognize that all individuals have talents and abilities to contribute.