Statewide survey on needs for those with intellectual, developmental disabilities

The Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities opened a statewide, confidential survey through Aug. 3 to learn the needs of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, a news release said.

The survey can be completed online by clicking here and will take about 20 minutes to finish. It is confidential and requires no identifying information to participate.

The survey is available now until Aug. 3, and the responses will inform the council and shape how the State of Hawai‘i meets the needs of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“It is our hope that we reach all individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Hawai‘i,” Daintry Bartoldus, Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities executive director, said in the release. “We want to hear from them, their families and their caregivers about their health, educational and work or employment related needs that are so vital to their quality of life and well-being.”

Those invited to the survey are people diagnosed with and not limited to:

• Autism spectrum disorder
• CHARGE syndrome
• Cerebral palsy
• Epilepsy
• Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
• Fragile X
• A genetic defect
• Down syndrome
• Intellectual disability
• Prader-Willi syndrome
• Spina bifida
• Williams syndrome

The survey should only be filled out once for each individual with an intellectual and/or developmental disability. The survey link may be shared with everyone who is eligible to take it. Family members, support workers, educators, or caregivers, may assist the individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities in filling the survey out.

For more information on the Developmental Disabilities Council’s needs assessment survey or to request a copy of the survey via mail, call (808) 586-8100, or via email HSCDDsurvey@gmail.com.

The Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities empowers, advocates and supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities statewide. The council helps them control their own destiny and determine the quality of life they desire.

Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities envisions that: Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are viewed as equal to all persons and enjoy basic human rights, life, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness, and that they have choices about where they live, work, learn, play, and pursue their spiritual beliefs, are respected and receive the support they need.