HONOLULU, HI – Governor Josh Green, M.D. will declare March “Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities Awareness Month” in Hawai‘i, during the 23^rd annual “Day at the Capitol” on March 2, 2023, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. This year’s event theme is, “Friendship and Leadership, Forever.”

The State Council on Developmental Disabilities, in partnership with many organizations, individuals with disabilities and their family members, will participate in this annual event. More than 350 attendees from throughout the state are expected to attend, with the goal of building awareness and sharing the strengths of people with a developmental or intellectual disability with our community.

“Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities Awareness Month” in Hawai‘i is part of a national campaign to raise broad-based public awareness about how we all have a role in fully including people with disabilities in the community. The Hawai‘i event is sponsored by Hawai‘i State Council on Developmental Disabilities, with support from the Department of Health Developmental Disabilities Division, which together work to ensure a full life for people with a developmental or intellectual disability.

“This year’s theme encourages people to understand that by building relationships and supporting one another, we become friends and build new leadership. We all deserve to be respected; we all are equal. When we start recognizing our similarities, everyone benefits,” said Daintry Bartoldus, executive administrator of the Hawai‘i State Council on Developmental Disabilities. “We encourage people to include individuals in Hawai‘i who have developmental disabilities wherever and whenever we can, and to recognize when everyone is involved, it makes Hawai‘i better,” said Mary Brogan, Developmental Disabilities Division Administrator for the state Department of Health.

Participants may sign up for this event through Eventbrite until Friday, Feb 27. at this link:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-day-at-the-capitol-tickets-518333227637

After Feb. 27, please RSVP via email: [email protected]

In addition to the governor’s proclamation, state lawmakers will recognize participants during House and Senate floor sessions. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss developmental disabilities-related issues and concerns with state legislators from their home districts, attend public hearings, take a virtual tour of the State Capitol, give testimony at a mock hearing, learn the legislative process through the Public Access Room and network with fellow attendees.

An estimated 23,000 people in Hawai‘i live with a developmental or intellectual disability. The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act defines a developmental disability as a severe, chronic mental or physical impairment that restricts the ability to function and requires support services. Just a few examples include Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and autism.

The annual “Day at the Capitol” is a collaborative venture coordinated by the Hawai‘i State Council on Developmental Disabilities in partnership with the Department of Health Developmental Disabilities Division, the University of Hawai‘i Center on Disability Studies, Hawai‘i Disability Rights Center, Hawai‘i Self Advocacy Advisory Council, Disability and Communication Access Board, Special Parent and Information Network, Office of Language Access, the Hilopa‘a Family to Family Health Information Center, Maternal and Child Health Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Program, Department of Human Services Med-Quest Division, Office of Elections, Department of Education Community Children’s Council, and Hawai‘i State Department of Education Monitoring and Compliance Branch.

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