Disabilities forum chance to tell, talk stories with those in power

The increasing size of the aging boomer population and the Americans with Disabilities Act have impacted overall awareness of disability issues. The 13th annual Legislative Forum of the Maui Disability Alliance was held on Oct. 22, and more than 130 people attended the potluck event at the Wailuku Community Center.

The Maui Disability Alliance was formed to increase awareness of and to give voice to a broad range of issues facing individuals with disabilities. For each annual forum, a working group develops position papers and secures speakers with firsthand experience of the issues.

Over the years, the issues included employment, transportation, education, family support, medical, dental, homelessness, mental health and housing. Parents, service providers, people with disabilities and other members of the public attend the event.

The forum is a prime opportunity for those with disabilities to meet their legislators and discuss their concerns. This being an election year, candidates for office also attended.

A diverse group of 19 co-sponsors includes Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Mental Health America, state Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, The ARC of Maui, Hawaii Families as Allies, Easter Seals Hawaii, Maui Kokua Services, Challenge Maui, Maui Family Guidance Center, Community Children's Council of Maui and Hana, Autism Bridges Maui, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, Hale O Lanakila Clubhouse, Lokelani Ohana, Aging With Aloha Coalition, Self-Determination Group-Spinal Cord Injury Support Group, state Workforce Development Division, Mental Health Kokua and Nurse Finders.

Representatives of more than two dozen agencies had informational tables.

John Tomoso was the emcee for the event.

This year's presenters included a 16-year-old with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder who asked the schools, teachers and school personnel to help kids who get bullied by classmates at school. She had been harassed for eight months, herself, but has been able to get back into school. She thanked her parents, care coordinator from the Maui Family Guidance Center, and a Hawaii Families as Allies Maui parent partner for providing the help she needed so the bullying would stop.

Other speakers addressed issues such as mental health support through the Hale O Lanakila Clubhouse and the Maui Assertive Community, or ACT, treatment program that has saved lives but was shut down due to budget cuts.

Some discussed housing topics, such as Section 8; foster care and domiciliary home; the request for funding and support for mental health from a teenage girl; transportation issues and a call for expanded bus services; better support for veterans; long-term care services; and the need to reform the state workers' compensation laws.

After panelists gave their presentations, each candidate or elected official had a three-minute response period.

Rep. Angus McKelvey acknowledged the forum is the most important meeting for the public concerning disability rights. Legislative candidate George Fontaine spoke out for the homeless. Council Member Jo Anne Johnson spoke passionately about her role as the main care provider for her husband, who is disabled. Sen. Roz Baker shared the successes of legislative action, citing 11 bills passed this session supporting people with disabilities. Rep. Joe Bertram stated that how we take care of people with disabilities is really how we take care of all our community; they are one in the same.

Other candidates and legislators who attended and shared their support were Council Member Gladys Baisa, John Blumer-Buell, Lucienne de Naie, Netra Halperin, Michael Howden, Henry Kahula, Sol Ko'ohalahala, Ramon Madden, Council Member Mike Molina, Kai Nishiki, John Ornellas, Council Member Joe Pontanilla, Jan Shields, Leah Belmonte for Sen. Shan Tsutsui, Rep. Kyle Yamashita, and Dr. Alfred Arensdorf representing Mayor Charmaine Tavares.

In addition to the co-sponsors, the Haleakala Lions Club helped with timekeeping for the panelists and setup for the event. Three students from Maui High School's Health Occupations Students of America program volunteered their afternoon to assist with the event.

For more than a decade, the Maui Disability Alliance has committed to continuing this annual community event. Although there has been much progress in community awareness, there is much left to do. For more information about the Maui Disability Alliance or to participate, contact Mary Matsukawa at 984-8218.

Mary Matsukawa is a program specialist for the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Department of Health. "Na Moku Ola" means "The Islands of Life," with special focus on Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe and the ideals of health and vigor we pursue.