LIHUE — July 25 marks the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA. The Council on Developmental Disabilities invites the community to join them, along with other government officials, at a sign-waving rally on Rice Street, fronting the historic County Building.
Starting from 9:30 a.m. to accommodate the participation of the Westside Easter Seals clients, the rally celebrating the landmark federal civil rights legislation that prohibits discrimination based on disability and ensures access to employment, education, transportation, and community life will continue until 11:30 a.m.
“The ADA opened the doors to access — but real progress happens when laws meet action,” said Daintry Bartoldus, the Executive Administrator of the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities. “We work every day to make sure the spirit of the ADA lives on — not just in policy, but in real change: jobs with dignity, choices without barriers, and communities that include everyone.”
The Kauai group, led by The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disability, known as the DD Council, joins the nation in honoring this milestone and reaffirming its commitment to removing barriers, advancing inclusion, and protecting the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The DD Council is a federally mandated, governor-appointed group charged with identifying needs, coordinating services, and advocating for policies that improve quality of life for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities statewide. Its mission is rooted in the ADA’s vision of full participation and equality for all.
In partnership with state leaders, self-advocates, and families, the DD Council has helped lead significant disability policy advancement, including:
• Ending Subminimum Wages — Hawaii was the seventh state to eliminate the use of Section 14(c) waivers, which had allowed people with disabilities to be paid below minimum wage. This advancement affirms equal pay for equal work and sets a national standard.
• Kal’s Law, or Act 155, SLH 2019 — This law created a state earned income disregard program. It enables workers with disabilities to earn a living wage without losing Medicaid, promoting economic independence and. reducing reliance on government support.
• Siler Alert Expansion — The DD Council successfully advocated for legislation to include individuals with developmental disabilities in Hawaii’s Silver Alert system, ensuring they receive the same protection as older adults when they are missing or at risk.
• Supported Decision-Making, or SDM Legislation — The DD Council led the passage of laws recognizing Supported Decision-Making Agreements as a legal alternative to guardianship in Hawaii. This gives individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities the right to make their own decisions with support, rather than having decisions made on their behalf.
• ABLE Program — The DD Council continues to educate communities about the Hawaii ABLE Savings Program. This financial tool allows individuals with disabilities to save for the future, invest in their independence, and live with greater dignity without jeopardizing access to Medicaid, SSI, and other essential benefits.
The DD Council said that as we celebrate 35 years of the ADA, it renews its commitment to a Hawaii where individuals with disabilities are not only included but also empowered.
Source: The Garden Island
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