Who We Are
The Hawai‘i State Council on Developmental Disabilities (DD Council or DDC) consists of 28 Governor-appointed members and is dedicated to improving the lives of folks with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The philosophy of membership is that all key stakeholders are represented at the Council table: individuals with I/DD, their family members, advocates, and representatives of state and private agencies who provide services, and other key community interests. The beauty of this composition is that each person brings in their unique skills and experience, allowing for a diversity of perspectives in championing the life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness for all individuals with I/DD.
The DD Council serves as the state's community-focused branch of disability services. It works with the Hawai‘i Disability Rights Center (HDRC), which services as the state’s Protection and Advocacy agency, and the University of Hawai‘i’s Center on Disability Studies (CDS), which serves as the state's research branch.
Vision, Mission, and Implementation
Vision
Individuals with I/DD are equal to all persons and enjoy basic human rights, among the life, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness. They have choices about where they live, work, learn, play, pursue their spiritual beliefs, are respected and receive the supports they need.
Mission
The mission of the Council is to empower, advocate, and support individuals with I/DD statewide to control their own destiny and determine the quality of life they desire.
Implementation Statement
The Council will:
-
Work for self-determination and equal access under the law
-
Advocate for systems change and social justice
-
Provide information, education, and planning
-
Serve as conscience/monitor of the State
-
Promote and model best practices
Intellectual/Developmental Disability (I/DD)
According to Public Law 106-402 – Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 – the term “developmental disability” means a severe, chronic disability of an individual that:
-
Is caused by a mental or physical impairment, or a combination of mental and physical impairments;
-
Appears before the individual attains age 22;
-
Is likely to continue indefinitely;
-
Results in substantial functional limitations in 3 or more of the following areas of major life activity:
-
Self-care.
-
Receptive and expressive language.
-
Learning.
-
Mobility.
-
Self-direction.
-
Capacity for independent living.
-
Economic self-sufficiency; and
-
-
Reflects the individual’s need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or generic services, and assistance for a lifetime.