Self-Advocacy Advisory Council (SAAC)
The Self-Advocacy Advisory Council (SAAC) helps folks with I/DD find and create a supportive network that helps them live the life they want through leadership, education, and full participation in the community.
Each neighbor island has its own SAAC chapter. Every chapter comes together in the Statewide SAAC meetings to collaborate and share updates and resources.
For all islands
Purpose
-
Maintaining over 200 members statewide and providing funds and staff resources to support itself.
-
Continuing to hold monthly meetings and train-the-trainer events; “All about My Empowerment”.
-
Supporting self-advocates to join community groups and boards, promoting “Nothing About Me Without Me.”
-
Supporting the self-advocates to be self-employed through Feeling Safe Being Safe trainings, and teaching public and private agencies, offices, and schools on the importance of emergency preparedness.
-
Collaborating with the Developmental Disabilities Network Partners to provide leadership training, education, skill building, and assistance in helping self-advocates to develop partnerships with other organizations and advocacy groups that represent a range of diverse cultures and disabilities.
Areas of emphasis
-
Quality assurance
-
Education and early intervention
-
Health
-
Employment
-
Transportation
-
Recreation
-
Formal and informal employment
Activities
-
Outreach
-
Training
-
Supporting and education communities
-
Interagency collaboration and coordination
-
Coordination with related councils
-
Committees and programs
-
Informing policymakers
Meeting Schedule
Statewide
Time
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Location (in-person option)
Princess Victoria Kamamalu Building, Room 122, 1010 Richards Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Zoom (virtual option)
Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88107420077
Meeting ID: 881 0742 0077
Passcode: dd4nhH
Dates
-
July 16, 2026
-
October 15, 2026
East Hawai'i
Time
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location
Easter Seals, 16-204 Melekahiwa Pl, Suite 3, Keeau, HI 96749
Dates
-
July 15, 2026
-
August 19, 2026
-
September 16, 2026
-
October 3, 2026
-
Legislative Forum
-
-
November 18, 2026
-
December 16, 2026
West Hawai'i
Time
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location
West Hawaii Civic Center, Meeting Room B, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Dates
-
July 13, 2026
-
State Legislative Forum and Kupuna Resource Fair
-
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
-
Imin Center, 76-5877 Old Government Rd, Holualoa, HI 96725
-
-
August 13, 2026
-
September 10, 2026
-
November 12, 2026
-
December 10, 2026
Maui
Time
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Location (in-person option)
Changes every month. Contact Savannah Peskin at savannah.peskin@doh.hawaii.gov for more information.
Zoom (virtual option)
Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81245517528
Meeting ID: 812 4551 7528
Dates
-
July 21, 2026
-
August 18, 2026
-
September 15, 2026
-
October 20, 2026
-
November 17, 2026
-
December 15, 2026
