What's Being Discussed
The Health & Children & Youth Committee of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) is meeting on July 15, 2026, from 10:30–11:30 a.m. Topics include:

Medicaid waiver and medical respite updates from committee co-chair Alana Souza
An update on the Bridging Aging Grant and its caregiver awareness campaign
Island updates from Kauai (including a Transition Fair on October 21), Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii Island
Progress on 2026 Work Plan Goals, including:

Reviewing the Medicaid guide to simplify access to caregiver supports
Sharing completed infographics and resource guides on mental health and intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD), including topics like Autism and ADHD
A proposed SMART 911 pilot program to give first responders advance information about people with I/DD
Ongoing work to provide education on what health plans cover for mental health services

Early Intervention concerns and agency updates
Review of the new 2026–2031 DD Council State Plan
An upcoming Aging in Place Event on August 1, 2026 at Ala Moana Conference Center

Decisions Expected

Approval of minutes from the May 20, 2026 meeting
Possible vote on a new meeting date or time
Discussion of a resolution to launch a 5-year SMART 911 pilot project

Who Should Pay Attention

People with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their families
Caregivers seeking support resources or Medicaid information
Anyone interested in mental health services, early intervention, or disability policy in Hawaii

Public testimony is welcome in person, by email at hiscdd@doh.hawaii.gov, or by mail. Written testimony is preferred at least 24 hours before the meeting.