What's Being Discussed

The State Council on Developmental Disabilities is holding its quarterly meeting on Monday, July 27, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The meeting can be attended in person in Honolulu or joined online via Zoom. Key topics include:

• Welcoming four new Council members
• Reviewing the proposed Five-Year State Plan for 2027–2031, which guides disability services statewide
• Updates on recent state legislation affecting people with disabilities, including:
  • Expanding Smart911 emergency access for people with disabilities
  • Creating a permanent emergency management coordinator for people with functional needs
  • Requiring adult changing tables in airports and major public facilities
  • A Medicaid Buy-In Program to help working adults with disabilities keep their health coverage
  • Ensuring people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can live in Community Care Foster Family Homes
• Progress reports on current state plan activities covering housing, transportation, employment, health, children and youth, and self-advocacy
• Agency updates from organizations including the Department of Health, Department of Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and Hawaii Disability Rights Center

Decisions Expected

• Approval of the April 27, 2026 meeting minutes
• Election of Council officers — Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Secretary — for the coming year
• Possible action on the proposed 2027–2031 Five-Year State Plan

Who Should Pay Attention

• People with developmental or intellectual disabilities and their families
• Caregivers, advocates, and support workers
• Anyone interested in disability rights, Medicaid, housing, or emergency preparedness in Hawaii

Public testimony is welcome. Submit written comments at least 24 hours in advance to hiscdd@doh.hawaii.gov or by mail to 1010 Richards Street, Suite 122, Honolulu, HI 96813.