Director’s Corner
Dr. Meghan Miller
Director, Center on Disability Studies
As we begin a new academic year, I am grateful for the many ways our CDS community continues to advance inclusion, connection, and well-being across Hawai’i and beyond. This issue of our newsletter highlights just a few examples of that work—from expanding awareness and access to ABLE accounts, to creating opportunities for adults with disabilities to connect and support one another through peer-to-peer circles, to supporting communities in need after natural disasters.
These efforts reflect what makes CDS special: the creativity and commitment of our faculty, staff, students, and community partners, and our shared belief that meaningful change happens when we work together. I hope you enjoy learning more about their work and accomplishments in the pages ahead.
Mahalo for being part of our CDS ‘ohana, and best wishes for a wonderful fall semester!
Promoting Diverse Abilities Across the Lifespan
Claire Alo: Make Art, Change Lives!
Painting of multi-colored image of a self-portrait.
By Annie Moriyasu
UH Expands Efforts to Address Hawaiʻi’s Growing Need for Autism Diagnosis, Services
UH News: Published in UH News on July 28, 2026
By UH News
ABLE Today Connects with Disability Advocates Across the Pacific Rim
ABLE Newsletter: ABLE Today New and Updates
By Eric Ochmanek
“I Am More Than You See”
Sierra Whiteside and her Re-election as DD Council Chair
By Sierra Whiteside
Finding My Way
Journey of Robert Yokoyama.
By Robert Yokoyama
Si Yu’os Ma’åse
Support for Typhoon Sinlaku Recovery
By Dr. Kiriko Takahashi
Join Us To Celebrate
Usher Syndrome Awareness Day
By Rosalind Kia
“Happiness is Overrated: Art, Therapy, Disability, and Humor”
The “Disability Studies Initiative at the University of Hawaiʻi” goals aims at
promoting disability studies in higher education at the University of Hawaiʻi
system.
By Disability Studies Initiative, University of Hawai’i
Infographic: 2026 Conference Preview & Conference Survey Report
Infographic for Pacific Rim Conference
By Dr. Nicole Schlaack
Peer-to-Peer Support Circle Hawai’i for Adults with Disabilities
Looking for a Friendly Space to Connect?
By Dr. Yoko Kitami and Robert Yokoyama
Fall 2026: Wellness Matters Programs Classes
Wellness Matters Programs – Swim Safe: Aquatic Skills Development (ASD) Program, Center on Disability Studies
By Dr. Kelle Murphy
Survey: Connecting Families with Early Childhood Resources
First Five Hawaiʻi & Preschool Development Grant B-5: Systems-Building, Center on Disability Studies
By Dr. Melody Halzel
Seeking People to Join the Hawai’i Dementia Initiative Coalition
Hawai’i Dementia Initiative, Executive Office no Aging, Hawai’i State Department of Health
By Tani Kalei Salazar
Enchanted Lake Elementary Students Create Mural of Kailua
Students at Enchanted Lake Elementary School spent part of their summer
turning a blank wall into a colorful mural that celebrates the natural beauty,
history and sense of place of Kailua.
By Sheanae Tam
KPNH Brings Culturally Relevant STEM Learning to Communities Across Three Islands
From June 1–July 16, 2026, KPNH implemented its summer STEM program at Ewa
Beach, Holualoa, Kaleiʻopuʻu, Kāneʻohe, Linapuni, and Liholiho elementary schools.
By Hugh Dunn
Center on Disability Services Featured at the ‘Aging in Place’
The CDS team attending the Generations Aging in Place on Saturday,
August 1, 2026 as an exhibitor.
By Center on Disability Studies
Deaf History Museum Grand Opening
Comprehensive Service Center: For People Who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Deaf-Blind, Center on Disability Studies
By Center on Disability Studies
