UPDATE: Check out the August 19, 2024 Star Advertiser article.
The Center on Disability Studies (CDS) at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa College of Education, in collaboration with the Department of Health, Developmental Disabilities Division (DOH DDD), is providing vital assistance to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families in Maui. This partnership is making a significant impact by offering support in the face of challenging circumstances in the aftermath of the wildfires.
“Together with the DOH DDD, we have been conducting workshops in adult day health programs such as Easterseals and Arc of Maui,” said CDS Associate Director Maya Matheis. “Participating adults with I/DD and support staff have found these sessions immensely beneficial and cathartic.”
Utilizing a free toolkit developed by Matheis based on evidence-based practices, these workshops offer practical solutions to supporting the mental health of individuals with I/DD. Matheis, who is a licensed clinical psychologist, has experience treating traumatic stress in this population.
CDS and DOH DDD have also been meeting individually with families of individuals with I/DD affected by the wildfires. These personalized sessions provide tailored support, ensuring that families have access to the assistance they require during this difficult time.
An event titled Maui Relief: Supporting Mental Health for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, took place on October 25th. Presented by CDS and DOH DDD, this free webinar was designed for families, mental health professionals, educators, direct support professionals, physicians, and other interested service providers. A recording of the event will be available on the CDS wesbsite soon.
Toolkit and other Resources
The toolkit is free to anyone in the community. Download the toolkit here: https://go.hawaii.edu/PMy. Send a request for printed materials to Dr. Maya Matheis at mmatheis@hawaii.edu.
