LIHU‘E — Amelia Kyewich-Kaneholani, the Kaua‘i Program Specialist for the Hawai‘i State Council on Developmental Disabilities (HSCDD), was concerned about the misting showers that blanketed Rice Street in the area fronting the historic County Building on Wednesday, nearing the 10 a.m. mark.
LIHU‘E — Amelia Kyewich-Kaneholani, the Kaua‘i Program Specialist for the Hawai‘i State Council on Developmental Disabilities (HSCDD), was concerned about the misting showers that blanketed Rice Street in the area fronting the historic County Building on Wednesday, nearing the 10 a.m. mark.
“Maybe the rains will let up long enough to allow us to sign wave,” Kyewich-Kaneholani said. “We have people coming in from Waimea to Kapa‘a. We didn’t cancel. A little rain is good for everybody.”
As the pitter patter of rain slowed and the clock inched closer to the designated start time, the HSCDD volunteers, including County of Kaua‘i Managing Director Reiko Matsuyama, turned out to observe the 37th anniversary of March being National Developmental Disability Awareness Month with a theme of “A World of Possibilities.”
“Kaua‘i acknowledges and celebrates the unique contributions of individuals with developmental disabilities, affirming our unwavering commitment of creating an inclusive community that values and supports the aspirations of all its members,” states the proclamation that was presented by Matsuyama to Kyewich-Kaneholani.
The sign waving campaign comes on the heels of an event held at the Hawai‘i Capitol on March 7 that launched the national awareness campaign.
“On Kaua‘i, we are excited to present Deziree Tacub with a leadership award. Deziree is the Kaua‘i Self-Advocacy Council Chair and has been participating for the past year in a nationwide fellowship where she created an employment guidebook for individuals with developmental disabilities,” Kyewich-Kaneholani said.
“She shares her experience on becoming employed, and the guidebook provides tips and useful information for others who want to work. Through the creation of personally crafted video tutorials and an employment handbook, Deziree has played a crucial role in empowering individuals to navigate the job market.”
Tacub’s efforts and work was also acknowledged in the proclamation.
“Together, let’s continue to foster inclusivity for individuals with disabilities actively pursuing the goals of collaboration, full participation, economic self-sufficiency and the promotion of independent living,” the proclamation stated.
