Report Title:

Health; Developmental Disabilities

 

Description:

Appropriates funds for a coordinator and operating expenses to support a statewide self-advocacy network for individuals with development disabilities.

 


HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

206

TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to developmental disabilities.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that major systems changes are being initiated that are designed to promote self-determination and self-directed services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities.

     Nationwide, individuals with developmental disabilities are emerging as leaders in their communities and state.  They are active partners in the planning, development, and implementation of policies and programs that shape the services and supports that enable them to live in the community.

     Hawaii is at the forefront in acknowledging that individuals with developmental disabilities are capable of determining their personal goals and directing resources needed to accomplish those goals.  Chapter 333F, Hawaii Revised Statutes, provides individuals with developmental disabilities with the opportunity to develop a personal plan, the authority to control identified amounts of moneys to accomplish the plan,  support to achieve their goals, responsibility to participate and contribute in community activities, and accountability in spending public moneys wisely.

     Several initiatives conducted and supported by the department of health, developmental disabilities division and the state council on developmental disabilities have focused on consumer-directed services, supports, and partners in policymaking.  The intent is for individuals with developmental disabilities to remain in control of their own lives by supporting them in directing their individual service plan, budget, and resources.

     The legislature further finds that a self-advocacy network has begun to organize with a growing small group of self-advocates to increase knowledge, understanding, and awareness of their rights, develop leadership skills, and empower themselves to take control of their lives, and make their own decisions.  Their mission is to raise the quality of life for persons with developmental disabilities through leadership, education, and full participation in society.

     The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for a coordinator and operating expenses to support a statewide self-advocacy network of persons with developmental disabilities to provide education and training, provide opportunities to develop leadership skills, and to network with other self-advocacy organizations across the country.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $89,602, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2007-2008, and the same sum, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008-2009 for a coordinator and operating expenses to support a statewide self-advocacy network for persons with developmental disabilities.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2007.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________