Special Parent Information Network: Hawaii

EFMP: Sensory Friendly Holiday Storytime
2023-12-09 09:00 - 10:00 (Pacific/Honolulu)
You do not need to register for this event for military families.

Young Athletes Special Olympics event
2023-12-09 09:30 - 11:00 | Special Olympics Hawaii Sports Complex, 91-610 Maunakapu Street, Ewa Beach, HI, 96706, United States
To register for this event, download a PDF here, or visit http://sohawaii.org/initiatives/young-athletes/

Sensory Santa w/ Hoomana Parent Support Group
2023-12-09 10:00 - 13:00 | Windward Church of the Nazarene, 45-232 Pua'ae Rd., Kaneohe, HI, 96744, United States
To Register, click here
Ho’omana + RIZN Ministry invite you to attend “Saturday with Santa”.

Please join us for FREE family-friendly sensory experiences.

Saturday December 9, 2023
10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Windward Church of the Nazarene
45-232 Pua’ae Rd., Kaneohe

Link to Register:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqzzpDZomefo2_9n6Og4cJor5ttnpL92K3MFVAnoVjkgHCDw/viewform?pli=1

10:15-11:00 ‘ohana picture frame making
11:00-1:00 station rotation:
arts & crafts: ornament making with sensory materials
sensory movie with popcorn bar
sensory Santa for picture taking
scented sensory station: scented playdough making (peppermint, gingerbread, cinnamon)
sensory carnival games
snack making station
calm down corner (for sensory reprieve)
This is an event for families to enjoy together, but is designed to show what our RIZN respite ministry offers. This way, families can get a sneak peek of what programming looks like if they choose to use our service.

Celebrate Ohana Festival
2023-12-09 10:00 - 14:00
For more info, visit: https://www.puakalehua.org/upcoming-events
at the Old Kona Airport Main Paviliion in Maka’eo. 10:00 am to 2:00 pm FREE

2023-12-09 11:00 - 14:00
To attend, please email: keliifoundation@live.com your child’s name, diagnoses, age, and if Hawaiian or military.

KELII Christmas Social
2023-12-09 11:00 - 14:00 | Harbor Church Kapolei, 590 Farrington Hwy., Kapolei, HI, 96707, United States
To register, click here

Hoomana Parent Support
2024-01-08 18:00 - 19:30 | Virtual Event, United States
Aloha Families, Friends and Newcomers!

In case you are new to Ho’omana, we are a parent led, parent run support group for families. We are designed to support parents with a child on the Autism Spectrum in the Windward District.

Learn more about us on our Ho’omana Website HERE.

Wherever you reside in the state come join us and you’ll enjoy information and resources relevant to parents that have a child with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

OUR SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS

(RSVP now and receive an email reminder with zoom link)

JANUARY 2024
Join us on Monday, 01/08/2024 from 6-7:30p for our monthly Talk Story support group meeting. To register for this support group RSVP HERE

FEBRUARY 2024
Join us on Monday, 02/05/24 from 6-7:30p for our monthly Talk Story support group meeting. To register for this support group RSVP HERE

MARCH 2024
Join us on Monday, 03/04/24 from 6-7:30p for our monthly Talk Story support group meeting. To register for this support group RSVP HERE

We look forward to seeing all of you and also to meeting new families who may be coming for the first time!

Debbie & Kahea
Ho’omana Parent Support Group Facilitators
Follow us on Instagram @HoomanaGroup

Family Literacy Night
2024-01-23 17:30 - 18:30 | On Your Computer
To register, click here
Family Literacy Night
Virtual on Zoom

Families and Educators welcome! Join us for an evening of fun read-alouds, music, and reading resources.

Date: January 23, 2024
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 pm

A book will be sent to you upon registration and depending on the age of your child.

To register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUscemvpzkjE9WzUgD1QPos8x8IiYW-4dqL#/registration
or click on the QR code in the flyer.

If you need further information, please contact:

Dannah Barnes, Executive Director of Read to Me International
Email: dannah@readtomeintl.org
Address: 126 Queen Street, Ste. 303, Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808) 955-7600Fax: (808) 955-7601

EFMP Resource Fair
2024-01-27 09:00 - 13:00
JBPHH Military & Family Support Center invites you to REGISTER for our EFMP Resource Fair being held on Saturday, January 27, 2024, from 9am – 1pm.

****Open to EFMP Families of ALL Military Service Branches!

Learn more about base and community resources available to EFMP families. Featured local and state topics include:

Social Security

Medicare

Family Advocacy

Therapeutic Recreation

IEP Support

Assistive Technology

Mental Health Services

…. and much more! See the attached flyer to scan and register or visit: MFSC Class Schedule & Registration (greatlifehawaii.com)

If you have any questions, contact the JBPHH EFMP Liaison office at 808-474-1999 or email us at efmp-cnrh@us.navy.mil. We look forward to seeing you at the Resource Fair!

Ho'omana Birthday Carnival Celebration
2024-01-27 13:00 - 17:30 | Windward Church of the Nazarene, 45-232 Pua'ae Rd., Kaneohe, HI, 96744, United States
We’re excited to announce that we are celebrating 6 years of Ho’omana Parent Support Groups in January 2024!
Please come join us for a FAMILY FRIENDLY event the whole family can participate with.
Mark your calendar! Saturday January 27th from 1:00-5:30p in Kaneohe.

In case you are new to Ho’omana, we are a parent led, parent run support group for families. Initially designed to support parents with a child on the Autism Spectrum in the Windward District, we have since grown statewide! We strive to provide information, resources and lived experiences relevant to parents that have a child with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

This month there will be carnival games, activities, food, snacks and an hourly birthday party for children to have fun while practicing social and communication skills with peers from all ages.

This is a free event to our community!
We do ask that you kindly view the attached flyer or click RSVP here to help us prepare.

Look forward to meeting you at our celebration event or a support group meeting soon!

Debbie & Kahea
Ho’omana Parent Support Group Facilitators
Follow us on Instagram @HoomanaGroup

Next Support Group Meetings:

FEBRUARY 2024
Join us on Monday, 02/05/24 from 6-7:30p for our monthly Talk Story support group meeting. To register for this support group RSVP HERE

MARCH 2024
Join us on Monday, 03/04/24 from 6-7:30p for our monthly Talk Story support group meeting. To register for this support group RSVP HERE

Footsteps to Transition Fair, Oahu
2024-02-03 08:30 - 12:00
The Leeward District of Oahu is proud to host the annual Footsteps to Transition Fair – in person – THIS Saturday, February 3, 2024 from 8:30am- 12:00pm at Ewa Makai Middle School.

The Footsteps to Transition Fair is a FREE event designed for students with disabilities and their families, along with school staff and community partners, to help in making a successful transition from high school to adult life and independence. It’s never too early to start thinking about and planning for transition, we welcome families who have children with disabilities in elementary, middle and high school! The Fair will have exhibitors who will share their programs and services for young adults, short presentations around transition topics and networking opportunities.
We hope to see you there!

If you have any questions, you can email us at footstepstotransition@gmail.com or call SPIN at 808-586-8126.

Click the link below to register:
https://footstepstotransition.weebly.com/registration-sign-up.html

Hoomana Parent Support Meeting
2024-02-05 18:00 - 19:30 | Virtual Event, United States
Aloha Families, Friends and Newcomers!

In case you are new to Ho’omana, we are a parent led, parent run support group for families. We are designed to support parents with a child on the Autism Spectrum in the Windward District.

Learn more about us on our Ho’omana Website HERE.

Wherever you reside in the state come join us and you’ll enjoy information and resources relevant to parents that have a child with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

OUR SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS

(RSVP now and receive an email reminder with zoom link)

FEBRUARY 2024
Join us on Monday, 02/05/24 from 6-7:30p for our monthly Talk Story support group meeting. To register for this support group RSVP HERE

MARCH 2024
Join us on Monday, 03/04/24 from 6-7:30p for our monthly Talk Story support group meeting. To register for this support group RSVP HERE

We look forward to seeing all of you and also to meeting new families who may be coming for the first time!

Debbie & Kahea
Ho’omana Parent Support Group Facilitators
Follow us on Instagram @HoomanaGroup

Micronesian Youth Summit
2024-02-17 08:00 - 16:00 | Hawaii Convention Center, 1801 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, HI, 96822, United States
The 6th Micronesian Youth Summit 2024 is around the corner!! It is the time to register if you wish to attend the summit. Parents and legal guardians, if you wish to sign up your child(ren)/youth, please call the WAO Youth Empowerment Center at (808)913-1364, ext. 6 or you can register them online through http://bit.ly/6thMYS2024.
We Are Oceania Micronesian Youth Summit
Date: February 17, 2024
Time: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: Hawaii Convention Center
Navigating Success! The Micronesian Youth Summit rests on four pillars essential to navigating success:
COLLEGE, CAREER, COMMUNITY, AND SOLIDARITY
We aspire to empower our youth through workshops, discussions and other fun cultural activities so that they can explore their dreams, strengths and potential.
For more info:
email: contact@weareoceania.org
call: 808-913-1364 ext. 6

Post-Secondary Transition Workshops
2024-02-26 09:00 - 16:00 | UH Campus Center Ballroom
Join our symposium about transition into postsecondary education and success in postsecondary education for students who are neurodiverse. This symposium, ʻIke Loa: Symposium on Postsecondary Transition of Neurodivergent Students Having Potential in STEM, is hosted by the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Center on Disability Studies faculty and researchers of CLD TEAMS, BEAM, and NSF INCLUDES TAPDINTO-STEM team projects. The symposium is held on Monday, February 26, 2024, 9:00am to 4:00pm (HST) at the Campus Center Ballroom (third floor) at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa. The symposium is free with complimentary lunch. Join us for one or more of the sessions that interest you.
For details, please see the attached flier. Register by February 9, 2024. No costs to attend.
For more information visit the symposium website.

Light breakfast and lunch will be provided.Who Should Attend? Families with high school and college students, students who are neurodiverse (autism, learning disabilities, ADHD, etc.), employers, researchers, practitioners, and other community members interested in the topic.We hope you join us!
ʻIke Loa Symposium staff

*The event is limited to 100 individuals, and priority will be given to secondary teachers and administrators. Participation fees are made available through a co-sponsorship by the U.S. Department of Education, Gifted and Talented Education Program fundedprojects, BEAM and CLD TEAMS, and by the NSF Eddie Bernice Johnson INCLUDES initiative TAPDINTO-STEM.
For Hawaiʻi Island attendees, a limited number of transportation support is available. Please indicate your needs in the registration form.
**ʻIke Loa: Symposium on Postsecondary Transition of Neurodivergent Students Having Potential in STEM is a pre-event of the 39th Annual Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability and Diversity hosted by the Center on Disability Studies, College of Education, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, February 27 – 28, 2024 at the Hawai‘i Convention Center, Honolulu, HI.

Employment First Summit
2024-02-29 08:00 - 16:00 | Entrepreneurs Sandbox, 643 Ilalo Street, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96813
To register, click here

Registration is available on the Hawaii APSE website (https://HawaiiAPSE.org).
Self advocates can use the coupon code “DDC” at checkout for registration sponsored by DD Council.

Hawaii Summit on Employment First
Thursday February 29, 2024 – 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Pau Hana & Networking – 4:30 – 6:00 pm

Entrepreneurs Sandbox
643 Ilalo Street
Honolulu, HI 96813

Registration is $35 and includes lunch and a t-shirt.
Self-Advocates, use the coupon code “DDC” at checkout for sponsorship.

To register, click here: https://hawaiiapse.org/hawaii-summit-on-employment-first-2024/
or click on the QR code on the flyer.

D/HH Conference for families and professionals
2024-03-01 08:30 - 15:00 | Koolau Ballrooms, 45-550 Kionaole Rd, Kaneohe, HI, 96744, United States
Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc2VbHBOR8onPY_1s1ooHmGfPhya_EZFc7XvN6GRV7Y4oHXHQ/viewform

Hoomana Parent Support Group
2024-03-04 18:00 - 19:30 | Virtual Event, United States
Aloha Families, Friends and Newcomers!

In case you are new to Ho’omana, we are a parent led, parent run support group for families. We are designed to support parents with a child on the Autism Spectrum in the Windward District.

Learn more about us on our Ho’omana Website HERE.

Wherever you reside in the state come join us and you’ll enjoy information and resources relevant to parents that have a child with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

OUR SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS

(RSVP now and receive an email reminder with zoom link)

MARCH 2024
Join us on Monday, 03/04/24 from 6-7:30p for our monthly Talk Story support group meeting. To register for this support group RSVP HERE

We look forward to seeing all of you and also to meeting new families who may be coming for the first time!

Debbie & Kahea
Ho’omana Parent Support Group Facilitators
Follow us on Instagram @HoomanaGroup

Day at the Capitol
2024-03-07 08:00 - 14:00 | Hawaii State Capital, 415 South Beretania St., Honolulu, HI, 96813, United States
To register, click here
To receive a bento lunch, you must register for this free event.

ABLE Accounts Overview & Information
2024-03-14 17:00 - 19:00
To register, contact karen.glasser@unitedcerebralpalsyhawaii.org

SPIN Conference
2024-04-06 08:30 - 15:30 | UH Campus Center Ballroom
To download a registration form, click here
Grab your water-wings and beach blankets and join us for the SPIN Conference on Saturday April 6, 2024 at UH Manoa Campus Center! This year, we’re diving into the theme “Ocean of Possibilities!” Whether you dip your toes into an informative workshop, or take the plunge into the resource fair, there’s a tidal wave of fun at the SPIN Conference!
For our neighbor island ohana, SPIN Airfare Scholarships are still available, and we have extended the deadline to apply to March 20th. Don’t delay, apply today!
We are now accepting applications for our SPIN Awards! Shine a spotlight on a special person who has been a lighthouse in your child’s education, or who is championing for a safer and more inclusive “IDEA Ocean” experience for all students. Deadline to submit your nominations is March 12th.
If you need assistance with the registration fees, we have scholarships available, thanks to our kind-hearted donors. Write “Scholarship Request” on the payment line, and we’ll work our mermaid magic to accommodate your request.
So, what are you wading for? Swim over to www.SPINconference.org or click on the QR code on the flyer, to download your registration, airfare and SPIN Award forms today, then snail-mail or email them to the addresses below. We’re going to have a shell of a time!

Pro Se Training for Parents
2024-04-10 09:00 - 15:00 | Ala Moana Hotel, 410 Atkinson Dr., Honolulu, HI, 96814, United States
To register, click here
For a Zoom link, click here
For the Reimbursement form, click here
Training for Unrepresented Parents (Pro Se) under IDEA
The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (Department), Monitoring and Compliance Branch is hosting a
one-day training for Unrepresented Parents (Pro Se) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(IDEA). A virtual option via Zoom is available, click here.
The training will be facilitated by Special Education Solutions, LLC, the nation’s leading expert in IDEA
compliance, training, and dispute resolution. The training will provide an overview of special education law,
the hearing process, and pro se parents. The training is only open to parents, non-attorney advocates, and
parent training information centers.
• Date: Wednesday, April 10, 2024
• Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Location: Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra, 410 Atkinson Dr., Honolulu, HI 96814, Hibiscus Ballroom II,
2nd Floor
• Breakfast: Continental breakfast will be provided
• Lunch: On your own
Registration for Training
Register here
Registration will close on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 3:00 p.m.
Inter-Island Participants (Airfare and Ground Transportation Reimbursement)
The Monitoring and Compliance Branch will reimburse you up to $300 for the following:
• Airfare
• Ground Transportation
You must attend the whole training day from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. to be eligible for reimbursement.
Reimbursement Request
To request reimbursement from the Monitoring and Compliance Branch, please complete the Supplier
Information section on the Reimbursement Form with a copy of your Driver’s License, boarding passes, and
transportation receipt(s) and submit it to Angela Wong at angela.wong@k12.hi.us and Mel Dela Rama
at mel.dela_rama@k12.hi.us. The School/Office Information and Administrator’s Authorization sections have
been completed by the Monitoring and Compliance Branch. Please do not change these sections.
The deadline to submit your reimbursement request is Tuesday, April 30, 2024.
Should you have any questions, please contact Angela Wong and Mel Dela Rama at (808) 307-3600.

Maui Footsteps to Transition Fair
2024-04-11 18:00 - 19:30 | Maui High School, 660 Lono Ave., Kahului, HI, 96732, United States
To register, click here
Or visit the Footsteps to Transition website

Hoomana Virtual Transition Night
2024-04-22 17:00 - 19:30 | On Your Computer
To RSVP, click here

Oahu: Special Needs Planning Seminar
2024-05-04 10:30 - 14:30 | Neal S. Blaisdell Center, 777 Ward Ave., Honolulu, HI, 96814, United States
Link to Register – click here

Read to Me Conference
2024-06-06 08:00 - 13:30 | On Your Computer
Register here
It’s that time of year again – Read To Me International Foundation’s Annual June Conference! Please mark your calendars, save the date, and share the free virtual Conference. The event is geared towards pre-k and elementary school educators, parents/caregivers, and non-profit organizations! Please feel free to share the flyer if you’d like to!
Swag Bag: Each attendee* that participates throughout the whole Conference and completes the survey will receive a swag bag, which includes a book chosen by each keynote, a journal, and resources. *Attendees must reside in the state of Hawaiʻi.
Register Today: Spaces and supplies are limited, so please make sure you reserve your spot today by registering here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMtcemsqjorGtPsXazG644vr88VeLS2nnA2.
Featured Keynote Speakers: This year, we are featuring International Author Mem Fox and National Author Barney Saltzberg as our keynotes.
Other Speakers: Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke will kick off with a pre-recorded welcome. In addition, we have Lauren Padesky, HIDOE Office of Curriculum & Instructional Design, and Stacie Kaneshige from the Hawaiʻi State Library as confirmed Concurrent Session Speakers.
Derek Kurisu from KTA Superstores will be reading a story during the Lunchtime Read Aloud segment.
We will share more details on additional Concurrent Session Speakers by June 1st, so stay tuned!
Zoom Links and Zoom Reminders: Please note that registration email reminders will come from no-reply@zoom.us and not from Read To Me International Foundation, so please add no-reply@zoom.us to your contact list.

Special Olympics Young Athletes Program
2024-06-08 09:00 - 11:00 | UH Manoa
Download a Registration Form here

AccesSurf Day at the Beach
2024-06-08 09:30 - 13:30 | White Plains Beach, Ewa Beach, HI, 96706, United States

UCP Parent/Caregiver Resource Pau Hana Series
2024-06-13 17:00 - 19:00 | On Your Computer

Kualoa Ranch Hike with NQD
2024-06-15 09:00 - 11:00 | Kualoa Ranch, 49-560 Kamehameha Hwy,, Kaneohe, HI, 96744, United States

FREE White House Webinar Celebrating the Olmstead Act
2024-06-18 07:30 - 09:00 | On Your Computer
To register for this FREE event, click here
What is the Olmstead Act?
A 1999 US Supreme Court decision giving people with disabilities the right to live in the community and receive services, instead of being in institutions. That nobody should be forcibly removed from society and they should be able to make decisions for themselves.
Watch a short video here
This Tuesday, 18 June 2024, NACDD (National Association of Councils for Developmental Disabilities) and State DD Councils will play an integral role in The White House’s 25th Anniversary Olmstead Act celebration. A dozen DD Councils will be represented at the event in-person, and three council members will be speakers. NACDD will be there to represent all of the Councils. And, most importantly, people with IDD are centered at the event – holding six of the 11 speaking elements of the event.
This celebration will be open for the public to attend virtually. Our National Council has been working closely with the White House on the event. We ask that you all please get this out to your networks. We want as many people as possible to attend, not only our DD council or disability circles. This is not about politics, and it is not just for ‘people who do disability stuff’. Olmstead is all about community, and we hope to get all sorts of members of the community to attend. Real people will be talking about their real lives, and we want everyone to understand what Olmstead is and means to us, and – because having people with disabilities living in the community is good for the WHOLE community – we want people outside of disability circles to understand that Olmstead is good for them too. Please, tell you family, friends, neighbors to attend this event.
Again, it takes place this Tuesday, 18 June at 7:45am Hawaii Time.
It would be wonderful for the White House to see that Hawaii, the NACDD and the DD Councils can really turn out the folks! We want them to see that we can get people to show up for what matters to us. Please help us make this happen!
You MUST register for this White House event in order to attend virtually.
