Special Parent Information Network: Hawaii

LDAH Training: Finding Common Ground
2025-01-29 17:00 - 18:00 (Pacific/Honolulu) | Zoom
Please join LDAH – Leadership in Disabilities and Achievement Hawaii – for our virtual workshops at the start of Year 2025. These sessions are for all families and professionals in the State of Hawaii.
January 29 Finding Common Ground for Optimal Teams
February 12 Parent as Collaborative Leaders
February 26 Measurable Goals
Time: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm each day
Location: zoom platform
What to bring: your spirit of learning and engagement.
To register: call our office at 808-536-9684 or electronic link https://forms.gle/gzkVnMy44oKho3oL6
Upon registering, as a reminder you will receive two emails two weeks and two days prior to the scheduled event. If there are handouts for each workshop, we will send it prior to the workshop.

CCC Community Bridging Day
2025-02-01 09:00 - 14:00 | Kroc Center Hawaii, 91-3257 Kualakai Parkway, Ewa Beach, 96706, United States
To register, email: william.cadena@k12.hi.us

The Community Children’s Council hopes you are able to join us for this FREE Workshop that will be happening on Oahu.

Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025
Time: 9 am to 2 pm
Location: Salvation Army Kroc Center
Airfare Scholarships are available through Hilopaa.
Ground transportation is also being taken care of

Join us as we build a “strategy bridge” for each county which includes:
A plan to bring together partners to learn from each other and identify opportunities for collaboration and connection
Access to centralized information on programs, services, and supports for children with special needs
An advocacy toolkit to pitch the idea to county decision makers

Caregiver Engagement Webinar
2025-02-04 15:00 - 16:30 | Zoom
To register, click here

This is a friendly reminder that the Evidence-Based Services Committee will be presenting its next roundtable presentation entitled “Caregiver Engagement in Evidence-Based Services” and will take place next Tuesday, February 4, 2025 from 3:00-4:30pm (HST) via Zoom Webinar. Please see the attached flyer for more information about this event. Please share widely with those you think may be interested!

This event is free and registration is required.
We will be offering 1.5 Social Work continuing education contact hours through the National Association of Social Workers – Hawaiʻi Chapter (Approval number HI62792023-167).

An exciting update: Psychologists who are HPA members or HiBHC volunteers will also be offered free CE credits thanks to our co-sponsor HPA, with the support of the Hawai‘i Behavioral Health Connection (a program of HPA)!

Oahu Footsteps to Transition on Zoom
2025-02-08 09:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
To register, click here

Parent Training on IDEA
2025-02-10 09:00 - 15:00 | Japanese Cultural Center, 2454 S. Beretania St., Honolulu, HI, 96826, United States
To Register, click here
To fill out the Reimbursement Form, click here
IDEA Training for Parents PDF
The Hawaii State Department of Education, Monitoring and Compliance Branch is hosting a one-day, in-person, FREE training for Parents on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). A virtual option via Zoom is available. The training is only open to parents and parent information, advocacy, and training centers. Please refer to the attached PDF for complete details.
The training will be facilitated by Deusdedi Merced Esq., Special Education Solutions, LLC, the nation’s leading expert in IDEA compliance, training, and dispute resolution.
This training will provide

an overview of the trends on due process decisions specific to Hawaiʻi

notable decisions nationwide

discipline procedures

discuss the legal aspect of timely evaluations

how parents can be engaged in the process.

Date: Monday, February 10, 2025
Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii, 2454 South Beretania Street, 5th Floor, Honolulu, HI
Virtual: A Zoom link is provided on the registration form. (refer back to this email to open the registration link, below, and find the Zoom link to click on)
Click here to register.
Registration will close on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 3:00 pm.
Neighbor-Island participants will be reimbursed up to $300 for airfare and ground transportation.

You must attend the whole training day from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm to be eligible for reimbursement.

Submit the following to Wendy Smith and Michelle Arakawa (see PDF for email links)

Complete this Reimbursement Form (do not change pre-filled sections)

Copy of your Driver’s License

Copy of your boarding passes

Transportation receipt(s)

Deadline to submit for reimbursement is Friday, February 28, 2025

For additional questions about this training and reimbursement, please contact Wendy Smith or Michelle Arakawa at 808-307-3600.

LDAH Training: Parents as Collaborative Leaders
2025-02-12 17:00 - 18:00 | Zoom
Please join LDAH – Leadership in Disabilities and Achievement Hawaii – for our virtual workshops at the start of Year 2025. These sessions are for all families and professionals in the State of Hawaii.
February 12 Parent as Collaborative Leaders
February 26 Measurable Goals
Time: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm each day
Location: zoom platform
What to bring: your spirit of learning and engagement.
To register: call our office at 808-536-9684 or electronic link https://forms.gle/gzkVnMy44oKho3oL6
Upon registering, as a reminder you will receive two emails two weeks and two days prior to the scheduled event. If there are handouts for each workshop, we will send it prior to the workshop.

Conference for Families of Deaf/Hard of Hearing Children
2025-02-13 08:00 - 17:00 | Koolau Ballrooms, 45-550 Kionaole Rd, Kaneohe, HI, 96744, United States
Hawaii Children’s Action Network and the Comprehensive Services Center present:

A Conference for Families with deaf or hard of hearing children.

DATE: Saturday March 29, 2025
TIME: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
LOCATION: Ko’olau Ballrooms, Kaneohe, Oahu

REGISTER HERE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd7a9kPywSGWKqG_wtiCEsnPIhkpKCmnFI3MJRkHEw67E8Nug/viewform

Registration: 8:00 – 8:30 am

Topics covered will include:

the uniqueness of parenting a child who is deaf/hard of hearing

early language acquisition and brain development

educational advocacy

developmental milestones (birth -5)

ideas for how to support your child’s development at home and in the community

Neighbor island transportation scholarships are available. Up to $600 per family, for air and ground travel.

Childcare is free with certified early childhood teachers and ASL-fluent adults. You must request on the registration form. Space is limited, please bring children only if necessary.

Parents may bring their child’s IFSP or IEP for questions or guidance.

For questions or more info, contact Jennifer Clark
Email: Jennifer.Clark.dhh@gmail.com
or call 808-679-1370

LDAH Small Group Session in Hilo
2025-02-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Easter Seals Hilo, 49 Kauulani Street, Hilo, HI, 96720, United States
Please join LDAH – Leadership in Disabilities and Achievement Hawaii – for Small Group Sessions in Hilo! These sessions are for families who have concerns about their Individualized Education Program/504 plan and unsure of what direction to move forward with their next plan of action.
Date: Thursday January 16 & Thursday February 20, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm each day
Location: Easter Seals, 49 Kaiulani Street, Hilo, HI 96720
Venue: In Person
What to bring: the most current IEP and current evaluations for your child.
Families will receive individualized support from LDAH personnel while developing a plan of action to address their primary concerns for their child while networking with other parents. There is a limit of 3 families for each session, so sign up early!
To register: call our office at 808-536-9684
If families are calling LDAH for the first time, we will conduct an intake process, which takes about 30 minutes.

Play Date for Parents of D/HH/DB Children
2025-02-22 10:00 - 12:00
Register by pointing your camera on the QR code

Valentine Dance
2025-02-22 18:30 - 20:30 | St. Anthony of Padua Church Kailua, 148 A Makawao St., Kailua, HI, 96734, United States
To register, click here
The Hawaii Autism Foundation is hosting a free Valentine’s Day dance coming up on Sat, Feb 22nd. All are welcome!
DATE: Saturday February 22, 2025
TIME: 6:30 – 8:30 pm
LOCATION: St. Anthony’s Church, 148 Makawao St. (corner of Makawao & N. Kalaheo Ave.)

Come enjoy:

FREE Admission

Photo Booth

Pizza & Snacks

Music by DJ Ray

Meet New Friends

Mahalo for your support and let me know if you have any questions.
Sarah Sheppard
director@hawaiiautismfoundation.org
Director
Hawaii Autism Foundation
https://hawaiiautismfoundation.org/

LDAH Training: Measurable Goals
2025-02-26 17:00 - 18:00 | Zoom
Please join LDAH – Leadership in Disabilities and Achievement Hawaii – for our virtual workshops at the start of Year 2025. These sessions are for all families and professionals in the State of Hawaii.
February 26 Measurable Goals
Time: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm each day
Location: zoom platform
What to bring: your spirit of learning and engagement.
To register: call our office at 808-536-9684 or electronic link https://forms.gle/gzkVnMy44oKho3oL6
Upon registering, as a reminder you will receive two emails two weeks and two days prior to the scheduled event. If there are handouts for each workshop, we will send it prior to the workshop.

Maui Footsteps to Transition Resource Fair
2025-02-27 17:30 - 19:00 | UH Maui College, 310 W. Kaahumanu Ave, Kahului, Hawaii, 96732, United States

Day at the Capitol
2025-03-05 09:00 - 15:00 | Hawaii State Capital, 415 South Beretania St., Honolulu, HI, 96813, United States
To register, click here

The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities (DD Councl) presents the 2025 Day at the Capitol!

A great opportunity to meet your legislators at the Capitol! Discuss disability-related issues/concerns, and meet with other concerned citizens.

DATE: Wednesday, March 5, 2025
TIME: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
WHERE: Hawaii State Capitol – meet in the basement Auditorium

Register for FREE here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-day-at-the-capitol-2025-tickets-1115945897219?aff=oddtdtcreator

Deadline to register is February 14, 2025

Activities include:

Welcome & Orientation

Meet with Legislators

Learn about the Public Access Room

Issues we will be discussing include:

Advocacy

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Early Intervention

Education

Emergency Preparedness

Employment

Health Care

Housing

Self-Determination

Transportation

For more information, or to volunteer for this event, please contact Zosimo Arista, 808-586-8169

LDAH Virtual Learning Lab: IDEA
2025-03-12 17:00 - 18:00 | Zoom
To register, click here
Leadership in Disabilities & Achievement of Hawaii (LDAH) is offering virtual learning labs for parents.
Building Leaders in Parents creates a community of voices. Be part of the solution for your child receiving specially designed instruction under IDEA.
All learning labs are from 5:00 – 6:00 pm on Zoom.
March 12: IDEA – Individuals with Disabilities Education Act – The Foundation
April 9: Evaluations – Understanding the Evaluation Process – The Frame
April 23: PLAAPF – Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance – The Engine
Here is the registration link
https://forms.gle/HAFozzzRG1kctXok6
or call 808-536-9684

Hilo Footsteps to Transition - In person
2025-03-25 04:30 - 19:00 | ARC of Hilo, 1099 Wainuenue Ave., Hilo, Hawaii, 96720
To Register, click here

The Department of Education, Hilo-Waiakea and Kau-Kea’au-Pahoa Complex Areas, would like to invite you to their in-person Footsteps to Transition Fair, to help families and youth with disabilities think about, plan and prepare for life after high school. Come learn from knowledgeable presentations and meet local community organizations that can help in the transition from high school to adult life.

WHAT: Footsteps to Transition Fair
DATE: Tuesday, March 25, 2025
TIME: 4:30 – 7:30 pm
WHERE: Arc of Hilo, 1099 Waianuenue Ave, Hilo, HI 96720

REGISTER by March 10
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdUWpfwo7FltYfZ6eW-3XTGYKuuIvLBi2ec8N4ReLQVMBbttA/viewform

For more information about Footsteps to Transition events happening in your area, and to learn more about transition resources, visit: https://footstepstotransition.weebly.com/

LDAH Virtual Learning Lab: Evaluations
2025-04-09 17:00 - 18:00 | Zoom

Glow in the Dark Egg Hunt
2025-04-12 11:00 - 14:00
The KELII Foundation is hosting an Autism/Special Needs Glow in the Dark Easter Egg Hunt for all ages.

DATE: Saturday April 12, 2025
TIME: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
LOCATION: Harbor West Oahu Church
590 Farrington Hwy. , Kapolei, HI 96707

REGISTRATION OPEN LIMITED SPACE
https://form.jotform.com/250758897657177

Egg Hunt Schedule

Ages 0-3: 1100 am
Ages 4-6: 11:30 am
Ages 7-11: 12:00 pm
Ages 12-15: 12:30 pm
Ages 16 and up: 1:00 pm

Pac Rim International Conference
2025-04-15 08:00 - 2025-04-16 17:00 | Hawaii Convention Center, 1801 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, HI, 96822, United States
For more info on the Pac Rim Conference, click here
Pac Rim is offering a special SPIN Parent rate of 50% off the regular registration rate. Call SPIN for the code: 808-586-8126.

Silent Disco with NQD
2025-04-19 17:00 - 20:00 | Mililani Town Center, 95-1249 Meheula Parkway, Mililani, 96789, United States
Never Quit Dreaming and Hawaii Dance Bomb are hosting a Silent Disco Dance Party!
Headphones on, dancing freely to your own beat. A joyous celebration that harmonizes our special needs community and the boarder community, creating a vibrant dance of inclusion. Make a couple of friends, play games and puzzles hosted by the Hawaiian Cubing Community.

DATE: Saturday April 19, 2025
TIME: 5:00 – 8:00 pm
LOCATION: Town Center of Mililani
COST: FREE
REGISTER:https://www.nqdhawaii.org/silentdisco

LDAH Virtual Learning Lab: PLAAFP
2025-04-23 17:00 - 18:00 | Zoom

Suicide Prevention Workshop in Na'alehu
2025-04-29 15:00 - 16:00 | Naalehu Elementary School, 95-5545 Mamalahoa Hyw, Naalaehu, HI, 96772, United States
For more info, please email Rachael Greedy: rachael.greedy@k12.hi.us
Suicide Prevention and Awareness Workshop
Presented by Joy Hohnstein from the HIDOE Project HI-Aware program
Tuesday April 29, 2025
3:00 – 4:00 pm
Na’alehu Elementary School
Discussions will include:

facts
myths and false beliefs
warning signs
healthy coping skills
safe approaches to help those with suicidal thoughts
resources for support

Assistive Technology Awareness Day
2025-04-30 09:00 - 17:00
Join Us for ATRC’s AT Awareness Day 2025!
On Zoom and in person on Oahu!
More info, click here
Zoom registration link coming soon
Date: April 30, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (HST)
Virtual & In-Person at the Lanakila Multipurpose Senior Center, Honolulu
Explore the world of Assistive Technology through interactive sessions, demos, and expert insights! Whether you’re interested in AT for speech, mental health, or adapting everyday tasks, this event has something for everyone.
Learn more, connect with experts, and discover how AT can enhance lives.

LDAH Learning Lab: Letter Writing
2025-05-07 17:00 - 18:00 | Zoom
Please join LDAH – Leadership in Disabilities and Achievement Hawaii – for our Learning Labs.
May 7 – Letter Writing: Say What You Need To Say-Effectively
May 14 – Parent Talk Café: GO LIVE! Parent Talk Café – “AMA” We’re going to “Talk it out.”
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2659334410969387 Private Facebook Group. If you are not part of this group yet, click on the link, answer a few questions, and you will have access to the group.
May 21 – Understanding HIDOE: Who’s on First! Be Familiar with roles and responsibilities of the HIDOE SEA (State Education Agency) and LEA (Local Education Agency)
We highly recommend bringing your spirit of learning and engagement to our Learning Labs.
Time: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm. At 4:45pm, we will have about 15 minutes for questions that you may have.
Location: zoom platform
To register: call our office at 808-536-9684 or electronic link https://forms.gle/y1ifAfPaJGDs5cMa8 You will receive zoom link a couple of days before the Learning Lab

SPIN Conference
2025-05-10 08:30 - 16:00 | Koolau Ballrooms, 45-550 Kionaole Rd, Kaneohe, HI, 96744, United States
Join us for the 39th annual SPIN Conference at the beautiful Koolau Ballrooms in Kaneohe.
For more info and to download Registration, Airfare and Exhibitor forms, visit our SPIN Conference website.

Parent Talk Cafe
2025-05-14 17:00 - 18:00 | Zoom

Family Hui Hawaii Parent Support
2025-05-16 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-05-23 10:00 - 11:30
🌿 You’re invited to our Friday Hui!
We host a warm and welcoming gathering for parents of children with disabilities. It’s a safe space to share, connect, and uplift one another.
🗓️ Fridays | May 9 – June 6
🕙 10:00 – 11:30 AM
📍 Kapilina Beach Homes, Pilikai Beach Park (in front of D’Lish)
🔗 Register here
Office: (808) 230-7112
Email: resources@familyhuihawaii.org
✨ Starting in June, this hui will be moving to Waikele Community Park and will have a new name: Embrace Abilities Hui—a name that celebrates every child’s potential and the strength of our community.

LDAH Learning Lab: Understanding the HIDOE
2025-05-21 17:00 - 18:00 | Zoom

Family Hui Support Group
2025-05-22 08:00 - 17:00 | Waikele Community Park, 94-870 Lumiaina St, Waipahu, HI 96797, Waikele, HI, 96797, United States
For more info, click here
Embracing Abilities Hui
A safe, supportive space you can correct with other parents, share experiences, and access valuable resources. Whether you’re navigating services, advocating for y our child, or simply looking for community, you are not alone. Come be part of a hui that understands and uplifts.
Every Friday in June @ Waikele Community Park, 94-870 Lumiaina St, Waipahu, HI 96797

Sensory Movie Oahu: Lilo & Stitch
2025-05-24 09:30 - 11:30 | Consolidated Theater Mililani, 95-1249 Meheula Parkway, Mililani, HI, 96789, United States
To register, click here
Join Never Quit Dreaming for a sensory friendly movie experience at Consolidated Theaters Mililani.
