Message from the Director
Aloha,
This year caps the most productive five years in the history of the Center on Disability Studies (CDS) at the University of Hawai‘i. We have produced a record number of trainees (57), administered more projects (46) than ever before, and created 80 new products for serving persons with disabilities. Although our activities continue to be primarily concentrated in education and early intervention, the percentage of activities related to health and community living has increased dramatically.
In 2008, the CDS was successful in generating $33.37 for every dollar of core funding we receive from the Administration on Developmental Disabilities. This leveraged funding brought over $17,000,000 to the University and the State of Hawai‘i. Additionally, CDS events such as the International Forum and Pac Rim Conference attracted more than 1,000 visitors to Honolulu, further demonstrating the contribution that the CDS makes to the economy of the State.
As we look forward to 2008-2009 and face uncertain economic times and new challenges, together let us recommit to the CDS mission: To promote diverse abilities across the lifespan through interdisciplinary training, research, and service. The CDS will continue to lead the way in its effort to support individuals with disabilities by advocating for self-determination, building capacity, changing systems, creating partnerships, celebrating diversity, championing inclusion, empowering abilities, nurturing collaboration, promoting learning, and supporting families.
I am grateful for the support of each member of our faculty and staff and all our partners throughout the community. We look forward with great excitement and enthusiasm to the work we can together accomplish in the future.
Mahalo,
Robert Stodden
Director & Professor
