Full Life goes to the State Capital
Approximately 40 Big Island residents attended the Hawaii State Capitol on March 7 th to participate in the Developmental Disabilities Council “Day at the Capital” event. The DD council provided travel scholarships for 11 Full Life self-advocates and 6 Full Life advocates including parents and Direct Support Professionals to attend. Full Life’s Board President, Franz Weber, also supported the self-advocates at the event. The goals were to advocate for better education, employment, health care, housing, self-determination, funding, and transportation. The activities also included attending a House and Senate floor session, meeting with legislators, and a welcoming reception. The mission was a success: to spread awareness about people with developmental disabilities and the issues important to them and to call for greater resources and initiatives to support their needs.
Full Life participant Stacy Ito commented that she had an enjoyable flight over to Oahu. She introduced herself to many other airline passengers with excitement telling them that she was going to the capital. Stacy also interacted with the Legislators while having a good lunch, plus she loved her new T-Shirt from Day at the Capitol. State Senator Kai Kamaka stated. “As policymakers, it’s our responsibility to listen to their voices and work towards policies that address the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities”.
Senator Joy San Buenaventura invited Full Life Executive Director Jim Kilgore to give the Moment of Contemplation speech to open the Senate Floor Session. Senator San Buenaventura also introduced all of the Full Life self-advocates and advocates in the gallery to the Senate. In his speech, Jim shared the importance of diversity, access, inclusion, and resources for people with developmental disabilities and their families. He asked the Senators to reflect on their roles of supporting the self-advocates to experience belonging, the feeling of being accepted and valued. One of Full Life’s participants and self-advocate stated that the highlight was hearing the speech at the legislative hearing. She said that all the staff at the event were so kind and helpful.
During lunch, several legislators came and visited Full Life and Arc of Kona self-advocates including Senator Tim Richards, Senator Joy San Buenaventura, Senator Dru Kanuha, Representative Nicole Lowen, Representative David Tarnas, Representative Mark Nakashima, and Representative Richard Onishi.
Towards the close of the day, attendees departed the Capitol with a sense of accomplishment, knowing that their voices had been heard and their advocacy had made a difference. Events like Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day serve as a powerful catalyst for change, inspiring communities to unite in pursuit of a more equitable and compassionate future.
