Center on Disability Studies

09/20/2026

Read "I Am More Than You See" by Sierra Whiteside at https://go.hawaii.edu/RK6.

---

I Am More Than You See
By: Sierra Whiteside

I have a disability, yes, that's true.
But all it means is I may take a different path than you.
Twists and turns, a pace that’s mine.
But the destination? Just as grand, just as fine.

I am strong.
I am me.
I am powerful.
I love my life.
I stand not just for myself.

But for EVERY voice that struggles to be heard,
For every soul dismissed, overlooked, or unseen.
I rise for those who have been told “YOU CAN'T”
And transform it into “WE WILL”
SEE US, the people not the disabilities....

---
Fall 2026 eNewsletter
Center on Disability Studies, College of Education, University of Hawaii at Manoa, & Association of University Centers on Disabilities



ID: Person smiling at the Hawaii State Capitol. DD Council logo. “I Am More Than You See”.

09/18/2026

Students at Enchanted Lake Elementary School-Kailua,HI spent part of their summer turning a blank wall into a colorful mural that celebrates the natural beauty, history and sense of place of Kailua. Read more at https://go.hawaii.edu/RK6.

---

The project was a collaboration between students participating in the school’s 2026 Summer Enrichment Program and Ulu Aʻe Transitions team members: Sheanae Tam and Niki Fisiiahi-Thomayer from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and Beau Uehara from ALU LIKE, Inc.

---
Fall 2026 eNewsletter
Center on Disability Studies, College of Education, University of Hawaii at Manoa, & Association of University Centers on Disabilities

Growing Pono Schools

PHOTO: Reading from left to right, the mural includes native plants - the palapalai fern, and native fish. The awa fish references the place name of Oneawa - literally translating to milkfish sand, as Oneawa was famous for their great quantities of ʻōʻio and awa fish. The kolea flying across a rainbow background represented Enchanted Lake Elementary’s school mascot. Water at the center of the mural represents the literal translation of the name Kailua (two seas), as Kawainui and Kaʻelepulu Fishponds flow into the bay, while the upper right section honors the Apuakea-nui rains and Mālanai winds. Enchanted Lake Elementary Students Create Mural of Kailua. Growing Pono and Ulu Aʻe Transitions logos. PHOTO: From Left to Right: Kamila, Alex and Alana’s, first day painting the mural. PHOTO: UAT Educator/Artist leads a pilina building circle activity with Enchanted Lake Elementary Summer Enrichment students. PHOTO: Summer Enrichment students take lead in painting the first layer of the mural. PHOTO: Enchanted Lake Elementary Students Create Mural of Kailua. Growing Pono & Ulu Aʻe Transitions, Center on Disability Studies. Read the article at https://go.hawaii.edu/RK6.

09/17/2026

09/17/2026

Registration for the AUCD 2026 Conference is OPEN!

Join us in Washington, D.C., November 8–11, for Impact Through Innovation and Partnership. Connect with more than 1,000 researchers, policymakers, practitioners, advocates, community leaders, and students from across the disability field. Whether this is your first AUCD Conference or you’re a longtime attendee, the conference offers opportunities to learn, share ideas, build connections, and strengthen partnerships.

Washington, D.C. • November 8–11, 2026

Register today: https://www.aucd.org/conference/registration



ID: AUCD 2026 Annual Conference banner above three attendees standing beside a large poster board with charts, with a “Register Today!” callout and QR code at the bottom.

09/15/2026

UH Expands Efforts to Address Hawaiʻi’s Growing Need for Autism Diagnosis, Services by Dr. Meghan Miller at University of Hawaii at Manoa!! Read the re-post at https://go.hawaii.edu/RK6.

---

“Hawaiʻi faces a severe shortage of mental health specialists qualified to diagnose and support individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities, often resulting in long wait times for evaluations and delays in accessing critical services. To help address this growing need, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has appointed internationally recognized clinical psychologist and autism researcher Meghan Miller to lead its Center on Disability Studies (CDS)...."

---
Fall 2026 eNewsletter
Center on Disability Studies, College of Education, University of Hawaii at Manoa, & Association of University Centers on Disabilities



ID: UH NEWS: Expands Efforts to Address Hawaiʻi’s Growing Need for Autism Diagnosis, Services. UH System logo. Two people playing with a child

09/14/2026

Looking for a Friendly Space to Connect for People with Disabilities? Join Robert Yokoyama at https://go.hawaii.edu/RK6.

---
Once a month, the program is a peer-led initiative that promotes mental health, emotional well-being, and social connection. Two meetings are held each month: one online and one in person at Abilities Unlimited Hawai‘i. Each meeting is led by a trained peer facilitator with lived experience and supported by a licensed counselor, who provides resources and referrals when needed.

Complete the application at https://go.hawaii.edu/RK6.

---
Fall 2026 eNewsletter
Center on Disability Studies, College of Education, University of Hawaii at Manoa, & Association of University Centers on Disabilities



ID: Peer-to-Peer Support Circle Hawaiʻi for Adults with Disabilities, Center on Disability Studies. Complete the application at https://go.hawaii.edu/RK6.

09/13/2026

Seeking People to Join the Hawaiʻi Dementia Initiative Coalition at https://go.hawaii.edu/RK6.

---
Hawaii Dementia Initiative is a coalition of people across Hawai‘i who are passionate about dementia, caregiving, and brain health. Together, we represent a myriad of experiences, diverse ethnic backgrounds, and multiple island communities.

Ways to Get Involved:
✔️ Learn more about dementia and brain health.
✔️ Share with your community.
✔️ Sign-up for our newsletter.
✔️Join the coalition.

---
Fall 2026 eNewsletter
Center on Disability Studies, College of Education, University of Hawaii at Manoa, & Association of University Centers on Disabilities



ID: Hawaiʻi Dementia Initiative logo. Group photo. Seeking People to Join the Hawaiʻi Dementia Initiative Coalition.

09/11/2026

09/11/2026

Today is the day! Registration is officially OPEN for the AUCD 2026 Conference!

Join us in Washington, D.C. from November 8-11 for "Impact Through Innovation and Partnership." Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned professional, come connect, learn, and grow with over 1,000 leaders in the disability field.

Secure your spot today: aucd.org/conference/registration



ID: AUCD 2026 Annual Conference poster with “Impact through Innovation and Partnership,” dates Nov 8–11 in Washington, DC, a photo of people in a meeting with laptops, and bold text “Registration is Open!”

09/11/2026

Let's Talk Story!! Are you a Hawai‘i-based family with children 0-5? If so, please see https://go.hawaii.edu/RK6.

---

We want to hear about your experience with the First Five Hawai‘i Website. What we talk about:
✔️ How and why you use the website?
✔️ What could be better?

Your voice can help inform families. Any participants will receive a SENSORY TOY!!

---
Fall 2026 eNewsletter
Center on Disability Studies, College of Education, University of Hawaii at Manoa & Association of University Centers on Disabilities



ID: Your voice can help inform families. Participants will receive a SENSORY TOY. First 5 logo.