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June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month

We want to take a moment to celebrate the many milestones the LGBTQ+ community has reached and honor the individuals with disabilities who have not only championed the right to be included regardless of ability, but also to love authentically and proudly. While there is still much work ahead in building a world where everyone feels they belong, the impacts and achievements made so far are certainly something to honor and celebrate.

If you or your child are looking for a safe space to access resources about LGBTQ+ issues, please visit: https://health.hawaii.gov/camhd/lgbtq-safe-spaces/

Please reach out to us at [email protected] with questions.

Early Intervention (EI)

With summer now upon us, the EI team has hand-picked several family resources and activities for you. From virtual events for kids to coaching sessions for parents, there are lots of great ways to keep early intervention goals going strong this summer — with tons of fun!

Also rolling out across the state this month is a new opportunity from the Department of Health — Early Intervention Section. EIS is asking families to share their experiences with early intervention services and the impacts to their children and families! You may have already received the survey electronically or by mail from the Department of Health but if you didn’t and would like to participate, please reach out to your Care Coordinator. All surveys are due to the state by June 30th.

Home and Community-Based Services

Now that the Department of Health has permitted a return to in-person services in the state of Hawaii, we’re sure you have some questions about when services will be back up and running for your loved one! Take a look at our updates below:

Schedule:

  • Oahu programs reopened first week of June!
  • Kauai programs reopened first week of June!
  • Maui programs reopened this week!
  • Keaau/Hilo programs reopened this week!

Important Information:

  • Programs are reopening at approximately 25% capacity and will increase once it is safe to do so.
  • Services will resume for Tier 1 participants and later expand to participants with underlying medical conditions with authorization from their primary health care practitioner. Contact your Case Coordinator for additional information.

Autism Services

Summer is here, and that means sunshine and warm water await. Over the next three months, we will share some great tips to help families navigate through summer break!

Tip #1: Utilize Social Stories:

Social stories are a fantastic way for caregivers to introduce and explain social concepts, changes in routine, events and new situations in a visual format. These simple and fun aids can help alleviate potential stress about unfamiliar activities, and

increase understanding of what to expect, where new activities will take place, and who will participate. Print our social story below about transitioning from home-schooling to summer fun, or ask your ABA team to help create one for your family!

Click Here to Download our Social Story

As we continue to offer more in-person services, we would like to ensure all families are familiar with our scheduling email address and phone number. If you anticipate needing to cancel and/or reschedule a session, please contact our scheduler Danielle at [email protected]. You may also send text communication to her at (808)699-6246.

ESH Office Closures

All Easterseals Hawaii offices and services will be closed in observance of the holidays below.

  • Friday, June 18 — Juneteenth
  • Monday, July 5 — Independence Day

We hope everyone had a great time celebrating King Kamehameha Day last week!

For general questions, please reach out to us at [email protected]
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