Disability Around the World: Wednesday in O'ahu: Final Presenations and Cruise

The students gave their final reports today. Set up in teams of 4-5, they reported on their experiences in Ghana, UAE, Nepal, and Thailand comparing and analyzing their experiences in relation to how culture, religion, and political systems impact people with disabilities. The students gave their oral reports to their peers as well as to facutly and staff of the Center for Disability Studies (CDS) at the University of Hawaii.

CDS staff also presented to the students on newborn screening, response to intervention initiatives, and Pac Rim cultural issues related to disabilies.

Dr. Robert Stodden, Director of the Center on Disability Studies gave opening remarks.

Norma -Jean Stodden gave an overview of the Disabilities Studies program; Jean Johnson provided information on newborn screening; Steve Brown talked about cultural differences in Hawaii and the Pacific Rim and how those cultural differences and isolation of the islands impact services for pwd; Kiriko Takahashi also reviewed Pac Rim programs; Leslie Lopez and Kati provided an update on their Federally funded project related to culturally responsive "response to intervention."

I was very proud of our students. They demonstrated through their oral reports how much they learned during the trip. Each team provided 30 minute oral presenations and then took questions.

Kathleen, Kelly, Meghan, Jessica, and Katie report on the impact of poverty on disabilities in the countries we visted.

Monique, Kera, and Illana

Katie, Emily, Julie, and Amy present on Awareness across the countries

After a full day of presentations, we were ready for our final excursion -- a sunset catamaran cruise. From 5 - 8 p.m. we cruised by Waikiki Beach and watched the sun set and the stars come into view while we ate Hawai'in fare.