Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Accessibility topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council emphasizes caregiver training and accessibility gaps in Four‑Year Area Plan discussion
Summary
Members raised concerns about the need for specialized caregiver training, sign language interpretation, and more inclusive outreach methods during discussion of the Four‑Year Area Plan on Aging (Oct. 1, 2023–Sept. 30, 2027). The Council flagged outreach barriers for seniors with language, literacy, or technology limitations.
During the Council’s review of the Four‑Year Area Plan on Aging (Oct. 1, 2023–Sept. 30, 2027), Member Nani Watanabe highlighted outreach efforts with seniors and disability community leaders and stressed gaps in caregiver training, interpreter access, and emergency preparedness for people with disabilities. Watanabe said education and training for caregivers must reflect the range of needs presented by seniors with disabilities.
Vice Chair Heather Ruth‑Durham told the Council to use a structured problem‑solving approach when addressing these service gaps and cautioned that paper surveys and tech‑based outreach may not reach older residents who have language, literacy, or access barriers. Council members discussed plans for a Maui disability symposium to elevate lived experiences and inform improvements to services and outreach.
