El Doi is the resource coordinator for the Department of Health who pairs up folks with disabilities with their own personal assistants. She also helps folks with disabilities find jobs. Recently she found a job for a young man in
El Doi is the resource coordinator for the Department of Health who pairs up folks with disabilities with their own personal assistants. She also helps folks with disabilities find jobs.
Recently she found a job for a young man in a restaurant. The owners offered him a two-week trial at which time they were pleased to discover that they had hired an excellent employee. He has since developed into an employee who can master one task and move on to the next. Doi’s client is just one of many who have successfully entered Kaua‘i’s work force and have found a more fulfilling life.
Two years ago Doi had a conversation with her daughter about choosing to work or continue with a college education. During their discussion, the idea of work and work capability came up and Doi hit upon a plan to begin a capabilities fair on Kaua‘i. She then brought together Workwise Development, Hire Abilities Hawaii, the state Department of Health, Friendship House, Hawaii Vocational Rehabilitation, The Kaua‘i Bus, Ho‘omana Inc. and the Department of Education to create The Kaua‘i Employment Capabilities Fair.
The fair is a pilot project on Kaua‘i and its success could easily set a precedent for information and educational opportunities in all Hawai‘i counties.
The Kaua‘i Employment Capabilities Fair will run April 17-18, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It is sponsored by a Medicaid Infrastructure Grant. The fair will target young people with disabilities who transition out of high school into the adult world and are unemployed.
The fair was also created to reach out to educate the community of people with developmental disabilities and offer them an opportunity to learn what happens to their Medicaid and Social Security benefits if they begin to work. Anyone receiving these benefits can only earn so much money before their benefits begin to deplete. The fair will teach young people with disabilities how to enter the workforce while continuing to receive their benefits.
Parents of young adults with disabilities are encouraged to attend to learn about guardianship opportunities.
This event is free to the public with free transportation for all high school students through The Kaua‘i Bus system on April 17. Sessions will include legal aid on guardianship, Medicaid, Ho‘omana work skills, Social Security, Friendship House and a panel of youth peers.
Friday’s keynote speaker will be Joe Cordova of Hawaii Vocational Rehabilitation. Saturday’s keynote speaker will be state Sen. Gary Hooser.
Registration and continental breakfast begins at 8:30 a.m. and continues to 9:30 a.m.
For more information, contact Doi at 274-3484 or e-mail kauaiddc@yahoo.com.
