E Komo Mai! Autism Support and Disabilities Center, Inc. is a newly established provider call center for persons with Autism and other developmental disabilities on the Big Island of Hawaii since July 20, 2021.
“People with Autism and other developmental disabilities deserve the same right, respect and dignity like any human being. They need to be treated with respect and dignity like us.”
–Rosalinda Larkin, President of ASDC, Inc.
OUR MISSION
TO ESTABLISH A CALL CENTER TO DIRECTLY LINK PERSON WITH SPECIAL NEEDS AND THEIR FAMILIES TO PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDERS.
TOGETHER WITH OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS, WE CAN HELP PROMOTE WISE USE OF RESOURCES, INCLUDING LAW ENFORCEMENT. IN THE NEAR FUTURE, WE PLAN TO ADD A FACILITY OFFERING DIRECT CLIENTS SERVICES.
✓ FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES
✓ SOCIAL COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
✓ DIRECT SUPPORT SERVICES
✓ EMERGENCY CALL CENTER
✓ FACILITY SERVICES
Recent Posts
- Safety Alert Card
- First Responder Invitation Card
- Symposium: ALERT CARD FOR FIRST RESPONDERS
- 3rd Year Anniversary Celebration
- ASDC- Autism Support and Disabilities Center Wallet Card and Developmental Disabilities
ASDC- Autism Support and Disabilities Center Wallet Card and Developmental Disabilities
Hawaii County Wallet Card Project
Helping People with Disabilities Communicate with First Responders
The HCWCP customized wallet cards will be for people living with disabilities, or caregivers of people living with disabilities. It will include a wallet card available after a short training on the safe use of the card in situations involving First Responders.
We will also develop a training program for law enforcement/first responders, and a program for schools/organizations to bring this project into the classroom.
This will provide a free communication tool for teenagers and adults who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or an Intellectual or Developmental Disability. The card will help a person safely and quickly disclose their disability to the police/first responder.
Wallet Card Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQs)Can I get a card now?
Not yet. This project is still being developed. The cards are not yet available to the public. We have provided a sign-up sheet and invite you to sign up for updates. We plan to have the project ready to go by the end of 2024.
Do I need to complete a training to get a card?
Yes, the training will explain how to safely use the wallet card. It is very important to get the training before you use the card.
Will this card keep me from getting arrested?
No, if you break the law, you may be arrested. The purpose of this card is to clarify any misunderstanding you might have with the police because of your disability. It is NOT a “get out of jail free” card .
Will a police officer know that I have a wallet card?
No, the police officer does not know if you have a wallet card. You will need to ask permission to show the officer your wallet card or an officer may ask you if you have one.
Is this card an ID Card?
No, this will not be an ID Card. It is not meant to replace any state or government identification card
Can I add medical information to the request?
No, this is not a medical alert card. This is a tool to help a person with a disability communicate with the police. We will not put medications or medical information on the card.
Can I have more than one card?
No, we will issue one card per person.
Can I donate to support this project?
Absolutely, we would love a donation to help cover the costs associated with this project. Donations should go to ASDC info below, or online at https://asdchawaii.org/donations/
Can I have a card if I have a different disability?
No, not right now. We may expand the project in the future and to add more disabilities
How can I contact you with my suggestions?
See contact info below. We would love to hear from you.
Can I bring this project to my community?
Absolutely, we would love to share this project with you in your local community. We will even have a training that we can share with you.
Autism Support and Disabilities Center, Inc.
PO Box 11185
Hilo, HI 96721ASDCbigisland@outlook.com
rxlarkin@yahoo.com
Julia Althoff, Julia.althoff@doh.hawaii.gov
VOLUNTEERS
We welcome all who would like to volunteer! Please reach out for information on how to join our non-profit organization or to learn more about our services.
DONATIONS
ASDC COMMUNITY ADVOCACY AND FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP:
The ASDC Community Advocacy and Family Support Group aims to raise and promote awareness for Autism and other developmental disabilities and Equality for all Hawaiian Citizens in the County. We offer this event every two months. We invite families, clients, and communities to tell stories and educate ourselves. We also provide fun and interactive activities to clients with special needs during social events. Our goal is to remove the stigma and misunderstanding about disabilities, bridge the gap in the community, and bring partners, collaborators, and other stakeholders to work together and get closer to our mission.
As a non-profit organization, ASDC appreciates your valuable contributions as it allows us to continue our purpose and mission. 100% of our proceeds from donations are put towards our community outreach and education funds to help our clients.