CDS

Center on Disability Studies

We are on a mission to promote diverse abilities across the lifespan through interdisciplinary training, research, and service.

Through numerous education and early intervention, employment, and community living projects, the Center on Disability Studies (CDS) serves thousands of underrepresented people, including those with disabilities and their families, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and other underserved people, helping provide them pathways to empowered lives of full participation and access.

About CDS

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The Center on Disability Studies (CDS), College of Education, University of Hawai`i at Mānoa is an Organized Research Unit recognized by the University of Hawai‘i Board of Regents. It is also in its 35th year as a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), authorized under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (DD Act).  As one of the 67 UCEDDs, it continues its commitment to support people with disabilities and their families through research, training, and demonstration activities, and disseminating the results of its work to community members, professionals, students, and policymakers.

CDS is a valued partner with state and regional organizations and responds to their needs for technical assistance. CDS designs and offers many training programs; provides community-based demonstrations to build local capacity to improve services to individuals with disabilities; and conducts numerous statewide, national, and international dissemination activities. 

CDS Projects

CDS project logos compiled

View the current projects at CDS, the project archive, or the full project directory to access project resources and contact information. 

Core Activities

Student at math camp doing a hands on activity.

CDS conducts a wide range of education, research, and service activities in collaboration with other disciplines. 

Disability Studies Courses

An instructor modeling a process for students.

CDS offers a graduate-level certificate in Disability and Diversity and undergraduate courses through the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. 

Pac Rim Conference

Two CDS personnel presenting at the Pac Rim Conference

CDS hosts the 39th Annual Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability & Diversity. Join us February 27 & 28, 2024!

Recent Highlights!

Contact Us

Address

1410 Lower Campus Road, 171F
Honolulu, HI 96822

Phone

(808) 956-5850

Email Address

cdsinfo@hawaii.edu