Web site to serve as reference for disabled

By Alice Keesing
Advertiser Health Writer

A group of state and private agencies has embarked on a project to create an Internet site providing information on helping the disabled and aging.

Experts say Hawai'i's aging population is one of the state's biggest social challenges. In 1990, about one in six residents was 60 or older. As the Baby Boom generation ages, that's expected to increase to one in four by 2020.

As part of state's efforts to meet the challenge, the Real Choices Access project is developing an Internet site to bring together information on resources, products and services for the disabled and those needing long-term care. The aim is to give people the information they need to continue living in the community rather than in an institution.

The Web site, which should be available in December, will cover topics ranging from recreation to health insurance benefits, transportation and housing to employment services, said project coordinator Rebecca Ozaki from the University of Hawai'i Center on Disability Studies.

It will be a place where people can go to find out if they are eligible for Medicaid services or to find supplies such as "reachers," used by people in wheelchairs to push elevator buttons and pick things off the floor.

The project will be paid for with a $1.3 million federal grant to the Department of Human Services. Organizers believe the system will be the first of its kind in the nation.

Project organizers will hold a summit on Tuesday to share goals and gather input, 8:30 a.m.to 4:30 p.m. at the Hawai'i Convention Center. Registration costs $15. Visit www.realchoices.org or call 956-4126.