Hawai’i Autism Foundation funds and provides programs for people diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families.

Explore some of the programs we helped get off the ground here in Hawai’i. We believe in the importance of these programs and are proud to have supported them.

Kahumana Learning Center

HAF is proud to have provided $250,000 of the initial funding to start up and support to Kahumana Learning Center in Kailua (KLC). This unique program for adults with autism and other special needs emphasizes making each day meaningful. Every individual at KLC is given a tailored and varied program in order to build and maintain skills.

Participants cultivate their daily living skills, communication abilities, and receive training in areas of both function and education designed to reach their personal goals.  The center looks forward to expanding into the arena of employment to include vocational training, employment opportunity discovery and ongoing workplace support. 

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Please contact us if you are a business owner or employer in a position to provide a part time or full time job.

ASD Safe Swim Program

In response to that statistic and our proximity to water, the Hawaii Autism Foundation began offering swim lessons to local children with autism. This program developed into a partnership with the University of Hawaii. Lesson programs run several times a year in different locations around Oahu.

Program Information:

This is a 10-session swim safety program for autistic individuals that meets once a week on Saturdays. The child’s parent, caretaker or RBT will serve as the hands-on trainer, and will be coached by the course instructor.

The course is held at 2 locations, the KROC center in Kapolei and University of Hawaii at Manoa Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Center.

Drowning is the leading cause of death among children with Autism.

Children with autism are 160 times more likely to drown than their neurotypical peers. This elevated risk is due to factors such as wandering tendencies, attraction to water, and challenges in recognizing danger.

Additional Details:

  • Ages: 4 - adult (with ASD)

  • Cost: $100 total for all 10 lessons, per child

  • Parent centered: Parent/Guardian, family member or RBT must serve as the instructor

  • The first lesson will be the training for the parent/guardian, family member, or RBT who will serve as the instructor (no children attend that week- just the to-be instructor)

  • Lessons with instructors and children will begin in the second week

  • Contact Dr. Kelle Murphy for upcoming schedule and for information on how to register.

Wellness Matters Program

Inclusive First Aid, CPR & AED Certification

Empowering the Disability Community with Lifesaving Skills

This program offers inclusive First Aid, CPR, and AED training tailored for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), their caregivers, and family members.

Participants will:

  • Learn to assess emergency situations and respond effectively.

  • Gain skills in CPR, AED usage, and First Aid, including handling choking and various health-related scenarios.

  • Receive culturally relevant instruction designed for the disability community.

Program Details:

  • Two 3-hour sessions to earn certification.

  • Held at the Center for Disability Studies, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa.

  • Offered regularly throughout the year and upon request.

  • $17.80 per person

Physical Activity Program

Promoting Health and Connection Through Inclusive Exercise

Less than 45% of individuals with mobility disabilities engage in physical activity, and around 40% experience social isolation. This program in partnership with UH Manoa, addresses those disparities by providing opportunities for adults with I/DD to get physical exercise.

Participants Will:

  • Engage in popular lifetime, Paralympic, and adapted physical activities.

  • Experience a family-centered approach, encouraging participation from caregivers and family members.

  • Build social connections and improve overall well-being.

Program Details:

  • 8-week sessions, meeting once a week for 1 hour.

  • Ages 14 and up.

  • Currently offered during Fall and Spring semesters.

  • Held at the University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa Athletic Complex.

  • $125 per adult