HSRI: Hawaii Department of Health, Division of Developmental Disabilities Evaluation Project
Project Description:
As a subcontractor to the Human Services Research Institute (HSRI), in collaboration with Health Management Associates/Burns & Associates, the project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of DDD's series of initiatives that started in 2016 to modernize how it delivers services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and improve the experience of those who rely on these services. and to provide recommendations for DDD to consider.  The evaluation spans three years and is informed by extensive literature on evaluation best practices and uses a data-driven mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative and qualitative methods to produce actionable analyses of a system's strengths, assets, limitations, and challenges. 
The Center on Disability Studies will qualitatively evaluate the impacts of DDD change initiatives on people—waiver participants and other key stakeholders. These impacts will be explored through focus groups and key informant interviews.
CDS has a long history of partnership and collaboration with HI DOH-DDD. As a local organization in Hawaii, CDS has expertise and knowledge in community-based needs assessment, and culturally responsive measurements and instruments. Furthermore, CDS staff have an understanding of the local context and culture, have planned and executed projects in relation to the implementation of services in the 1915(c) waiver program, have experience with the NCI survey, and have contact with people who receive services as well as contact with case managers.
The results strive to provide evidence of the impact the introduced initiatives and related changes have on individuals and family members, and how these changes and initiatives contributed to better outcomes for individuals and families with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The findings can be used to support and improve future implementations.
Core Function(s):
Performing Research or Evaluation
Area of Emphasis
Quality Assurance, Health-Related Activities, Employment-Related Activities, Housing-Related Activities, Quality of Life
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote, Specific Groups
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
State
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
