ʻIke Insider
41st Annual Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability
Unbreakable Threads: Communities of Resilience and Continuity
Aloha kākou from Hawaiʻi!
The conference is finally here, and we are so excited to welcome everyone to Honolulu for the 41st Annual Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability.
From May 27–30, 2026, we’ll gather at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Campus Center to connect, learn, share, and celebrate together. This year’s theme, “Unbreakable Threads: Communities of Resilience and Continuity,” reminds us of the strong connections that bring our global ʻohana together.
Whether you are joining us as an attendee, presenter, volunteer, exhibitor, sponsor, or friend of the conference, we are grateful you are here. Your presence adds to the spirit of this gathering and helps create a space of belonging, learning, and meaningful connection.
As you arrive in Hawaiʻi, we invite you to slow down, enjoy the aloha spirit, and take in the warmth of our island community. This conference is more than a series of sessions—it’s a chance to reconnect with familiar faces, meet new friends, exchange ideas, and strengthen the relationships that continue to move our work forward.
Be sure to check the Whova app for schedules, updates, and ways to connect with fellow attendees throughout the week.
We can’t wait to see everyone, talk story, share manaʻo, and spend these special days together.
Me ke aloha and mahalo nui loa,
Pacific Rim Conference Team
UCEDD Pre-Conference Event
Join us at the 2026 International Pacific Rim Conference for a dedicated UCEDD trainee Pre-Conference on Wednesday, hosted by the Center on Disability Studies (CDS) at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. As one of 68 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) nationwide, CDS is committed to advancing the UCEDD mission of promoting independence, productivity, and full community participation for people with disabilities. For 35 years, CDS has played a vital role in research, training, and community partnerships that strengthen services and opportunities for individuals with disabilities and their families. Wednesday, May 27, 2026 Space is limited, and we will confirm your participation by May 5, 2026. |
Learn About TheHandi-Van
The HandiVan is Hawaiʻi’s #1 accessible transportation system! If you are an international/out-of-state attendee, here are 3 easy steps to book the HandiVan during the PacRim conference:
|
Watch the Remaining Record Videos
Ready to watch the second set of recorded videos on our Whova App??
If so, login into Whova through your web browser or download the Whova app [iOS] [Android].
Audio Description as Spatial Storytelling: Rethinking Representation and Inclusion Through Descriptive Media
Dr. Sajja Koirala
Exploring clinicians’ suggestions for addressing discrimination towards children and youth with disabilities with multiple minoritized identities
Dr. Sally Lindsay
From Mainstream to Kahawai: Remodeling the Idea of Mainstream Education in Hawaiʻi
Jerica Manoa, Megan Dabrowski, Jasmin Maciel-Perez, Lori Wiley, Riky-Jaye Chung, Kiriko Takahashi, & Hugh Dunn
The Perception of Vocational Skills Among Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Rural Japan
Dr. Kazuaki Maebara & Dr. Asuka Yamaguchi
The Future of Inclusive Workplaces: Disabilities as Competitive Advantage
Erica Garcia-Thomas
Opening the Conversation: The Power of Plática Methodology to Dismantle Ableism and Recognize the Neurodivergent Cultural-Capital in HigherEd
Karla Escobar
Check Event Schedule: Presenters
We are so closes to #PacRim2026!! Please double check to ensure your presentations are listed.
- NEW Hybrid Presentations – These presentations will be available in-person and online. This is marked with HYBRID.
- Photo and Biography Change – An email has been sent to all incomplete profiles, missing photo, bio, and additional information.
- Whova Schedule – The final schedule can be found here.
If you have a challenge, (presenters, description, etc.) please contact Genesis Leong at prcall@hawaii.edu.
Questions? Contact Us!!
Sponsor Inquiries
Jared Galeai
galeaij@hawaii.edu
Registration Inquiries
Lori Lum
prreg@hawaii.edu
Exhibitor Inquiries
Dr. Manca Sustarsic
msustars@hawaii.edu
Technology & Website Inquiries
Davin Takahashi
davinkt@hawaii.edu
Marketing Inquires
Dr. Raphael Raphael
rraphael@hawaii.edu
Administrative Inquiries
Lisa Eng
lctam@hawaii.edu
Accessibility Inquiries
Dr. Frank Jumawan
fjumawan@hawaii.edu
Poster Inquiries
Dr. Naomi Rombaoa Tanaka
nrombaoa@hawaii.edu
Volunteer Inquires
Roxanne Bristol
bristolr@hawaii.edu
Volunteer Inquires
Kristiann Miyamoto
kdsm@hawaii.edu
Presenter and Social Media Inquiries
Genesis Leong
prcall@hawaii.edu
Scholarship and Evaluation Inquiries
Dr. Nicole Schlaack
schlaack@hawaii.edu
###
In its 41st year, the Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability is the premier global gathering for people committed to improving the lives of people with disabilities. Since 1988, it has been organized by the Center on Disability Studies, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
