Aging & Social Change: Ninth Interdisciplinary Conference

Abstract

Hawaii is the most diverse state in the United States and has a unique cultural ethos. This poster session will display how public policies and practices related to the legal rights of older persons may be positively influenced by law school experiential programs that integrate law, gerontology, healthcare, and ethics. The poster and discussion will highlight examples of the education, training, direct legal services, information and advocacy resources and opportunities available at the University of Hawaii Elder Law Program. The display will include an overview of clinical courses providing law students and other graduate students with experiential opportunities to learn more about the practical side of lawyering while assisting underserved older populations and advocating for legal reform in a diverse society. The two presenters will be available to share their experience in teaching at the law school, medical school, nursing school, and school of social work as well as providing continuing education sessions for professionals in the community. Integrating law into the curricula of professional schools and continuing education programs has progressed incrementally over the years and has positively influenced other professionals in their thinking about the legal rights of older persons. The presenters will also provide insights from their years of experience at the University of Hawaii Elder Law Program (UHELP) providing legal services to underserved older persons and their caregivers and in helping draft proposed legislation regarding Elder Abuse, Health Care Decision-Making, Veterans Courts and Medical Aid in Dying.