HI SCR10

Request the Department of Education to explore changing the school name from "Hawai'i School for the Deaf and the Blind" to "Hawai'i School for the Deaf" to reduce confusion about student enrollment.

The school currently serves only students who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind who use American Sign Language, despite its name suggesting it serves blind students.

Students who are blind in Hawaii attend mainstream schools with support from teachers of the visually impaired, not the school referenced in the name.

Direct the Department of Education to consider establishing a separate office or section to help blind students access resources and services such as Braille libraries, assistive devices, orientation and mobility services, and Braille training.

Require the name change to follow Board of Education Policy 301-8, with recommendations from the Complex Area Superintendent and approval by the Board of Education.