HI SR9

Request the Department of Education to explore renaming "Hawai'i School for the Deaf and the Blind" to "Hawai'i School for the Deaf" to clarify the school's current student population and reduce confusion.

The school currently serves students who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind who use American Sign Language, while students who are blind attend mainstream schools with support services from teachers of the visually impaired.

Request the Department of Education to identify a separate office or section within the department where blind students may access resources and services such as Braille libraries, assistive devices, orientation and mobility services, and Braille training.

Require the Board of Education to follow Policy 301-8, which mandates that the Complex Area Superintendent recommend any name change to the Superintendent, who then recommends it to the Board of Education for approval.

Direct certified copies of the resolution to be transmitted to the Superintendent of Education, school principal, Community Council, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Administrator, and the Hawai'i Association of the Blind.