HI SCR6

Urges the Department of Education to develop and implement an affirmative action program to recruit and employ qualified blind professionals as orientation and mobility instructors and teachers of visually impaired students.

Recognizes that the National Orientation and Mobility Certification (NOMC) credential, which emphasizes employing blind instructors using the Structured Discovery Cane Travel method, has not resulted in increased hiring of blind instructors despite being accepted by the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board.

Notes that the Department of Education currently has no employees holding the NOMC credential and historically only accepted the vision-centered COMS certification, limiting employment opportunities for qualified blind persons.

Requires the Superintendent of the Department of Education to submit a report at least thirty days prior to the 2022 Regular Session describing recruitment efforts, progress made, and any proposed legislation to employ blind people in instructional positions.

Directs certified copies to be sent to the Governor, Board of Education, Hawaii Teacher Standards Board, and organizations representing blind professionals and persons who are blind.