HI HB1945

Department of Human Services must establish a pilot program providing training and services to blind and visually impaired individuals on neighbor islands (counties with population under 500,000).

Pilot program shall provide peer-to-peer outreach, sight loss adjustment counseling, mobility training, telecommunications access, computer/smartphone training, daily living skills, orientation and mobility training, advocacy assistance, and peer support services.

Services delivered by trained volunteers recruited and supervised by the department or contracted nonprofit organization; nonprofit must have majority blind or visually impaired leadership and chapters on neighbor islands.

Department must provide special needs transportation assistance to program participants and coordinate with existing transportation service providers.

Department must submit report to legislature by 30 days before 2025 regular session with program activities, accomplishments, and recommendation on program extension; pilot program repeals June 30, 2025.