HI HR11

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.

Requests the Superintendent of Education prepare a report on recruitment and employment of blind persons in instructional positions, including actions taken, progress made, and any proposed legislation, to be submitted no later than 30 days before the 2023 Regular Session convenes.

Notes that the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board now accepts National Orientation and Mobility Certification (NOMC) credentials held by blind professionals, but employment of blind instructors in the Department of Education has not significantly increased.

Highlights that the structured discovery approach to orientation and mobility emphasizes employment of blind instructors, whereas the vision-centered approach emphasizes non-blind instructors, creating disparate employment opportunities for qualified blind professionals.

Directs certified copies of the resolution be sent to the Interim Superintendent, Hawaii Teacher Standards Board Chair, Department of Human Services vocational rehabilitation officials, and leadership of blindness professional organizations.