HI SR5

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.

Notes that the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board now accepts National Orientation and Mobility Certification (NOMC) credentials for teaching positions, but this change has not significantly increased blind instructor employment in the Department of Education.

Highlights that the structured discovery approach emphasizes employment of blind instructors, while the vision-centered orientation and mobility approach (COMS certification) emphasizes non-blind instructors, creating employment disparities.

Requires the Superintendent of Education to prepare a report on recruitment and employment of blind persons in instructional positions, including actions taken, progress made, and proposed legislation, to be submitted at least 30 days prior to the 2023 regular session.

Directs certified copies of the resolution to be transmitted to the Department of Education leadership, Hawaii Teacher Standards Board, vocational rehabilitation services, and organizations representing blind professionals and the blind community.