Hawaii House Bill HCR13

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/22/22
• Refer: 2/23/22
• Report Pass: 3/31/22
• Refer: 3/31/22

Caption

Urging The Department Of Education To Develop And Implement An Affirmative Action Program To Recruit And Employ Qualified Blind Professionals To Serve As Orientation And Mobility Instructors And In Other Positions As Teachers Of Visually Impaired Students.

Impact

The resolution recognizes that the Department of Education has traditionally not employed professionals with the National Orientation and Mobility Certification (NOMC), which focuses on teaching techniques grounded in the lived experiences of blind individuals. Thus, the passage of HCR13 could lead to a significant change in how visually impaired students are taught, emphasizing the hiring of instructors who themselves understand the challenges of blindness. This could enhance the quality of education by providing students with role models who have firsthand experiences.

Summary

HCR13 is a House Concurrent Resolution from the 31st Legislature of Hawaii that 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 for visually impaired students. This bill highlights the historical context of blindness education and the need for qualified blind instructors who can provide effective teaching methodologies, like the Structured Discovery approach. This approach has proven to empower blind individuals, fostering a sense of confidence and independence in their mobility skills.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR13 is generally positive among supporters of increased representation for blind professionals within educational roles. Advocates assert that hiring blind instructors will positively impact the educational outcomes for visually impaired students. However, there may be skepticism regarding the Department of Education's willingness or ability to effectively implement the proposed affirmative action program without adequate support and resources.

Contention

Some contention has arisen regarding existing hiring practices within the Department of Education, particularly about the previous focus on the Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) credential, which has been criticized for its less inclusive approach toward hiring blind instructors. The urgency of HCR13 lies in ensuring that steps are taken to correct this oversight, leading to a broader and ultimately more effective method of educating visually impaired students. If the resolution is enacted, it would necessitate legislative attention to follow up on the implementation of the program and an assessment of its effectiveness in promoting diversity in educational staffing.